With a name like Utopia, expect something that’s akin to heaven on earth. Dan Warnshuis understands. To him, utopia represents his dream of owning a winery… a dream that has become a reality. Likewise, for fortunate wine lovers, utopia reflects a feeling of utter bliss after the first sip of exceptional wines produced at Utopia Vineyard & Winery.
Photo Credit: Utopia Vineyard & Winery
Utopia Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned estate of small-lot, handcrafted wines of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA of northern Willamette Valley, Utopia is in “one of the most prestigious wine growing regions in the United States.”
Owner Dan Warnshuis started his wine journey while living in Napa Valley and working in the technology sector in Silicon Valley. That path led to what is now Utopia Vineyard & Winery. In 2000, Utopia Estate Vineyard was founded and its first commercial vintage was in 2006 with 413 cases of Estate Pinot Noir. By 2007, Dan, his wife, Kathy, and family relocated to the estate and the rest is history in the making.
Photo Credit: Utopia Vineyard & Winery
The vineyard boasts 12 unique Pinot Noir clones. All viticultural practices support Sustainable Organic Farming that result in premium, high quality fruit each year. In 2008, Utopia Vineyards received its L.I.V.E. Certification and continues to be dedicated to sustainable viticulture strategies that include dry farming.
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Dan about the winery, plans for the future and more. Read on.
What about Oregon enticed you to establish a winery?
Dan: That’s easy. Location, uniformity of the land, elevation at 500 feet, orientation, soil and ventilation at the top of the ridge are characteristics that I was looking for. Willamette Valley is “America’s Burgundy” and this is the perfect spot to cultivate my favorite varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
What is your philosophy and style of winemaking?
Dan: Winemaking starts in the vineyard, but you have to have a style in mind at the outset so that everything you do results in the wine you want. I lean toward classic Pinot with depth and a silky palate. I want wines to be a true reflection of the vintage so you must act quickly to get the best result.
What were your challenges in 2020?
Dan: Last year, the big challenges were Covid, of course, and a bad fruit set. June was cold and wet so yields were less. We had old smoke to deal with and we didn’t produce rosé in 2020. Although our estate Pinot Noir produced only 650 cases, I will say that the fruit is incredibly rich since clusters were small.
What or who inspires you in the wine business?
Dan: I’m inspired by small vignerons in Burgundy who are “doing it right” by preserving the land, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and giving back to the community. I’m also inspired by Dominique Lafon from Burgundy. He’s a man who’s “doing it all.” He has his own family business, Domaine des Comtes Lafon, and as of 2008 has his own label, too.
Do you have a target consumer demographic for the wines?
Dan: Millennials are the target consumer, but GenX and Baby Boomers are important, too. We segment our mailing list and market through social media, emails and texting. We offer authentic experiences such as entertaining and educational daily tasting flights, vineyard tours, picnics, games and dinner events. At the winery, we’ve had experiences such as Opera A la Carte, OMSI Star Party, Shakespeare in the Vineyard and more. The vibe is very “chill and fun.”
Photo Credit: Utopia Vineyard & Winery
When you’re not working in wine, what are your passions?
Dan: I love spearfishing, abalone diving, and participating in triathlons. Fun fact: I was a swimmer for Michigan State.
Is your family involved in winery operations?
Dan: My daughter, Erin, handles all emails, social media, marketing, corporate events and weddings. She also runs the tasting room. My son-in-law is our sales manager and my wife, Kathy, is the office manager who handles club memberships, packing and shipping, mail and taxes.
What is your preferred wine and food pairing?
Dan: There’s nothing better than fresh Northwest salmon and Utopia Pinot Noir!
Dan: We have a ten-year plan to develop new properties. Already we announced the first major expansion in 2018 when we acquired an additional 36.5 acres in the Ribbon Ridge AVA and we have plans to plant an additional 15 acres starting in the fall of 2021. The winery is already done as of 2020 and four other wineries lease our facility. We also have a pre-approved site for a new tasting room.
When you can, visit Utopia Vineyard & Winery located at 17445 NE Ribbon Ridge Road, Newberg, Oregon. Call 503-687-1671 or click here for more information.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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