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52 WINES&VINES February 2018 WINEMAKING TECHNICAL SPOTLIGHT such a huge appellation, but there are these micro-pockets that are just ideal for Pinot," Donovan said. "Very few people until recently, in the past five to 10 years, have focused on mak- ing ultra-premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay." Vidrine also had experience working with Results Partners and said that helped make the decision to come to Southern Oregon eas- ier, because he knew he'd be work- ing with professionals who also have the resources to support quality grapegrowing. In an ever-tightening labor market, he said the company is able to get things done in the vine- yard exactly when they need to. "That was a really positive part of the equation coming down here, knowing that while being focused on putting a winery together and establishing a style and helping to bring the brand forward, that we not just have reliable but excellent farming," he said. Completed for the 2017 har- vest, the winery is built into the hillside behind the tasting room and above the vineyard. Simple in design, the 11,000-square-foot facility is designed for flexibility. Vidrine said he shares Brittan's "open building" approach to a winery, so everything can be refig- ured as needed. Construction was delayed a couple of years because planning officials in Jackson County had their hands full after Oregon resi- dents voted to legalize recre- ational cannabis, and the state enjoyed a bit of a green rush as people sought to plant marijuana. "That just took a long time to get through the process. I think the county was overwhelmed with the marijuana industry sprouting up," Doug Irvine said. But Donovan said the extra time helped ensure all the details were worked out on the winery, and the timing coincided with Vid- rine being able to join the team. Celebrating Over 35 Years of Serving the Wine Industry Oak Barrels, Barrel Alternatives & Amphorae Tel: (707) 257-3582 sales@bouchardcooperages.com www.bouchardcooperages.com Most of the major winemaking equipment was purchased from Euro-Machines. Vineyard Tools Battery Powered Pruning Shears • 1.25-inch and 1.5-inch cutting capacity models • 15,000 pruning cuts per battery charge • Includes lithium battery, harness, holster and carrying case www.zenportindustries.com | 503-524-7289 Gra ing Tools w zenportindustri Tying Tools & Supplies Harvest Shears ineyard T ols Pruning | Gra ing | Tying | Harvest