In 1995 Earl and Hilda Jones planted the first Tempranillo in the Pacific Northwest. They named the vineyard Abacela from a Spanish/Portuguese word, abacelar, meaning “to plant a grapevine”. Previously, Tempranillo had not created much excitement, including California where 100 years of working with the grape had resulted in nothing better than jug wine. Seeing the grapes potential, the Joneses carefully researched how to grow high quality Tempranillo grapes. In 1992, certain that climate was the key to quality they purchased 500 acres of land in southern Oregon – an American region that enjoys a climate very similar to that found in Spain’s famous Rioja and Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo growing regions.

Abecela is located on sunny south sloping hills where they grow Tempranillo, Albarino, Syrah, Merlot, Dolcetto, Malbec, Grenache and other varietals.  The estate fruit is hand picked and processed in a gravity flow winery. 

Their white wines are crisp and have fresh varietal character.  Their red wines are big and deeply-colored with intense aromas and flavors that have ample structure and tannin for aging.

 There is a $5 tasting fee, refundable with purchase.