The Land
At Benmar, we believe that exceptional wine starts in the vineyard — and that how grapes are grown matters as much as how the wine is made. That’s why we only source from vineyards that practice organic, biodynamic, LIVE-certified, or deeply sustainable farming methods. These are growers who share our respect for the land, the people who tend it, and the wines it produces.
In the Willamette Valley, sustainability isn’t a marketing buzzword — it’s a culture. While only about 10–15% of vineyards in the region are certified organic or biodynamic, it’s estimated that over 60% are actively practicing some form of organic, biodynamic, salmon-safe, or sustainable farming. Many of our vineyard partners avoid formal certification by choice, preferring to farm with integrity and flexibility — prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and low-input viticulture over bureaucracy.
We’re proud to work with these like-minded growers who are committed to farming not just for today’s harvest, but for future generations. In the cellar, our winemaking reflects the same values: low intervention, no unnecessary additives, and always vegan-friendly. This minimalist approach allows us to craft wines that are expressive, balanced, and true to place — with nothing added that doesn’t belong, and nothing taken away from what makes Oregon wine so compelling.
Eola Amity Hills
The Eola-Amity Hills AVA sits on the western edge of the Willamette Valley and is defined by its elevation, volcanic soils, and the Van Duzer Corridor — a coastal gap that funnels cool marine winds through the vines. This unique airflow helps preserve natural acidity, slow ripening, and develop complexity. Wines from this region are known for their structure, balance, and tension — Pinot Noir with precision, and Chardonnay with lift and mineral edge. It’s one of the most expressive terroirs in Oregon.
Folly of Man Vineyard
In this iconic AVA, we partner with Folly of Man Vineyard — a 48-acre site formerly known as Crawford Beck. Tracy and Aaron Kendall, the husband-and-wife team behind the vineyard, bring serious winemaking pedigree: Tracy spent a decade at Nicolas-Jay with Jean-Nicolas Méo, while Aaron led winemaking at the legendary Beaux Frères. Together, they farm regeneratively and biodynamically, focusing on soil health and biodiversity. Their minimalist approach in the cellar and deep respect for the land translate into wines with elegance, energy, and soul — including a Chardonnay Decanter named one of the “20 Must-Try Chardonnays” in the world.
Chehelam Mountains
Just southwest of Portland, the Chehalem Mountains rise to 1,600 ft, offering cooler elevations and maritime-influenced acidity. Volcanic, sedimentary, and loess soils lend structure, elegance, and bright cherry-mineral notes—perfect terroir for expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Hollis Vineyard
A certified LIVE® family-owned vineyard dating back to 2013, with 97 acres planted mainly to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sitting on Jory, Nekia, and Hazelair soils, its elevation-driven coolness brings clarity and vivid fruit to every vintage. Sustainable farming in actionWe also source fruit from two exceptional private estate sites in the Chehalem Mountains—perched above iconic neighbors like Adelsheim and Bergström, and tucked near the slopes of Colene Clemens. These vineyards are sustainably farmed with organic practices where possible, and reflect the complexity, elevation, and volcanic soils that define the region’s finest Pinot Noir.
Dundee Hills
Perched on ancient volcanic Jory soils in the western flank of the Willamette Valley, the Dundee Hills AVA enjoys gentle southeast slopes and moderate elevation (400–1,000 ft). The region’s unique terroir—rich in iron-capped basalt—yields wines defined by bright cherry, red fruit purity, and a textured mid-palate. One of the most coveted AVAs in the Willamette Valley. This AVA generally makes 60% or more of our Into the Fog Blend.
In the Dundee Hills AVA, we source from two exceptional but undisclosed vineyard sites that exemplify the region’s volcanic Jory soils and elevated, southeast-facing slopes. One sits across from the famed NYSA vineyard and over the hill from Domaine Serene — a USDA Certified Organic and Demeter Certified Biodynamic site known for its pristine fruit and balance. The second, nestled near Nicolas-Jay, is organically farmed with a regenerative focus — using cover crops, low-intervention tilling, and zero synthetic inputs. Together, these vineyards shape our most elegant expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with vibrant acidity, purity of fruit, and textured finesse.
Yamhill-Carlton
Tucked into the rolling foothills of the Coast Range, the Yamhill-Carlton AVA is defined by its ancient marine sedimentary soils, low rainfall, and protected climate. These conditions yield plush, structured Pinot Noirs with dark fruit, spice, and a sense of richness without heaviness. The wines from this region tend to be bolder and more opulent than their counterparts to the east, making them a favorite for those who like power with finesse.
We source fruit from a practicing-organic site nestled beside the renowned Hirschy Vineyard — a site known for producing expressive, full-bodied Pinot Noir. While we can’t name the vineyard due to confidentiality agreements, the quality is unmistakable in the glass. The combination of meticulous farming and site character gives us bold aromatics, juicy depth, and refined tannins. This goes into our Springbok Yamhill-Carlton Pinot.