Winemaking
Crafted with intention. Rooted in Oregon.
At Erath, winemaking is about more than technique—it’s a balance of heritage, curiosity, and precision. With over five decades of experience, we’ve helped shape the standard for Oregon Pinot Noir, combining time-honored practices with a commitment to thoughtful evolution.
Each vintage of Erath wine is carefully crafted to reflect the nuance of the Willamette Valley and the integrity of the fruit. We work closely with vineyards across Oregon, selecting grapes that capture the region’s distinctive character—bright acidity, layered red fruit, and natural elegance. The result is a collection of primarily red wines that are not only expressive and balanced but also made to complement a wide range of foods, offering just the right levels of acidity, alcohol, and tannin.
WINES OF EXCEPTIONAL CHARACTER
Our winemaking is rooted in intention and refined through experience, allowing us to create elegant, balanced wines that reflect the true character of Oregon Pinot Noir.
From vineyard management to fermentation and aging, every step is designed to highlight the purity of Oregon’s fruit. Traditional methods are paired with modern insights to deliver consistency, while honoring what makes each site and season unique.
Head Winemaker Leah leads with purpose—selecting vineyards, barrels, and techniques that elevate the fruit without overshadowing it. Her work reflects what Erath has always stood for: elegantly crafted, intentionally balanced wine. This dedication allows us to produce great Pinot Noir—vibrant, approachable, and unmistakably Oregon.
Leah Adint
HEAD WINEMAKER AT ERATH WINERY
Head Winemaker Leah Adint brings a global perspective to Erath’s winemaking practices, shaped by experience in France, Switzerland, Australia, and across the U.S. Her approach is grounded in deep technical knowledge, a respect for the land, and a desire to let each wine speak clearly of its origin.
“Pinot Noir has always been in a class of its own in the wine world. The way it’s grown and the way it’s made are totally different from every other grape variety.”
Our Estate Vineyards
Wilakia Vineyard
The Eola-Amity Hills appellation is one of the most renowned growing regions of the greater Willamette Valley. Our picturesque 298-acre hillside Willakia estate vineyard is planted to nineteen acres of Chardonnay and one hundred acres of Pinot Noir comprised of multiple clones and rootstocks.
Forty-eight individual small blocks across different soil types, orientations and elevations provide a broad array of fruit characteristics essential to crafting beautiful estate wines. Willakia is 100% sustainably farmed and certified by the LIVE and Salmon Safe programs.
Knights Gambit
Planted in 1988 and completed in 2001, Knight’s Gambit Vineyard spans 34 acres at elevations of 600 to 950 feet. This special site, with predominately Jory soil, consistently produces exceptional fruit with bright red fruit flavors, making it a key contributor to our Estate Selection Pinot Noir and a standout as a single-vineyard wine.
With seven distinct blocks and a variety of microclimates, this vineyard reflects the care and thoughtfulness we bring to every bottle. Knight’s Gambit is certified LIVE and Salmon Safe.