Illahe Vineyards

admin — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:11:27 +0000

Nestled in the Mt Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA is Illahe Vineyards, a family owned and operated winery where historical, minimal intervention winemaking thrives. The estate’s main vineyard is on an 80-acre, south-facing slope that was first planted in 2000 with 22 acres of Pinot Noir. The vineyard now has 60 acres planted with seven varieties, though Pinot Noir accounts for 52 acres.

The Ford Family has a long history of stewardship and grape growing in Oregon dating back to the late 19th century. Illahe was founded by Lowell and Pauline Ford in 1983 with an inaugural planting of Muller-Thurgau on his family’s farm near Dallas, Oregon.

Today, Brad Ford is the President, Owner, Winemaker, and Vineyard Manager at Illahe. He describes that his job is simply to make delicious wines that have unique character. We think he does this quite spectacularly. Clearly detail oriented, Brad is always reaching back into the history of wine for hints and ideas on how to improve his craft. So far, his experiments have included working with horses, trying ferments in oak, acacia, and clay, and spending hours on the pedal-powered pump moving the 1899 wine from the fermenter to barrels. Brad’s wife, Bethany, manages sales and is responsible for growing their brand from regional to international recognition. Together they raise two young children, Beckett and Miette.

We take great pride in acting as a conduit between the Ford Family’s soulful Oregon wines and the dedicated families behind our restaurant and retail partners in Michigan.

Producer Spotlight: BonAnno & Matthew Fritz Wines

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 22:18:46 +0000

It seems fate is to blame for Matt Bonanno ending up in the fine wine business as his last name is Italian for “good year”. An Ohio native, he grew up in a food and wine focused family and took every opportunity to learn all aspects of the wine business early on. Eventually, he realized his dream to produce wine in California with the goal of reaching a younger, sophisticated wine drinker with fruit forward, clean, and affordable wines. His initial goal led him to partner with winemaker Jim Milone, a 4th generation winegrower and native of the North Coast. Jim connected BonAnno with an established network of growers in Sonoma County, whom with over the years they have forged deeply symbiotic relationships, establishing the cornerstone of BonAnno & Matthew Fritz’s winemaking philosophy.

Current Offerings:

BonAnno Chardonnay, Los Carneros 2023
Medium straw in color and bursting with white flowers, fresh peach and green apple on the nose. The palate is layered with ripe lemon, crisp apples, and white peaches. The finish is clean yet long with the slightest hints of vanilla and fresh brioche.

Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Ageing: French oak light/medium toast
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 2400 cases

BonAnno Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2022

Deep ruby color, fresh with layered dark fruits, blackberry, black raspberry, cedar, allspice, cinnamon and hints of vanilla. The palate is elegant with many layers that lead to a long finish with fresh fruit and lively acidity. Crafted to be enjoyed upon release, this wine will also stand the test of time for those who can wait.

Composition: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon 2% Merlot
Ageing: 10 months French Oak, 25% new
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 5200 cases

BonAnno Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022

A red fruit driven wine with underlying ripe cherry, raspberry and currants with a medium weight mid palate bursting with berry fruit flavors and asking for a savory dinner companion. The texture is smooth and elegant on the palate with balanced acidity. The palate is l fresh berries, plum, and hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Crafted to be enjoyed upon release, this wine will also stand the test of time for those who can wait!

Composition: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Malbec and 3.5% Petit Verdot
Aging: 14 months in French oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 4000 cases

Matthew Fritz Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County 2023

The wine is a pale straw color. Tropical fruit aromas lead to citrus zest, crisp granny smith apples and faint floral notes. The palate is bright with a crisp and refreshing finish.

Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Aging: Stainless Steel
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 4,000 cases

Matthew Fritz Chardonnay, Monterey County 2022

The wine is lively and fresh with aromas of apple blossom, fresh citrus and peaches. The palate is textured with ripe peaches, pineapple and faint hints of vanilla.

Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Aging: French oak light/medium toast
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 4,000 cases

Matthew Fritz Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2022

The wine is a medium ruby with aromas of violets, clove, and fresh dark cherries. The palate elegant, textured and filled with ripe raspberry and cherry flavors with hints of mushroom and black tea. The finish has mouthwatering acidity and medium tannin.

Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Aging: 6 months in French oak
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 6,500 cases

Matthew Fritz Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast 2021

The 2021 is fresh with dark cherry, black raspberry, blackberry, bell pepper, and cedar. The palate is lively with mouth-watering acidity from the layered dark fruit, and firm tannins add a long textured finish.

Composition: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
Ageing: 12 months in French oak
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 4,500 cases

“Bon Anno means “good year” in Italian and over three generations in the wine business, our family has had many good times.” – Matt Bonanno

Visit bonannowine.com to learn more.

wine – AHD Vintners

Illahe Vineyards

Producer Spotlight: BonAnno & Matthew Fritz Wines