Korean American-owned Cho Wines has purchased 77.24 acres of farmland in Oregon to break ground on Cho Vineyards. The property is located on the west flank of Chehalem Mountains below Bald Peak, just 25 miles from Portland and 12 miles from Dundee.
Dave and Lois Cho, husband and wife owners and founders, find it poignant to now own a piece of the land their families risked exploring. They plan to plant their first vines and open a tasting room by 2023.
“Early in the pandemic, we decided to pursue a decade-long dream of owning our own winery,” the couple shared in their recent announcement video.
“If our families could escape wars, establish successful businesses and supportive communities in a foreign country without speaking the language, there isn’t much else standing in our way,” Lois Cho said. “Now as we look to the future, we want to stay true to the character of CHO Wines. Wines that represent a sense of place. Knowing and being involved in each step from the moment the vines are planted to the glass that’s on your table.”
The Chos launched their label in May 2021 with six different expressions of Pinot Noir from stills to traditional and ancestral method sparkling, showing off the versatility of the beloved Oregon variety.
They are currently sourcing grapes from neighboring vineyards in the Laurelwood District AVA adjacent to the Chehalem Mountains AVA.
In the future, they look to expand their lineup with varieties from their site, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. The acquired property ranges in elevation from 650 to 1150 feet. It is classified in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area.
Their flagship 2015 Blanc de Noirs has been praised by both Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling with a 92 score. Their ancestral method sparkling 2020 Pétillant-Naturel sold out within three months. Those interested in purchasing bubbly for the holidays or following along their journey can visit getchowines.com and follow @getchowines @notyouraveragecho on Instagram.
ABOUT CHO WINES
Cho Wines is the first Korean-American owned and operated winery in Oregon, founded in 2020 by Dave and Lois Cho. Cho Wines specializes in high elevation Willamette Valley sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. The couple got their start in the wine industry while performing music at local wineries in Southern California. Dave studied enology and viticulture at Oregon State University and worked for notable wineries such as Oregon pioneer sparkling wine house Argyle Winery and the largest contiguous vineyard in Dundee Hills, Stoller Family Estate. Lois Cho is the Director of Operations and a family nurse practitioner.
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