Rainbow over Chapel Block at Red Willow Wineyard. Photo courtesy of Red Willow Vineyard.
A Legacy of Handcrafted Wines in Newberg, Oregon
At Natalie’s Estate Winery, every bottle tells a story—one of place, people, and passion. Among the wines that hold a special place in our portfolio is the Chapel Block Syrah, sourced from the historic Red Willow Vineyard in Washington’s Yakima Valley. This vineyard, and specifically the Chapel Block, is a site of profound significance in American wine history, and the wines it produces carry with them a story worth savoring.
The Origins of Red Willow Vineyard
Nestled in the Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah has long been recognized as one of the premier Syrah plantings in the United States. The vineyard gained acclaim in the 1980s and 1990s when pioneering winemakers began producing Syrah that rivaled the best of the Old World.
A distinctive feature of Red Willow Vineyard is its stone chapel, perched atop a hill surrounded by Syrah vines. Inspired by the historic Hermitage chapel in France’s Rhône Valley, Mike Sauer began constructing this edifice in 1992 using stones gathered from the property. Completed in 1997, the chapel serves as a visual landmark and symbolizes the vineyard’s deep-rooted connection to Old World winemaking traditions.
The Red Willow Chapel is a modest yet striking structure, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Built from locally sourced stones, the chapel has a rustic yet elegant appearance, embodying the timelessness of traditional European winemaking regions. The design features a simple arched entrance, a small bell tower, and a cross that stands as a beacon atop the structure. Inside, the intimate space offers a peaceful retreat with minimal adornments, emphasizing its purpose as a place of reflection and inspiration for vineyard workers and visitors alike.
Its elevated position provides a panoramic view of the Yakima Valley, making it a popular spot for photography and wine events. The chapel’s presence also underscores the vineyard’s dedication to preserving a sense of history and craftsmanship, mirroring the same careful attention given to its winemaking process.
It was from this very site that iconic wines such as Owen Roe Chapel Block Syrah first demonstrated the vineyard’s remarkable potential. Today, Natalie’s Estate Winery continues that tradition, sourcing fruit from the same revered block and crafting wines that reflect the character, elegance, and complexity of this historic terroir.
The Chapel Block Syrah Story
The Chapel Block Syrah story is one of patience, dedication, and artistry. Syrah thrives in Red Willow’s unique conditions: warm days, cool nights, and rocky soils that stress the vines just enough to yield grapes of concentration and depth. These conditions allow us to produce Syrah that is both powerful and balanced, with flavors of dark berries, plum, and spice layered over earthy undertones.
At Natalie’s Estate, we approach the Chapel Block Syrah with a gentle hand in the cellar, preserving the purity of fruit and the sense of place. The result is a wine that speaks eloquently of its origins—structured yet supple, rich yet refined. For our family, it’s more than just a wine; it’s a way to connect our guests with a vineyard that helped define American Syrah, and with the chapel that stands as a sentinel over it all.
A Family-Owned Tradition
As a fourth-generation family farm, Red Willow Vineyard emphasizes the importance of heritage and continuity. Mike Sauer, along with his sons Daniel and Jonathan and son-in-law Rick, actively manages the vineyard, ensuring that family traditions and values are upheld. Their collaborative efforts have fostered strong relationships with renowned wineries, supplying grapes that contribute to some of the state’s most acclaimed wines.
As a family-owned winery in Oregon, Natalie’s Estate Winery has always been committed to authenticity and craftsmanship. For us, sourcing fruit from exceptional vineyards like Red Willow allows us to honor both the growers and the land, while bringing our customers wines of distinction. As a boutique winery in Oregon, we carefully manage each lot, select every barrel with care, and give every bottle focused attention.
Our Chapel Block Syrah is a small-production wine, available primarily through our tasting room and wine club. That intimacy ensures that those who enjoy it are part of a story that stretches from vineyard to glass.
Experience the Story Firsthand
The best way to truly understand the Chapel Block Syrah is to taste it. We invite you to join us at our winery for a personalized Natalie’s Estate wine tasting. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, just minutes from downtown Newberg, we specialize in guided experiences that allow you to explore our wines at your own pace. Whether you’re drawn to Pinot Noir, Bordeaux-style reds, or our celebrated Chapel Block Syrah, there is something here for every palate.
If you’re planning a wine tasting in the Willamette Valley or looking for wine tasting in Newberg, Oregon, Natalie’s Estate Winery offers an intimate alternative to the larger, busier tasting rooms. Here, you’ll be welcomed by our family, surrounded by the beauty of the valley, and guided through wines that reflect our passion for winemaking.
The Chapel Block Syrah story is a chapter in the broader tale of American wine—rooted in Red Willow Vineyard, symbolized by the chapel on the hill, carried forward by pioneering winemakers, and reinterpreted at Natalie’s Estate Winery with every vintage. It’s a wine that represents heritage, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land. We invite you to share in that story.
Visiting Natalie’s Estate Winery
Taste the Chapel Block Syrah at Natalie’s Estate Winery, where history meets hospitality, and every glass is an experience to remember. We are open by appointment so that we can offer intimate tasting experiences. Give us a call at 503-807-5008 to schedule a wine tasting.