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Chehalem Winery Announces B Corp Certification

The certification status reinforces the company’s responsibility to its employees,
community, and environment.

July 23, 2018, Newberg, OR – Chehalem Winery is honored to announce it has achieved B
Corp Certification status, which assesses companies to ensure they meet the highest standard
of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.
The certification is in accordance with Chehalem’s philosophical core of stewarding its land,
reducing its impact and enriching its community.
“Growing up in a farming family and small rural community, I have a deep appreciation for our
land and desire to support our community,” said Bill Stoller, owner of Chehalem Winery. “What I
appreciate about B Corp certification is that it reinforces our practices and serves as a North
Star for our business to continue to advance our goals.”
Located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Chehalem has
prioritized soil stability and structural health while promoting bio-diversity in our vineyards. More
than 20 percent of vineyard sites are designated as eco-zones for native plants and habitat for
animals. All three vineyard sites are independently LIVE Certified and Salmon Safe. LIVE takes
a whole-farm and whole-winery approach to sustainability. The entire property, including nongrape
crops, landscaping, building operations, labor practices, even packaging must be
managed to LIVE standards.
Since inception, Chehalem Winery emphasized being a leader in its community. Chehalem pays
a living wage and provides a comprehensive compensation package to all full-time staff.
Leadership is spread equally among men and women across every department, and all
employees are encouraged to take advantage of continuing education opportunities. More than
30 percent of spending is with local vendors within 50 miles of the winery. Chehalem is also a
proud supporter of ¡SALUD!, a Pinot Noir auction supporting a unique non-profit collaboration
between wineries and healthcare professionals that raises money to provide access to
healthcare services for Oregon’s seasonal vineyard workers and their families.
Chehalem Winery joins its sister winery Stoller Family Estate along with A to Z Wineworks,
Sokol Blosser, Winderlea and Patton Valley Vineyards, making it the sixth Oregon winery and
114th company in Oregon to attain the status. To date, more than 2,544 B Corporations span
130 industries in more than 50 countries around the world.

Chehalem Vineyard Aerial View

CHEHALEM Winery Acquired by Longtime Partner

Bill Stoller is honored to advance the iconic Oregon wine brand

February 1, 2018, Dayton, OR – Bill Stoller and Harry Peterson-Nedry, co-owners of CHEHALEM Winery, are pleased to announce that after 24 years of partnership Stoller has purchased Peterson-Nedry’s share of equity in the winery business.
“Harry Peterson-Nedry has been a mentor to me,” said Stoller. “When Harry first asked me to be an investor, I saw an opportunity to help fund a friend’s dream and the chance to be a part of something with the potential to be iconic. As we enter this next chapter, I am honored to shepherd CHEHALEM’s legacy.”
“No one understands more how special the CHEHALEM brand is, how much passion and rigorous work it has taken, how much collaboration with other Willamette Valley pioneering wineries has gone on, than Bill,” said Peterson-Nedry. “I take comfort knowing he will respect its heritage in a way that no one else could.”
Peterson-Nedry planted Ridgecrest beginning in 1980, making it the first vineyard planted in what would become the Ribbon Ridge AVA. He was also instrumental in the development of organizations such as the Oregon Wine Board, Willamette Valley Wineries Association, Oregon Pinot Camp, International Pinot Noir Celebration, and industry groups focusing on defining Oregon’s AVAs and famed wine varieties. The transition in ownership will reduce the workload for Peterson-Nedry, who turned 70 years-old in December, allowing him to devote his full attention to managing his 48 vineyard acres in Ribbon Ridge, crafting wines for RR – a small winery he created 16 years ago – and continue his involvement with Oregon wine industry initiatives.
Since purchasing his family’s second-generation farm in 1993, Stoller has evolved the property to become the largest contiguous vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley while passionately being a steward of the land and community. Stoller Family Estate was the first winery in the world to achieve LEED Gold certification, and fifth Oregon winery to receive B Corp certification, the latter in large part due to its LIVE and Salmon Safe certifications and community involvement in the City of Dayton and Yamhill County. The ownership change allows the two brands, under the leadership of President Gary Mortensen, to leverage economies of scale while distinguishing autonomy.
“CHEHALEM is not Stoller, and we like that,” said Mortensen. “Each winery has its own history and future, with one common thread: both wineries are committed to, and known for, producing unique, world-class wines. I look forward to leading the exceptional staff at CHEHALEM and further advancing the brand.”

Best Oregon Wineries To Visit

Food & Wine

Chehalem Winery is announced as one of the best wineries to visit by Food & Wine >> View Article

Chehalem Opens New Event Space

Oregon Wine Press

Announcing “The Backroom” at Chehalem Winery’s downtown Newberg location >> View Article

15 Best Chardonnays Under $50

Bloomberg

Our 2015 INOX Chardonnay is in the top 15 Chardonnay wines under $50 >> View Article

OREGON WINE PRESS

ROOM IN THE BACK

A feature on “The Backroom”, the new event space from Chehalem Winery

VIEW THE ARTICLE
March 2017

D MAGAZINE

WHAT TO DRINK NOW: OREGON CHARDONNAY

“Harry Peterson-Nedry and his daughter, Winemaker Wynne Peterson-Nedry, craft some of the most well-respected wines in the region. Their INOX Chardonnay, from predominantly Stoller Vineyard fruit, is filled with juicy apple and vibrant citrus. ”

VIEW THE ARTICLE
March 2017

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

OREGON WINE PAIRED WITH A ‘CHEESE’ BURGER

2014 Chehalem INOX Unoaked Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon: “From the warmth of the 2014 growing season comes this hefty, unoaked chardonnay, showing aromas and flavors of tropical fruits, sweet white flowers, ripe yellow peaches and Honeycrisp apples. Since INOX spends no time in oak barrels, its zesty acidity is preserved. That racy character actually will lend some lift to this cheese “burger” while at the same time matching nicely with the peppery arugula.”

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February 2017

LA TIMES

MAKE 2017 YOUR BEST WINE YEAR EVER

Chehalem’s Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc named as one of the tangy white wines to try in 2017

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February 2017

KGW

WINE INDUSTRY ADAPTING TO GLOBAL WARMING

Harry Peterson-Nedry is interviewed by KGW about the positive impact of warmer weather on Oregon winegrowing

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February 2017

THE NITTANY EPICUREAN

REVIEW: 2014 CHEHALEM THREE VINEYARD PINOT GRIS

“Apple, pear, pithy lemon, hay, slate and peach followed on the palate where the pear emerged as the wine opened up. The wine exhibited great acidity and balance, along with good structure and length. This wine would do well as an aperitif and pair nicely with a seared filet of sea bass.”

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February 2017

SIP NORTHWEST

HOLIDAY WINE MATCHUPS

Chehalem 2014 Grüner Veltliner: “Opening up with herbaceous notes, stone fruit characteristics and a touch of white pepper, this medium-bodied wine plays particularly well with the plethora of difficult Thanksgiving sides as well as the turkey, pork loin and Cornish game hen.”

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Fall 2016

MIAMI HERALD

THE PERFECT PINOT NOIR? TRY SOME FROM OREGON

“2014 Chehalem “Three Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley: Aromas and flavors of black cherries, bread dough and semisweet chocolate, ripe tannins, smooth finish

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November 2016

OREGON WINE PRESS

GRÜNER THE GREAT

A look at Oregon wineries, Chehalem included, that Grüner Veltliner. Chehalem 2014 Ridge Crest Vineyards Grüner Veltliner: “With a hint of residual sugar, this pleasing yet complex wine captivates the senses with decadent characteristics of quince, juicy honeydew, Meyer lemon, jasmine and white pepper. The satisfying, creamy mouthfeel and subtle aromas of petroleum are positively swoon-worthy.

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November 2016

AZ DAILY SUN

OREGON WINES: A GREAT FIT FOR THANKSGIVING

“Chehalem 2013 Chardonnay “Ian’s Reserve, Willamette Valley” ($40): Oregon Chardonnays are generally excellent food wines, given their lean-ish style that focuses on fruit and balance. This fine wine beautifully develops in the mouth through an extended finish.

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November 2016

OREGON WINE PRESS

NOVEMBER NOUVEAU

A look at Oregon wineries, Chehalem included, that produce wine from Gamay Noir grapes

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November 2016

KGW

OREGON WINE COUNTRY SEES EARLIEST HARVEST EVER

“Harry Peterson-Nedry, founder of Chehalem Winery in Newberg, says this is the first time ever his winery finished harvesting before October. Peterson-Nedry has been tracking yearly change in climate at his Newberg vineyard. He said the early harvest was due to a year of weather anomalies, starting with a warm winter, followed by a wet March and a very warm spring.”

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October 2016

WINE-SEARCHER.COM

PACIFIC NORTHWEST HARVEST THE NEW NORMAL

“(2016 is) the earliest ever, for all of the parameters, for bud break, bloom, harvest. We began earlier than we’ve ever done before,” Chehalem founder Harry Peterson-Nedry told Wine-Searcher. “What it means is we had better acids,” Peterson-Nedry said. “We had considerably lower brix levels. We’re talking about alcohols that are going to be 13.5 or 14 (percent), unlike years like 2015 when we were 15 and 15.5 alcohols.”

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October 2016

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

12 OREGON PINOT NOIR WINES THAT PROVE A 50-YEAR GAMPLE PAID OFF

“2014 Chehalem Three Vineyard Pinot Noir: Bright acidity ushers in cherry, orange zest and a tiny suggestion of smoke in this layered and balanced offering from the Willamette Valley.”

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August 2016

KGW

SCREWCAPS BETTER FOR WINE THAN CORKS, NEWBERG WINEMAKER SAYS

Harry Peterson-Nedry reveals his findings after 22 years studying the effect of screw caps on wine. “They’re technically superior at keeping oxygen out.”

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July 2016

WINE REVIEW ONLINE

A FAVORITE AND SIX FELLOW TRAVELERS

Chehalem Pinot Noir “Three Vineyard” 2014: Chehalem “Three Vineyard” Pinot Noir was the star for me. This wine was relatively big, with rich flavors of ripe black cherry and raspberry, and some cocoa and toasty notes of oak. It was one of the wines that showed actual tannin in the mouth, but its fruity notes were so concentrated and pronounced that the oak tannin lurking beneath them seemed just a balancing element. Altogether, the wine displays a fine balance of fruit, tannin and acid.”

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October 2016

FORBES

TWENTY BEST WHITE WINES UNDER $20

Forbes names Chehalem’s INOX one of the best white wines under $20


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February 2016

DECANTER

OCTOBER 2015 HARVEST: A STELLAR CROP

“The yields were enormous. Chehalem Wines reported cropping 150% more wine in 2015 than its five-year average, even with 10 acres fallow or no longer in use.”

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November 2015

SEATTLE TIMES

50 BEST WINES of 2015

#32 Chehalem Wines 2012 Ian’s Reserve chardonnay: “Owner Harry Peterson-Nedry honors his late son with this superb chardonnay made by Ian’s sister, Wynne, who took over as head winemaker with this vintage.”

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November 2015

WINE SPECTATOR

ON HOW WINES AGE UNDER TWIST-OFFS

Revelations from tasting 10 vintages of Chehalem Pinot Noir wines, all under twist-off. “Every single bottle was free of any kind of taint, and the older vintages, back to 2004, had developed extra layers of aromatics and flavors that come with time in the bottle.”

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November 2015

WASHINGTON POST

5 TERRIFIC OREGON WINES TO TRY

Chehalem Vineyards Three Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012: “The wine is drinking beautifully now and should only improve over the next several years, with ripe red-fruit flavors and a silky mouth feel.”

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September 2015

WASHINGTON POST

WHY SCREW CAPS AND OREGON PINOT NOIRS ARE MADE FOR EACH OTHER

“We found the screw caps gave us several advantages over natural cork,” Peterson-Nedry says. “They eliminate cork taint, of course. They also prevent premature oxidation, and they preserve sulfur dioxide levels in the wine to guard against brettanomyces and other faults.”

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September 2015

ASPEN TIMES

SCREW IT

A thorough review of Chehalem’s journey to using screw caps for its wines and the findings of 10 years with the program.

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September 2015

FORBES

6 GREAT WINES TO PAIR WITH SUSHI

2013 Chehalem Wind Ridge Block Riesling: “A fine balance, integrity, good fruit and a crisp acidity make it ideal for sushi.”

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August 2015

TIME MAGAZINE

GREAT WINES UNDER $25

2013 Chehalem Three Vineyards Pinot Gris listed as one of 52 great wines under $25 in TIME

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June 2015

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