This is a new and upcoming small, family-owned winery in a pastoral setting between Gaston and Forest Grove, Oregon. RJ and Juanita Lint are the owners of this new winery. In 2003 they planted one dense acre of Pinot Noir behind their home on Plum Hill Lane in Forest Grove and harvested two crops of grapes from that vineyard. In September, 2007, they bought a third-generation dairy farm that overlooks Scoggins Valley.  They are renovating the dairy to a winery, keeping many of the old farm buildings intact. The old barn is used to keep their wine barrels and the tasting room is in the old ranch house. RJ and Juanita are quick to let you know that they could not have taken on this endeavor without the help of many friends and of course their mentor and wine maker friends, Keith and Trudy Kramer of Kramer Vineyards.

RJ and Juanita are a pleasant couple. You will more than likely find Juanita in the warm tasting room, serving customers and explaining their wines, while RJ is out in the fields on his tractor. During our visit, RJ popped in for a much needed break. It was a hot and sunny day, and RJ told us that he now considers himself a “farmer.” Although the romantic notion of owning a winery has worn off and the hard work continues, he is very happy with their decision to retire from the tech industry and become vintners.  Their goal is to grow the best fruit possible and to be personally involved with each plant. The small size of the plot allows this goal to be met by one person, if needed. It is so personal that the early growing vines were given names such as “John Wine,” “Cork Douglas,” “General Cluster,” “Alexander the Grape,” “Wine Newton,” and Oprah Winefrey,” to name a few.  These funny names also reflect the personality of RJ and Juanita. We found them to be humorous and fun to visit with.  We enjoyed our brief visit in their cozy and comfortable tasting room and we also took advantage of their great picnic area, where we enjoyed a light lunch with a glass of their wine among the oak trees.