u S o y
Raptor Ridge Winery, founded by Scott Shull in 1995, began in the days of the booming tech industry. After wine-tasting and small-scale winemaking with a group of co-workers became more than just a passing hobby in the early 90s, Scott started exploring the idea of making wine commercially. He excitedly greeted Annie at lunch hour with plans for his fledgling wine brand and dreams of future vineyard sites. Annie joined Scott as his life partner in 1998 and business partner in 2001. Together, they took a leap of faith in growing Raptor Ridge, originally hosting tastings at their own kitchen counter. That fundamental ethos of Raptor Ridge – creating delicious, unique wine in an environment that feels like home – has remained a part of the Raptor Ridge Winery vibe since its inception.
Our Story
Milestones
1995 - 2001
Building A Nest
Raptor Ridge began as a small-scale “home-grown” winery, born out of the Shulls’ Homestead Barn at their Wildhaven property in Hillsboro, Oregon.
In 2000, the Shulls purchased and cleared an old cherry orchard, laying the foundation for the now 27-acre Tuscowallame Estate on the Laurelwood AVA in the Chehalem Mountains.
2001 - 2004
Branching Out
In these formative years, the Shulls assisted with winemaking at a neighboring winery, Elven Glade. Meanwhile, they slowly and carefully planted out Tuscowallame, block by block, with the help of several vineyard stewards. The first block, known as “Adalfo’s Block” was planted in 2001.
Before the news had even reached us in Oregon, Annie’s phone began to light up with calls from as far away as Wall Street – Raptor Ridge had its first two-page feature in Wine Spectator Magazine and people wanted cases of the acclaimed wine they had just read about.
2005 - 2006
Migration to McMinnville
Assisting friends in establishing their winery at Coeur De Terre Vineyard, the Shulls began to expand their production, while meeting many of their colleagues, forming lifelong friendships, and enjoying the camaraderie and collaboration for which the Willamette Valley is known.
2007 - 2009
A Vine-side Landing
At Carlton Cellars, Raptor Ridge assisted to retrofit and run a new winery location. In both 2007 and 2009, Raptor Ridge was named Winery of the Year by Wine and Spirits, proof of the consistent quality of winemaking and writing the next chapter of successful growth.
In 2009 the Shulls finally saw their Estate winery taking shape. From a small barn in the woods to a kitchen table to sharing collaborative spaces with colleagues across the valley, Raptor Ridge would now be able to welcome visitors to vine-side vistas while tasting some of Oregon’s finest Pinot noirs and European varietals.
2010 - Present
Nesting and Nurturing The Roost
As Raptor Ridge welcomes its second decade of hosting visitors at the Estate Winery location, it continues to grow more interesting wines. Remaining true to its ethos of inclusivity in the tasting room and cellar, Raptor Ridge builds community, and career paths, and contributes to collaboration in the Oregon wine industry, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability with LIVE Certification status since 2017.
experiences
Let's Get Together!
Open daily, we welcome you to visit our estate vine-side tasting room between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. Reservations are recommended, and walk-ins are welcome when available.