Elton Wines
Elton Vineyard was planted in 1983 by Dick and Betty O’Brien, who transformed a portion of family farmland into a now-renowned Oregon vineyard dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Inspired by a shared passion for wine and a formative trip to Germany, the O’Briens built a legacy that has grown from five acres to more than 60, helping shape the early evolution of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine region.
Today, Elton Wines produces limited releases of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with each bottle individually numbered to re ect its small-production craftsmanship. e estate continues to honor its origins through stewardship of the land, including the O’Briens’ celebrated gardens and a lasting commitment to supporting future generations of viticulture through Oregon State University and Chemeketa Community College.
Elton & Ingram Estate Vineyards
Elton Vineyard
Elton Vineyard was rst planted in 1983 by Dick and Betty O’Brien on land inherited from Betty’s parents, Elton and Peggy Ingram – giving the vineyard its name and address on Ingram Lane. In 2007, it was recognized by Wine Press Northwest as one of Oregon’s top ten vineyards, and in 2006 Wine & Spirits named it among the key vineyards of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
Today, the vineyard spans more than 60 acres on the east-southeast slopes of the Eola Hills just west of Hopewell in Yamhill County, with elevations ranging from 250–500 feet and primarily Jory and Nekia soils. Pinot Noir is the dominant planting, featuring a range of Dijon and heritage clones, along with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and a small amount of Grüner Veltliner. Wines sourced from Elton Vineyard have earned consistent critical acclaim, including 90+ point scores from leading wine publications. Following the O’Briens’ retirement in 2007, the vineyard entered a long-term lease with Willamette Valley Vineyards.
Ingram Vineyard
Th e Ingram Estate Vineyard, planted in 2013, lies on an east-facing slope in the Eola Hills within the Eola–Amity Hills AVA. is orientation captures gentle morning sun while avoiding late-day heat, promoting slow, even ripening and preserving natural acidity and aromatics.
Surrounding the historic Elton Vineyard to the north and west, the site spans elevations of 575 to 635 feet and bene ts from the cooling winds of the Van Duzer Corridor, which enhance structure and flavor concentration.
The vineyard’s Jory soils—well-drained volcanic basalt—encourage deep rooting and naturally limit vine vigor, resulting in smaller berries and wines of balance, texture, and layered complexity.
The Gardens
Dick O’Brien had studied garden design for years, sketching ideas as he went along. After Elton Vineyard was well established, Dick turned his attention to creating an oasis on their property. In 2000, construction began on a beautiful 1.5-acre garden, complete with a koi pond and two gazebos. He utilized the enormous boulders that were uncovered when the last sections of the vineyard had been cleared to de ne sections of the garden. One of those boulders was engraved to honor Betty O’Brien’s father, Elton Ingram.
Many of the sculptures and glass art pieces that Dick and Betty collected from their travels found a home in the gardens. A special work of art in the garden is a bronze statue called “She Danced All Day in the Garden with Her Hat On,” which became the inspiration for the Elton label.
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