Ayres Vineyard
we grow it. we make it. we live it. we love it.
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Field Notes

Welcome to the space where we will talk a lot about what goes into growing grapes and making wine - the stories, the science, the soil. The ups and downs and all-arounds. Twenty-six years into this adventure, we have a lot to say.

July Light

Somehow we have arrived at the midpoint of 2026.

Anyone else feel as though this is the fastest year ever?

It’s why we appreciate moments when time seems to stand still, as in this photo. This was taken about 5:30AM, just as the sun was starting to clear Chehalem Mountain to the east. Ribbon Ridge’s morning golden hour. The rays hit the canopy and a glow settled over 20 acres of Pinot Noir.

Moments later the tractor started chugging up the hill, reminding us the workday was ahead of us.

We have thought about this early morning moment a hundred times this week. The light shapes the vineyard and the vintage, to be sure. Perhaps it shapes us, too.

You have to wake up early to catch Ribbon Ridge’s golden hour!

Kathleen McLeroyRibbon Ridge, Ayres Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Small Oregon Pinot Noir Producer, Newberg Oregon, Wine Life, Vineyard Life