A Legacy of Fruit, Friendship & Exceptional Wines
At Natalie’s Estate Winery, our greatest joy comes from crafting wines that honor both the land and the people who nurture it. Among our most cherished vineyard partners is The Pines Vineyard, owned by Lonnie Wright. These vineyards are home to some of the most historically significant vines in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its rare old-vine Zinfandel, deep agricultural roots, and collaborative spirit, The Pines plays a vital role in shaping our bold, expressive red wines.
Today, we’re sharing why this extraordinary vineyard holds such a special place in our winemaking journey.
A Living Piece of Oregon Wine History
Not many vineyards can claim to still be producing more than a century later, but The Pines Vineyard can. Its oldest Zinfandel block was planted in the late 1800s, making it one of the most remarkable and enduring historic vineyards in Oregon that we partner with today. These original vines, lovingly preserved and carefully maintained, continue to produce fruit of exceptional intensity and character.
The Zinfandel plantings are a true treasure: gnarly, thick-trunked vines that yield concentrated clusters bursting with spice, dark fruit, and layers of complexity that simply cannot be replicated by young vineyards.
Oregon winemakers have long prized the Pines’ fruit, especially those crafting old-world-inspired, small-production red wines. Its unique terroir, warm days, and cool nights create ideal growing conditions for Zinfandel and other heritage varieties.
These century-old vines aren’t just plants—they’re living history, continuing to thrive and bear fruit over 140 years after they were first planted. Read more about these old vines in an article by the Oregon Wine Press.
A Partnership Rooted in Trust and Collaboration
As a family-owned winery in Oregon, wine lovers trust us for handcrafted, small-lot bottlings, produced from our long-term grower relationships. Our connection with the growers at The Pines is one of the strongest and longest-standing Oregon vineyard grower relationships we enjoy. We have been purchasing grapes from the Pines for over 25 years.
Our Merlot is one such wine, crafted from grapes grown at The Pines Vineyard.
This partnership goes beyond grape contracts—it is a shared journey grounded in respect, communication, and a mutual dedication to excellence. Throughout the season, we walk the vineyard together, taste berries, collaborate on canopy decisions, and evaluate ripeness with a unified goal: allowing the vineyard’s heritage to shine through in every bottle.
What Makes The Pines Fruit Extraordinary
The Pines vineyard is well situated to experience warm daytime temperatures with nighttime cooling from the Gorge, producing vibrant acidity and structure that balance ripe fruit characteristics. These characteristics create wines that are vibrant and balanced with aging potential.
While we love the Old Vine Zin from The Pines, there is a newer block of Zinfandel propagated from the Old Vine Zin plantings, only about 40 years old. We also make a Zinfandel from these newer plantings, and it has been described as “an elegant wine that pairs beautifully with many foods.” In addition, one of our staples is Pines Merlot, which we have been making for over 25 years. It has become a favorite among our customers for its versatility and food-friendly pairing: wine with balanced tannins and acidity. These attributes are why our single vineyard red wines, which Oregon collectors treasure, often begin their story in this vineyard.
Crafting The Pines Vineyard Wines at Natalie’s Estate
In the cellar, we allow the vineyard’s character to shine. Gentle handling, extended maceration, and French oak aging showcase the depth and elegance inherent in The Pines Vineyard wines.
Guests often discover the beauty of these wines during a Willamette Valley wine tasting or a visit to our winery in Newberg, Oregon. One of our guests’ favorite experiences is barrel tasting, where visitors enjoy early expressions of these extraordinary old-vine lots.
As a boutique winery in Oregon, we are best known for handcrafted, expressive reds; our Pines Vineyard wines remain among the most celebrated in our portfolio.
Experience the Legacy for Yourself
Our love for The Pines Vineyard is rooted in history, exceptional fruit, and genuine partnership. The old-vine plantings continue to inspire us each harvest, offering a rare glimpse into the past while shaping wines that will be cherished for generations to come.
We invite you to experience this legacy firsthand. Visit us for a seated winetasting at Natalie’s Estate Winery or join us for a barrel tasting to explore the story of The Pines through every sip.
Raise a glass with us—and celebrate the enduring spirit of a vineyard that has been thriving for more than a century. Give us a call at 503-807-5008 to experience these wines for yourself.