Passion for Pinot with a Sense of Place is what defines Willakenzie Estate, a family owned winery located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The winery is named after the sedimentary soil on which the vines are planted to reflect the ultimate expression of “terroir”.
After a successful career in high tech founder Bernard Lacroute decided to return to his Burgundian roots and purchased the 420 acre cattle farm in 1991. Planting started in 1992 and the first wine was made in 1995 in the newly built gravity winery.
Ronni and Bernard decided to settle in Oregon because they believe that it is the best region in North America where Pinot Noir can be made in a style which parallels the great wines of Burgundy.
Following in our founders footsteps, we at WillaKenzie remain committed to wines which reflect the place on which the grapes are grown, sustainable farming, clean winemaking, small production of Vineyard Designated Pinots, respect of the environment and of the people who work in the vineyards and winery—all while supporting the community in which we live.
