WIRTZ ​ESTATE

To compliment the heritage of our estate vineyard, David Hill purchased The Wirtz Vineyard. Spanning 24 acres, the property was planted with 14 acres worth of heirloom clonal material sold both by the Coury nursery and other pioneering vineyards. Many vines fill the acreage, including old vine varietals of Pinot Gris, Gamay Boujelois, heirloom Pinot Noir clones, and Draper clone Chardonnay. Echoing similarities from our estate vineyard which is located no more than two miles away, the Wirtz vineyard is both self-rooted and planted in Laurelwood soil. With vines planted in 1974 by David Wirtz, the vineyard is nearing its 50th year.

The ownership and management of David Hill feel it is an important part of our stewardship to better understand the history and plant material from our plantings. We plan to partner with both Oregon’s wine and scientific communities to help us piece together that story.

We are very excited to welcome the Wirtz vineyard as an essential part of the David Hill Estate brand.

Located in the Northern Willamette Valley, the vineyard was planted in 1974 by David Wirtz,
​and is less than 3 miles away from the David Hill tasting room.

In 1974, David Wirtz purchased and planted, what is believed to be, Draper clone Chardonnay. The property is also home to self-rooted old vine Pinot Gris of unknown origin, making this block a unique part of the property.

Along with the heirloom clonal material found at David Hill, the Wirtz property also has Gamay Beaujolais.
​This early ripening Pinot Noir clone was sold from the Coury nursery also in 1974.

In the late 80's Oregon State University consulted with Wirtz about planting a test orchard with specific apple cultivars to make hard cider. Today, David Hill is realizing this dream and harvesting the apples to produce a hard cider that will be eventually be sold in the tasting room.