Farm History

For over 50 years, our family has grown wine grapes, acting as stewards of the land on this hill we call home. Since then, our vision has grown to include Durant Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room, award-winning Durant Olive Mill extra virgin olive oil, Durant Kitchen, Durant Body Care, Red Ridge Farms Specialty Plant Nursery, Farm Shop, overnight lodging, expansive gardens, and the Durant Nature Trail.

Our history here in the Willamette Valley, now spanning five generations, began with English walnuts, hazelnuts, Italian prunes, and cherries. In 1973, our family was among the first in Oregon to attempt growing wine grapes in the Dundee Hills. Great wine is not just created in the cellar but nurtured and shaped by the land. Durant Vineyards wines embody each vintage’s true nature, the Dundee Hills’ unique terroir, and our family’s meticulous farming methods.

1974
1994
2005
2012
2017
2020
2020
2022
2023
2026
As one of the first families to plant Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills, the Durants were laying the groundwork for what would become our thriving winegrowing region.Pictured here is Penny Durant safegaurding the baby vineswith old milk containers.
1974

As one of the first families to plant Pinot Noir in the
Dundee Hills, the Durants were laying the groundwork for what would
become our thriving winegrowing region.
Pictured here is Penny Durant safegaurding the baby vines
with old milk containers.

Before the property was filled with gardens and mature landscaping, the Durants built the structure that would become the Farm Shop. What began as a simple building in a developing vineyard landscape remains a landmark gathering place on our property.
1994

Before the property was filled with gardens and mature
landscaping, the Durants built the structure that would become
the Farm Shop. What began as a simple building in a developing
vineyard landscape remains a landmark gathering place on our property.

Inspired by their travels through Europe, Ken and Penny Durant began imagining new possibilities for the Durant estate beyond the vineyard. Penny’s passion for cultivating, combined with Ken’s knew found fascination with milling and olive oil production, led them to plant the first olive trees and begin a landmark chapter in the story of the estate.
2005

Inspired by their travels through Europe, Ken and Penny Durant
began imagining new possibilities for the Durant estate beyond
the vineyard. Penny’s passion for cultivating, combined with Ken’s
knew found fascination with milling and olive oil production,
led them to plant the first olive trees and begin a landmark chapter
in the story of the estate.

Another big step into who Durant is today, was the openingof the Durant Vineyards Tasting Room. Now an iconicviewpoint that the Durant property has become known for, itshowcases the rolling Willamette Valley alongside Mt. Hood,Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters on a clear day!
2012

Another big step into who Durant is today, was the opening
of the Durant Vineyards Tasting Room. Now an iconic
viewpoint that the Durant property has become known for, it
showcases the rolling Willamette Valley alongside Mt. Hood,
Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters on a clear day!

For decades, the Durant family grew and sold their premium wine grapes to wineries throughout the Willamette Valley. They later introduced the Durant label, producing wines in collaboration with respected Oregon wineries before bringing winemaking home to the estate. This marked a defining moment in the family’s story, connecting the land they had farmed for decades with the wines they would now share with others.
2017

For decades, the Durant family grew and sold their premium wine
grapes to wineries throughout the Willamette Valley. They later
introduced the Durant label, producing wines in collaboration
with respected Oregon wineries before bringing winemaking
home to the estate. This marked a defining moment in the
family’s story, connecting the land they had farmed for decades
with the wines they would now share with others.

New upgrades were made to the olive mill.
2020

New upgrades were made to the olive mill.

When COVID-19 changed the way people gathered, the Durant family reimagined Olio Nuovo as a month-long celebration instead of a single weekend event. This milestone transformed Olio Nuovo into an even greater celebration of the land, the harvest, and the community that continues to make it one of Durant’s most anticipated traditions.
2020

When COVID-19 changed the way people gathered, the Durant
family reimagined Olio Nuovo as a month-long celebration
instead of a single weekend event. This milestone
transformed Olio Nuovo into an even greater celebration of
the land, the harvest, and the community that continues
to make it one of Durant’s most anticipated traditions.

Following the 2020 wildfires that impacted Oregon’s wine country, the Durant team found a new way to transform a challenge into an opportunity. With smoke affecting that year’s Pinot Noir, we reimagined the wine into a Pinot Noir BBQ Sauce, creating the first product in what would become Durant Provisions. This creative approach inspired a new collection of handcrafted products that celebrate the flavors of the estate beyond the vineyard.
2022

Following the 2020 wildfires that impacted Oregon’s wine
country, the Durant team found a new way to transform a
challenge into an opportunity. With smoke affecting that year’s
Pinot Noir, we reimagined the wine into a Pinot Noir BBQ
Sauce, creating the first product in what would become
Durant Provisions. This creative approach inspired a new
collection of handcrafted products that celebrate the
flavors of the estate beyond the vineyard.

The Durant property became Food Alliance Certified! This certification recognized the family’s ongoing commitment to responsible farming and stewardship of the land. The milestone reflects decades of thoughtful care for the vineyard, olive grove, livestock and farm while continuing to build a more sustainable future for the estate.
2023

The Durant property became Food Alliance Certified! This
certification recognized the family’s ongoing commitment to
responsible farming and stewardship of the land. The milestone
reflects decades of thoughtful care for the vineyard, olive
grove, livestock and farm while continuing to build a more
sustainable future for the estate.

We were ranked #2 in the USA, and #7 in the world!
2026

We were ranked #2 in the USA, and #7 in the world!

In honor of our trailblazing spirit, we planted olives in 2004, establishing one of the few olive orchards in Oregon. With the first, and to date only, commercial olive mill in Oregon, we can handcraft signature Durant Olive Mill olive oils with their own distinctive Pacific Northwest aromas and flavors. While honoring the old-world tradition of olive oil production, we believe in the potential for creating unique, world-class olive oils right here in Oregon.

Our family has a deep and lasting connection to the land. We have always felt our responsibility to this hillside as caretakers and farmers, but it is now our joy to share this connection with you.

Durant is a proud member of the Food Alliance Certification Program!

The Food Alliance advocates for farmers, ranchers, and makers, promoting a resilient and sustainable food system with practical, science-based certification standards. More comprehensive than organic certification, the Food Alliance ensures better conditions for workers, humane treatment of livestock, reduced pesticide use, healthier soils, cleaner water, and enhanced wildlife habitat.

Certification entails continual sustainability improvements and third-party verification, ensuring Durant and others never stagnate. Their approach guides businesses through continuous improvement, emphasizing introspection and goal-setting for sustainable evolution. To respect the Earth, our community, and future generations as we continue to evolve in sustainability, is our way of life at Durant.

Sustainability practices we currently implement:

  • Rotational sheep grazing for soil aeration
  • Endorsing native bat populations for pest control
  • Supporting local ecosystem balance through ‘Birds of Prey’ programs
  • No-till farming and erosion prevention measures
  • Minimal water usage
  • Mechanical weed treatment
  • Bee colonies for cover crops
  • Native plant species revival
  • Kosher Certified
  • Employee benefits: education support, 401K, health insurance, paid time off, workplace safety emphasis, equity support

Future goals involve conscientious packaging material acquisition and continuing to evolve as a business to meet the sustainability standards set by the Food Alliance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FOOD ALLIANCE HERE

Knot Garden

Located just outside the Red Ridge Farms Gift Shop, our knot garden is a nod to the formality and tradition of the gardens in the United Kingdom, and an homage to the relaxed warmth of the Mediterranean and the comfort of the Pacific Northwest. An enchanting space for a moment of calm.

Olive Grove

Reminiscent of iconic olive groves in Tuscany, our upper olive grove is a mix of Arbequina and Koroneiki olive trees. The orchard is located beside the Durant Olive Mill, where the olives are milled each fall during our spectacular Olio Nuovo Festival.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR OLIVE TREES

Lavender Fields

Every June through July, our lavender fields provide an unparalleled delight. With their wide display of English and French lavender varieties, these fields are a must-see corner of the farm. Consisting of 14+ varieties of lavender, we use the field’s blooms for our Durant Culinary Lavender, fresh lavender bouquets, and for special craft and gardening workshops in the summer months. Come experience this special moment at our annual Lavender Festival, the second week of July.

Durant Nature Trail

Established in 2018, the Durant Nature Trail is a moderate, one mile hike through vineyards, sheep pasture, old growth forest, lavender fields, olive groves and back to the main farm. Learn about Durant family history, our crops and our dedication to the preservation of Oregon’s natural resources. Open May-October during regular business hours.