Secret House Vineyard moves out, Domaine Meriwether moves in
By Laura Rillos KVAL NewsVENETA, Ore. -- Oenophiles drive for miles to spend Memorial Day weekend tasting Oregon's fine wines, so owners thought there was no better time to re-introduce Domaine Meriwether to the Southern Willamette Valley. The winery is moving in to the 50 acre property on Highway 126, previously home to Secret House Vineyards.
The label has been producing wines for 11 years, most of those out of a co-op in Carlton. The first crush took place in Elmira, according to owner Buzz Kawders. Kawders is in the process of buying the property. He plans to expand the tasting room, build a barrel room and add more grape vines. "What we've lacked in the past is a home where people can come and spend time with the wines and see how they're done and visit with us," said Kawders. "Now this gives us the opportunity to do that." Kawders said he's in the process of cleaning out the property, but decided to host an open house this weekend. The winery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Monday. Janet Bridges, a Eugene resident, was happy to see them move in. "I have had this wine at many Christmases with my good friends who live around the cul-de-sac from us," said Bridges. "I decided if that was the case, we'd better come out and welcome this man to the valley." Secret House was well known for hosting concerts. Kawders said he plans to continue hosting musical acts. "They may change in character from what they've been in the past," he said, adding he sits on the Eugene Symphony's board. Calls to Secret House owner Patti Chappell were not returned. |
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