2018 Summary

FHV planted 3.2 acres of Chardonnay 76 bringing our total planted acreage of all varieties to 93.  When we began planting in 1983 we were hoping to plant the original 80 acres in three years, but phylloxera, inexperience, and youthful exuberance we underestimated by 33 years.  Still all in all quite a feeling of accomplishment.  The growing season was once again warm and we rushed into harvest on September 6 and finished with Pinot Blanc on October 3.  Early returns from the wineries are very promising.

Because we have had several dry years recently overall vigor has been suppressed and as a response we have been removing permanent cover crop in various blocks to limit competition for available water.  Bit of a tough decision because this means more tractor work and dust.  This is year 3 of FHV being herbicide free necessitating more mechanical weed control beneath the vines. The goal is to nurture soil health ultimately reflected in wine quality.  We are also pleased to announce we were certified sustainable by Food Alliance in 2018.

We continue to be proud of the recognition our winery partners have earned in the market place and are happy to have added over the last couple of years Kelly Fox, Mark Ryan Winery, and Illahee Vineyards.  2018 was also the first harvest following the passing of Patty Green and she was sorely missed, however the PGC family pulled together and continues to do wonderful things.  If you haven’t done so already, please lift a glass to in tribute to Patty, a super person and winemaker.

Mount Pisgah – Mistletoe Ridge

We are excited to share that recently our neighborhood submitted a petition to ATTB for the establishment of “Mount Pisgah – Mistletoe Ridge American Viticulture Area.” It presently contains nine vineyards and two wineries and is relatively small at about 4100 acres. We believe the area to be unique in terms of climate, wind, heat, and geology, and soils from the larger Willamette Valley AVA. This is a lengthy process as the petition makes its way through bureaucracy, probably taking four or more years.

Winter Update from Dustin

The 16′ harvest went smooth with pleasant weather and no hiccups. Yields were back to a more normal level, around 3 tons per acre. ’14 and ’15 were both huge years leaving winery’s scrambling to find space for for all the fruit. All in all 2016 was good vintage for us and we anticipate some great wines.

We had good weather just after harvest, which was nice for planting winter cover crops. This year we planted Crimson clover as well as Hairy Vetch.

The cold weather in December hardened off the vines and aloud us to begin pruning. The hard freeze in early January has let us get into the vineyard with the tractor to chop brush. As long as the temperature doesn’t get into single digits for extended periods the vines should be fine.

We’re excited to have four acres of Chardonnay coming into production this year. Altogether that will put us just under 14 acres of producing Chard. For ’18 we will have 3 more acres of Pinot Noir coming online.

Summer Update

It’s been a busy summer season. Bud break was one week behind last year, 4/1. An early start produced fast growing shoots and the crew worked hard to keep up moving wires.

July of ’16 has been cool and growth has slowed down a bit, but we are still on track for an early September harvest.

For those of you I haven’t met, my name is Dustin. I’m Dan and Helens oldest. I returned to the farm in ’12 and have been running day to day operations since then.

My youngest sister McKenzie has also joined the family business handling the books and social media.

We are excited to announce that we have several new winery’s purchasing fruit this year, Evesham Wood and Cana’s Feast. Also this summer, Devona of Walla Walla has released there 2012 Freedom Hill Pinot noir.

All in all 2016 has been good this far to Freedom Hill. Here’s to a bountiful harvest.

Dustin Dusschee

An Update Before Harvest

Harvest 2015 is set to begin this week and it bears similarities to last year. Another early harvest following a warm growing season had us concerned that sugars would rise too quickly out pacing flavor development and potentially having wines being a little thin with high alcohol. However, the recent rains and the return of more moderate temps particularly at night have slowed ripening down and the flavors are coming along. The clusters are heavy this year and we paid close attention to crop estimates and working with our winery partners to insure the tons per acre stayed within quality parameters. Enough of the semi tech stuff, but it’s the kind of stuff we get excited about. Major props to Dustin, Carlos and the rest of the crew that did a fantastic job of staying ahead in a rapid growing season getting all the jobs done in a timely manner. There will be some fantastic wines this year and we are anxious to begin. Dan

Spring Update

Winter has come and gone and the miracle of bud break has once again occurred. It is so rewarding to see baby shoots emerging with tiny clusters following the emerging leaves. After all the work of pruning the vines it just doesn’t get old watching the vineyard come alive. Bud break happened on March 25 a good two weeks earlier than average. The next major developmental date of note is bloom which occurred on June 9 in 2014 if we are to draw comparisons to this year. I will stop short of saying we will have an early and glorious harvest this year since this is farming and I don’t wish to temp the wrath of nature, but things do look good.

Lest I forget, FHV was pleased to have been the focus of a tasting of wines made from our fruit at the Ace Hotel in Portland on March 12. There was an afternoon session before media, distributors, and restaurant people numbering about 35. Dan and Helen described the development of the vineyard and Jesse Lange, Ken Wright, and Mark Vlossak presented approximately 15 vineyard designate wines. Ken also made a nice presentation on the soils of the Willamette Valley. In the evening there was a general tasting where about 100 of the consuming public met the Dusschee’s, and winemakers from almost all of the producers while tasting some terrific wines. We were thrilled and honored at the experience and were once again reminded of our good fortune to be associated with such good winemakers/people and the people who enjoy fine wine.

I hope you all enjoy your summer as we will in anticipation of vintage 2015.

FHV Terroir Tasting!

March 12th has come and passed, but the Dusschee’s spent much of the day in Portland’s Pearl District at the first Freedom Hill Vineyard Terroir Tasting. It was an amazing experience.

Mark Vlossak, Ken Wright, Jesse Lange, Dan & Helen Dusschee
Mark Vlossak, Ken Wright, Jesse Lange, Dan & Helen Dusschee

The beginning portion was a tasting and presentation for the trade industry with Dan and Helen Dusschee, Mark Vlossak, Jesse Lange, and Ken Wright. Dan and Helen each took a roll in presenting the history of the vineyard. Helen focused on the family aspect and Dan educated about the land and farming.

The second portion of the Terrior Tasting was the consumer portion. The house was packed with over 130 guests. Six of the wineries that Freedom Hill sells to were there exclusively pouring Freedom Hill. This included: Ken Wright Cellars, Purple Hands Wines, Walter Scott Wine, St. Innocent Winery, Patricia Green Cellars, and Lange Estate Winery.

All in the all this was a wonderful day and the Dusschee family felt honored to be recognized in such a way. Thank you to all who attended!!

 

Mark Vlossak from St. Innocent Winery with Dan and Helen
Mark Vlossak from St. Innocent Winery with Dan and Helen

Ken Palo from Walter Scott Wine with Dan and Helen
Ken Palo from Walter Scott Wine with Dan and Helen

Dustin with Ken and Ivory from Ken Wright Cellars
Dustin with Ken and Ivory from Ken Wright Cellars

Friends coming out to support Freedom Hill
Friends coming out to support Freedom Hill

Cody Wright of Purple Hands Wines with Dan and Helen
Cody Wright of Purple Hands Wines with Dan and Helen

Ken Wright with Dan and Helen
Ken Wright with Dan and Helen

Jesse and Jessica Lange of Lange Estate Winery with Dan and Helen Dusschee
Jesse and Jessica Lange of Lange Estate Winery with Dan and Helen Dusschee

Melissa from Patricia Green Cellars with the Dusschee Family
Melissa from Patricia Green Cellars with the Dusschee Family

In Memory of John Innocent Vlossak

The wine industry has lost a long term and devoted supporter in the
passing of John Innocent Vlossak this past week. With all those he
came into contact with he offered warmth and ever caring knowledge
about wine. His contributions to St. Innocent Winery and his son’s,
Mark’s skills are profound.

He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to Mark and family.

The Dusschee Family

Consumer Tasting with the Dusschee Family

Here are the details of the upcoming Freedom Hill Vineyard Consumer Tasting with the Dusschee Family:

Freedom Hill “Terroir Tasting”

March 12th, 2015 @ The Ace Hotel – Cleaners Event Space 6-8pm

In the years since the first vines were planted in 1965, Willamette Valley wines have wowed critics, lured tourists and inspired many. With 50 years of vine growing and winemaking under our belt, certain vineyards have cultivated reputations and emerge as the best. Freedom Hill Vineyard, planted in 1981 by the Dusschee Family, is just one of those sites. Winemakers have long waited patiently for an opportunity to buy grapes from this exceptional piece of land, often waiting years for the chance.

Join us this March to celebrate one of the iconic vineyards of the Willamette Valley and the people behind the fruit, the Dusschee Family. Eight leading wineries will come together to define the terroir of Freedom Hill Vineyard, bringing light to the exceptional fruit that has long been coveted by many in the Oregon wine community.

We invite you to join us for a rare tasting of Freedom Hill Vineyard wines on March 12th, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with Abeja, Ken Wright, Lange Estate, Patricia Green, Purple Hands, St. Innocent, Stevenson-Barrie & Walter Scott serving their wines alongside hors d’oeuvres provided by Clyde Common. Tickets are limited, so reserve your ticket now!

Tickets are $40.00 per person

To purchase a ticket, visit our EventBrite page

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freedom-hill-vineyard-terroir-tasting-tickets-15749467080