Our Story

 

Ayla and Jackson Holstein grew up in Dundee, often covered in the dust of the Jory soil that has made their home famous for wine production. In 2014 they began their journey as young vignerons by farming a small block of their family’s Holstein Vineyard. They started off with few intentions, aside from representing Dundee the best way they knew how. Tending to the vines and making wine became the medium for expression.

After spending a couple harvests home and abroad honing their approach, they returned to Dundee and started Granville Wine Co. Named as an homage to Jackson’s paternal family who instilled generations of land stewardship and community service; principles that have remained at the forefront of Granville’s ethos and vision. 

Granville now grows and sources exclusively from the Dundee and Eola-Amity Hills. Preferring to tend to the vines themselves if possible, and if not, sourcing from longtime industry friends with likeminded farming intentions. The concentration on volcanic soils and organic farming not only ensures the utmost quality, but also results in wines of intense focus and purity with an ability to represent a profound sense of place. 

 

Our Approach

Our winemaking process is deeply rooted in our experiences and insights from the field. We approach each vintage with humility and vulnerability while remaining precise and clear in our methods. This balance allows us to honor the land and its inherent qualities.

We work exclusively with vineyards that are tended to organically or biodynamically, ensuring that we respect these hills where we live and work. This means that our vines are grown without irrigation or any non-organic herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. We manage vine vigor through compost and rotating cover crops, closely monitor yields, and implement canopy management techniques such as "tissage" to improve ripening trajectories.

In the cellar, we handle each lot with care, honoring the local terroir. We encourage ambient yeast fermentations, incorporate significant stem inclusion, and utilize reductive winemaking techniques along with large format French oak barrels. Though our production is small, our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to crafting generational wines is unparalleled.

 

The Team

 

Jackson Holstein

Jackson is a second-generation winegrower and the first winemaker in his family, raised among the picturesque vineyards of the Willamette Valley. He learned viticulture from his father, a vineyard manager, and later managed vineyards himself where he witnessed the importance of organics.  His passion for winemaking was developed over vintages as a cellar hand locally and abroad. Now, he oversees every aspect of vineyard operations and winemaking, while frequently chasing his two toddlers through the undulating rows, blending his love for family and the craft into a lasting legacy.


 

Ayla Holstein

Ayla is the powerhouse behind Granville. She expertly oversees business operations and hospitality with a keen eye and refined palate, while also playing a crucial role in the cellar during pivotal moments like harvest and assemblage. Raised in the Dundee Hills, she honed her skills through harvests in Oregon, New Zealand, and Australia before becoming the wine buyer at a prominent local restaurant. Today, Ayla’s leadership and vision propel Granville forward. Her grace and humor perfectly complement Jackson’s focused approach, forging a dynamic and collaborative partnership in business and life.


 

Rubén Lopez

The ever busy and calming figure among the vines, Rubén hails from Guanajuato, Mexico. He migrated to the U.S. at 15 and quickly immersed himself in the vineyards of the Willamette Valley. After gaining valuable experience at Stoller, Argyle, and Flaneur, Rubén joined Granville in 2021. Since then, he has dedicated countless hours in the vineyards and cellar, ensuring every detail is attended to. His infectious smile and relentless work ethic are a staple on the estate vineyards. Rubén is also a devoted father to three children with his wife, Sylvia.


 

Jake Stroud

Jake is the vibe master, ensuring guests feel welcomed and cared for during private tastings. He joined Granville in 2022 after managing larger tasting rooms, seeking a slower pace to engage more meaningfully with visitors. With experience in cellars in New Zealand and the Willamette Valley, Jake combines his production background with a gentle sense of humor, creating a memorable experience for guests. He expertly shares insights into the winemaking process, from vine pruning to cooperage nuances, making him an invaluable asset to the team. Outside of work, Jake is a loving partner to his fiancé, Sydney.


 

Kat Pace

Meet Kat, the do-it-all wonder woman in the cellar at Granville. She joined as an intern during the 2023 harvest and quickly rose to assistant winemaker. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, Kat has refined her skills in cellars across Italy and Oregon, and even spent time as a flight attendant before finding her true passion for wine. With her bright smile and energetic approach, she keeps everything organized and running smoothly. Outside of work, Kat loves exploring nature with her partner Jon and their beloved dog, Hera.


 

Chris Hanke 

Chris is the glue that holds Granville's operations together, managing logistics, shipping, and compliance. Originally from Winona, Minnesota, he found his way into the wine industry after moving to Oregon in 2005. With experience in various roles, Chris thrives on the important details that keep everything running smoothly. He is a devoted husband to Jesse and a father to their shepherd, Kirby. When he’s not juggling responsibilities at Granville, you can find him chasing chickens or savoring Italian wines on the Oregon coast.


Vineyards

Learn about our unique Vineyard sites.