About Jim Bernau

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Founder Jim Bernau is intense. He admits he drove his friends to distraction years ago, talking about the potential for pinot noir in Oregon.

 

His introduction to wine began at an early age when the first winemaker to emigrate from California, Richard Sommer, hired Jim's Dad to do the legal work to establish the first Oregon winery since prohibition.

Home winemaking, time in Burgundy, at UC Davis studying viticulture and help from emigrating California winemakers lit a path for Jim resulting in his planting in the South Salem Hills in 1983. Using a small tractor, he cleared away the blackberry vines and remnants of a pioneer plum orchard and began planting pinot noir watering the over 1,000 feet of vine rows with garden hose by hand. He speaks passionately about healthy soil and the steps taken to protect it and the ground water underneath.

Jim's mission is to grow naturally elegant, delicate and pure pinot noir uniquely expressive of the cool climate of the Willamette Valley - while serving as a steward of the land.

Named "One of the Great Pinot Noir Producers" by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Willamette Valley Vineyards has made some of the highest rated wines in the world having been served at the James Beard House and White House.

Jim's leadership and environmental stewardship has earned him the industry's highest honor - the Founder's Award - for his service.

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