About Kramer Vineyards
Welcome to Kramer Vineyards
Welcome to Kramer Vineyards, a family-owned winery with a rich legacy of crafting exceptional wines in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. For over four decades, we have dedicated ourselves to producing wines that capture the true essence of our terroir and the passion of our family. Nestled in the picturesque Yamhill-Carlton AVA, our sustainably farmed estate vineyard is a testament to our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the art of winemaking.
Our Story: Two Generations of Oregon Winegrowing
Our journey began in 1971 when Trudy and Keith Kramer produced their first amateur wine. In 1983, they purchased the property in Gaston, Oregon, where Kramer Vineyards was officially established. The first Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling vines were planted in 1984, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Oregon’s wine history. Over the years, we have expanded our vineyard and embraced new varietals, always staying true to our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Today, the second generation of the Kramer family continues to uphold these traditions. Kim Kramer, who joined the winemaking team in 2008, brings her expertise and innovative spirit to the winery. In 2017, her sister, Rebecca, joined the business as the Winery Director, further strengthening the family’s legacy and dedication to producing exceptional wines. Together, we strive to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of our vineyard and the legacy of our family.
Our Milestones
- 1971 - Trudy and Keith Kramer produce their first amateur wine
- 1983 - Purchased Gaston property to establish vineyard and winery
- 1984 - First Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling vines planted
- 1986 - First Pinot Gris and Müller-Thurgau vines planted
- 1988 - First commercial vintage produced under Kramer Vineyards label
- 1989 - First vintage produced from estate-grown fruit; first Carmine planted
- 1990 - Tasting room opening
- 1993 - Cellar Door wine club launched
- 1998 - Inaugural Rebecca’s Reserve created—first of three single block designate Pinot Noirs
- 2000 - Estate vineyard certified Salmon Safe
- 2001 - Celebrate sparkling Müller-Thurgau introduced
- 2005 - Estate vineyard LIVE certified
- 2008 - Kim Kramer joins winemaking team
- 2009 - First Brut vintage released
- 2010 - Kim works harvest in Burgundy at Domaine A. F. GROS - PARENT
- 2012 - New labels unveiled
- 2013 - Kramer Vineyards celebrates 30th year in Oregon wine industry
- 2013 - Sparkling Wine Club launched
- 2015 - Wines on tap introduced
- 2017 - Rebecca joins the business as Winery Director
- 2019 - Began farming organically
- 2020 - Introduction of piquette
- 2020 - Remodeled the tasting room
Our Terroir and Sustainable Practices
Our vineyard is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, an area renowned for its unique terroir and ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir and other varietals. The combination of ancient marine sedimentary soils, cool climate, and optimal elevation creates the perfect environment for our vines to thrive. These elements contribute to the distinct flavors and characteristics of our wines.
Climate
The cool climate of the Willamette Valley, with its wet winters and dry summers, provides the ideal conditions for growing high-quality Pinot Noir and other varietals. The significant diurnal temperature variation—cool nights and warm days—helps to develop complex flavors while maintaining acidity in the grapes.
Soil
The soils in our vineyard are primarily ancient marine sedimentary soils, which are coarse-grained and well-draining. This stresses the vines, leading to lower yields but more concentrated flavors in the grapes. The soil's unique composition contributes to the minerality and complexity of our wines.
Sustainable Practices
At Kramer Vineyards, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our estate vineyard is LIVE certified and Salmon Safe, reflecting our dedication to environmentally friendly farming practices. We use organic fertilizers, cover crops, and compost to nurture the soil and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that we can produce high-quality wines while preserving the beauty and integrity of our land for future generations.
Our Wines
Our portfolio includes a diverse range of wines, each crafted with care and precision:
- Pinot Noir: Our flagship wine, known for its rich flavors of red fruit, earthiness, and floral notes.
- Sparkling Wines: Including our popular Brut and Celebrate sparkling Müller-Thurgau, celebrated for their vibrant acidity and complex flavor profiles.
- Müller-Thurgau: A unique varietal offering roune acidity and aromatic complexity.
- Chardonnay: Showcasing the balance and finesse of our terroir and cool climate perspective.
Visit Us
We invite you to visit our tasting room in Gaston, Oregon, where you can experience the warm hospitality and exceptional wines that define Kramer Vineyards. Explore our estate vineyard, enjoy guided tastings, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Oregon wine country. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of wine, we welcome you to join us and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Plan your visit to Kramer Vineyards today.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We look forward to sharing our passion for wine with you.