Pinot Noir “Parkers”  750 ml

Wayne, with a successful 20-year history of growing grapes to be used as raisins in the San Joaquin Valley, was on a mission to plant a sizable vineyard. He had predicted that Southern Oregon would be one of the next great viticulture areas in the United States. As it turns out, Wayne was correct.

During the first winter, there occurred what is considered a “100-year Flood.” This unforeseen event had a devastating effect on the property because five acres of the fertile land was washed away with the flood waters. This event showed the true nature of the land, and that flood-related damage was a real problem. Once realizing the threat of Mother Nature, the entire property was developed to prevent irreparable damage caused by future floods.

As the first crops were harvested a few years later, the uniqueness of this river bottom site was shown to be a worthwhile investment. The grapes received rave reviews from the high-end wineries purchasing the fruit.

Given the great success of their grape production, the Parkers took to their next dream – Melrose Vineyards wines. The dream was to have a small boutique winery. In 2000, the first wines were in the barrels, and it was decided that the 100-year-old barn on the property, complete with breathtaking views, would be the ideal location for the Melrose tasting room.