Sharp Minds, Loose Talk With Westrey Wine Company

At Acme Wine Company, we recently had the pleasure of hosting Amy Wesselman of Westrey Wine Company, a conversation that offered insight into the philosophy and journey of one of Oregon’s most respected winemakers. Amy, alongside her partner David, has spent decades crafting wines that reflect a deep respect for tradition, terroir, and sustainability.

Amy’s path to winemaking was anything but conventional. A philosophy major who initially intended to pursue graduate school (Plan A), she found herself at a crossroads when she considered an alternative—Plan B: a journey to Burgundy. That decision changed everything. Immersing herself in the culture and craft of winemaking, she fell in love with its full-sensory experience—the balance of indoor and outdoor work, the patience required, and the harmony it demanded with nature.

With a warehouse space just around the corner, Amy and David rallied the local community and began making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, gradually expanding their production. Their winemaking approach, influenced by their time in Burgundy, has remained unchanged since those early days—hands-off, relying on indigenous fermentation. While some might categorize their approach as natural winemaking, they choose not to label it as such. Instead, their wines speak for themselves.

By 2000, they took another step forward, purchasing land for what would become Oracle Vineyard in the Dundee Hills. The vines, originally planted in 1977, became the foundation of their wines. Over the years, they continued planting, refining their craft, and solidifying their reputation. In 2020, they made the bittersweet decision to sell the vineyard. However, thanks to the deep connections they have fostered over the years, they continue to source top-quality fruit from respected vineyards.

Westrey’s wines remain true to their roots. They produce vintage wines from purchased fruit, with a commitment to ensuring that their wines are enjoyed when they are truly ready. Both their Pinot Gris and Chardonnay trace back to the original 1977 vines, resulting in wines with remarkable richness and delicate fruit expression. Amy emphasizes a restrained use of oak, ensuring the bright acidity and nuanced flavors remain at the forefront.

Winemaking for Amy and David is an intimate process. Each vintage is a moment in time, captured through careful observation and instinct. They individually assess the juice, take notes, and then compare impressions, a process that was particularly nerve-wracking in their early years when each decision was made only once per year. While they acknowledge the importance of chemistry in winemaking, their philosophy remains steadfast: numbers may inform, but flavor is irreplaceable.

Meeting with Amy Wesselman was a reminder of why we do what we do at Acme Wine Company—sharing the stories behind the wines, celebrating the people who craft them, and deepening our appreciation for the artistry of winemaking. Amy finds joy in imagining the bottles in recycling bins, wondering about the meals, conversations, and celebrations they were a part of. This connection to the end consumer is why she remains devoted to winemaking- something we at Acme can relate to. Westrey Wine Company’s journey is an inspiring one, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to learn from one of the greats.