Compris Vineyard

An estate winery in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, formerly Vidon Vineyard, founded in 1999 by Don Hagge and Vicki Lewis and named for the pair of them. Hagge grew up on a North Dakota farm, worked as a NASA scientist and Chief of the Physics Branch on Apollo missions 7 through 13, and did postgraduate physics research in France, where he developed a love of Burgundian Pinot Noir. He began making wine at 69, farming 100% estate fruit, hand-picked, and named his bottlings after space missions. His motto was “intentionally unconventional.”

Dru and Erin Allen acquired the property from the Hagges, who chose them for their commitment to the land, and renamed it Compris — French for included or understood — after the sense of welcome they had felt exploring the Willamette Valley themselves. The “intentionally unconventional” ethos carried over, along with the science-minded glassware; the wines are now named after songs, including a Van Morrison reference.

The estate produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay along with varieties uncommon here, historically including Tempranillo, Syrah, Viognier, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. The tasting room sits atop a gentle hill overlooking the estate vineyard, with outdoor tented seating, heat lamps, and views across the valley. Charcuterie is available with tastings. Dru is frequently the one pouring and makes a point of visiting each table.