OUR STORY

As Hungarian immigrants to the United States, we recognize the value in hard work. We balance our strong work ethic with an equally strong desire to enjoy life.  Our wines reflect our philosophy of balance.  We labor hard to grow our premium grapes and to create some exquisite wine. We hope you will enjoy our wines as you spend time enjoying life. From our family to yours, we appreciate the opportunity to share our passion with you.

Our passion is growing and producing Oregon’s most interesting premium Pinot Noir wines. All our wines are small batch, handcrafted, uniquely barreled, and designed to provide an unparalleled wine drinking experience!

Our family has always been about balance. Work hard, play hard, and do some good in the world.

WE BEGAN

Mihaly & Julika Varga – In the “old country” our family farmed for generations.  In the early 1970s, we were provided the opportunity to immigrate to the United States and become part of the American Dream.

TODAY

Upon arrival, Mihaly and Julika set aside their farming traditions and settled in Southern California. Many years later, seeking a return to their farming roots, they established a small vineyard in Dayton, Oregon in 2004.

Shortly thereafter in 2006, upon returning from overseas military service, son Michael Varga established the second vineyard in the adjacent hills of Amity, Oregon. The two vineyards have now been combined to create, Varga Vineyards.

Utilizing a combination of classical and modern wine making techniques, we produce small batch, hand crafted, delicately balanced wines that are a true expression of the unique Eola-Amity Hills terroir. We are dedicated to growing ultra premium wine grapes and crafting unique wine experiences.

THANK YOU for being part of our family.

« Michael Varga

Directs the overall vineyard, wine-making, and sales operations.

In order to give back, Michael established the Varga Foundation. Proceeds from the sales of our wines are donated to fund the prevention of violence and support first responders and military personnel.

« Julia Varga

Manages marketing, social media outreach, and is responsible for content and product photography.

See more of her work at www.juliavarga.com.

« Chloé Varga

The namesake for our Rosé and our next generation vintner!

OUR VINEYARD

We take great pride in our vineyard and the quality of fruit we produce.   The old adage remains true, “Great wines are made in the vineyard!”

Location

The Varga Vineyards lie near the 45th parallel – halfway between the equator and the North Pole, the same latitude as Burgundy.  Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, the Eola-Amity Hills wine region has a picturesque countryside and stunning views of the Coast Range to the west, and the Cascades to the east. It is about a 45-minute drive south of the Portland Metropolitan Area and is just northwest of Salem, Oregon’s capitol.

Orientation/Elevation

The Vineyards are planted facing south and south-west to ensure maximum degree days for optimal fruit ripening.  The Vineyard consists of gently sloping land elevated between 450′ and 600′.

Soil

The soil consists primarily of Volcanic Basalts including  Jory, Nekia, Ritner, and Yamhill.  The predominant volcanic soils of vineyards are generally shallower and rockier than those of other Willamette Valley AVAs, with significant effects on vine and fruit development and balance.  The soils drain quickly after rain, allowing fruit to hang on the vines longer into the season for optimum flavor development.

Climate

The Climate of the Eola-Amity Hills is defined by the Van Duzer Corridor, a break in the Coast Range that allows cool ocean winds to flow, dropping temperatures dramatically, especially during late summer afternoons. These late afternoon and evening breezes help provide the cool nights that keep acids firm and are essential for optimal ripening. Because of the dominating effect of these marine winds on our climate, the Eola-Amity Hills generally experience cooler average temperatures during the growing season than other parts of the Willamette Valley.

Farming

The 12-acre vineyard is planted with a variety of Pinot Noir clones to include:  777, 667, 115, 828, 943, Pommard, La Tache, Waedensvil, and Calera.  The vines are set on phylloxera-resistant rootstock, planted with 5’x 7′ spacing, using a vertical trellising system.  All pruning, thinning, leaf pulling  and grape harvest is done by hand.  Part of the Vineyard is irrigated and part is dry farmed to produce a maximum variety of fruit characteristics.

To ensure quality standards, grapes are cropped to 1 – 2.5 tons per acre and hand harvested between 22 and 25 brix, with a pH between 3.15-3.6 and TA 4-8, all depending on the type of wine we want to produce.