Our Winemaking Story
An ocean away from the great European vineyards in terms of distance, yet surprisingly close in terms of experience, consistency and passion, we at Maragas Winery have been producing award-winning wines from our vineyards in the heart of Central Oregon for more than 20 years. Set between the majestic rock formations of Smith Rock State Park and seven awe-inspiring peaks of the Cascade Mountains, Maragas’ estate vineyard boasts a microclimate suitable for several different European varietals.
Back in 1999, when climatologists and agronomists insisted Central Oregon wasn’t the right place for growing grapes, Doug followed his instincts and knowledge of viticulture, and began his venture to establish a winery and vineyard in Central Oregon. He began by hauling grapes back from other vineyard areas. Then, in 2004, Doug and Gina married and started planting traditional European wine grapes and living their dream on the farm in Culver.
Our first block planted was named “Sam’s Block” after our daughter and served as an experimental testing ground for more than 40 varietals. It’s been producing the grapes for three Maragas wines for several years now – Blanco, a dry white blend, Tootsie, a spicy dessert wine, and our dry Riesling.
Today, our unique terroir yields wine from 20 different types of varietals harvested from seven blocks on our 21-acre estate vineyard, including Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Syrah, Pinot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay.
Our second vineyard, 25 miles north of our estate vineyard, also has a rich, volcanic soil that produces Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon which are blended together into a wine called Legal Zin.
Our dry summers with abundant sun and our excellent water drainage allow our vines to thrive. Our job is to keep the soil in a balanced and healthy state by farming organically and sustainably. We control deer and other predators with farm dogs and we help manage insects with chickens. Because of this, we do not allow visitors to have pets at our winery. But we encourage you to come relax on the patio and lawn at our estate just off Hwy. 97 in Culver. Soak up our views and sip the fruits of our labor of love. We think you will find your visit an experience that beautifully embraces your senses
Back in 1999, when climatologists and agronomists insisted Central Oregon wasn’t the right place for growing grapes, Doug followed his instincts and knowledge of viticulture, and began his venture to establish a winery and vineyard in Central Oregon. He began by hauling grapes back from other vineyard areas. Then, in 2004, Doug and Gina married and started planting traditional European wine grapes and living their dream on the farm in Culver.
Our first block planted was named “Sam’s Block” after our daughter and served as an experimental testing ground for more than 40 varietals. It’s been producing the grapes for three Maragas wines for several years now – Blanco, a dry white blend, Tootsie, a spicy dessert wine, and our dry Riesling.
Today, our unique terroir yields wine from 20 different types of varietals harvested from seven blocks on our 21-acre estate vineyard, including Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Syrah, Pinot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay.
Our second vineyard, 25 miles north of our estate vineyard, also has a rich, volcanic soil that produces Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon which are blended together into a wine called Legal Zin.
Our dry summers with abundant sun and our excellent water drainage allow our vines to thrive. Our job is to keep the soil in a balanced and healthy state by farming organically and sustainably. We control deer and other predators with farm dogs and we help manage insects with chickens. Because of this, we do not allow visitors to have pets at our winery. But we encourage you to come relax on the patio and lawn at our estate just off Hwy. 97 in Culver. Soak up our views and sip the fruits of our labor of love. We think you will find your visit an experience that beautifully embraces your senses
