Celestial Hill Vineyard

06/16/2026

Shoot positioning Pinot Noir in Benjamin Vineyard with our Winemaker Florent.

06/10/2026

Meet one of the unofficial greeters of Celestial Hill Vineyard. Our goats love meeting guests and adding a little farm charm to every visit to the Estate.

06/07/2026

At Celestial Hill Vineyard, our Director of Hospitality, Nicki Pelone, brings warmth, creativity, and genuine connection to every guest experience. Originally from North Carolina, Nicki began her journey in the wine industry in Sonoma County in 2011 before eventually finding her way to Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Drawing from her background in hospitality, executive leadership support, and creative media, Nicki helps shape both the guest experience and the brand voice at Celestial Hill. Her thoughtful approach creates an atmosphere that feels welcoming, intentional, and distinctly memorable.

An unexpected connection made her journey to Celestial Hill even more meaningful. After her interview, Nicki discovered that her father and Celestial Hill founder Chris Thomas had worked for the same company—just in different parts of the country. It was a small-world moment that strengthened the sense of family and community that defines Celestial Hill today.

We're grateful for the passion, care, and hospitality Nicki brings to our vineyard every day.

06/02/2026

Our Kendall Grace Chardonnay is officially in bloom, signaling the start of the journey to harvest.

If all goes according to plan, we’re approximately 105 days away from picking. Now comes the sunshine, patience, and a little vineyard magic.

06/02/2026

As the growing season continues to progress beautifully and bloom approaches in the vineyard, we’re welcoming the first barrels of the season to Celestial Hill.

Each barrel is thoughtfully selected to complement the character of our fruit and the unique expression of our estate. This year, we’ve chosen a light, long toast (Chauffe Longue Légère), a profile that will enhance complexity while allowing the distinctive qualities of our vineyard sites and the 2026 vintage to shine.

The journey from vine to barrel has begun.

06/02/2026

05/28/2026

Rooted in Burgundy tradition. Inspired by Oregon soil.

At Celestial Hill Vineyard, our winemaker Florent-Pierre Merlier brings a lifetime of passion and craftsmanship to every bottle. Born and raised in the picturesque countryside of Burgundy, France, Florent’s journey began among the vineyards near Chablis before leading him to Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

After first pursuing a career in film, he returned to his roots to study winemaking in Dijon and refine his craft in Burgundy and Switzerland. Since arriving in Oregon in 2009, Florent has embraced the similarities between Burgundy and the Willamette Valley — cool climates, expressive vineyards, and wines deeply connected to the land and the seasons.

For more than 20 years, Florent has crafted elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that honor both tradition and vintage. We’re grateful to have his passion, artistry, and experience behind every bottle at Celestial Hill Vineyard.

05/26/2026

Thursday nights at the tasting room have become one of our favorite parts of the week lately!

We’ve got such a good lineup coming through this summer — acoustic sets, jazz night, folk-rock, piano nights.

5–7pm every Thursday at Celestial Hill Vineyard’s 3rd St. Tasting Room in downtown McMinnville.

📍525 3rd St. McMinnville, OR

05/26/2026

Live music returns to our 3rd St Tasting Room this Thursday with Gayle Ritt.

Known for her heartfelt originals and acoustic rock-country style, Gayle creates the kind of atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and a relaxed evening downtown.

Thursday, May 28th
5–7 PM
Celestial Hill Vineyard
525 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR

See you Thursday

05/19/2026

The McMinnville Winegrowers Association invites you to an unforgettable kickoff to Memorial Day weekend at the Spring Wine Speakeasy!

On Friday, May 22nd from 2–6pm, step into the hidden charm of the Art Alley (424 NE 4th Street, McMinnville - enter via the Davis Street Art Alley entrance) for a speakeasy-style tasting experience.

Ten member wineries will each be pouring two of their estate wines, offering a rare opportunity to explore the depth and character of McMinnville’s AVA in one place.

Enjoy complimentary small bites from Biscuits and Pickles, and try your luck with raffle prizes featuring curated wine-themed baskets.

Tickets are $20, available now on Eventbrite or at the door.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wine-speakeasy-tickets-1986100277394