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.

1973
1999
2004
2008
2009
2012
2015
2020
2023
2025
<p>Foundation begins.</p>
1973

Foundation begins.

<p>Land development phase.</p>
1999

Land development phase.

<p>First vines planted.</p>
2004

First vines planted.

<p>Infrastructure expansion.</p>
2008

Infrastructure expansion.

<p>Operational improvements.</p>
2009

Operational improvements.

<p>Major production milestone.</p>
2012

Major production milestone.

<p>Brand recognition achieved.</p>
2015

Brand recognition achieved.

<p>Global expansion phase.</p>
2020

Global expansion phase.

<p>Modernization & digital growth.</p>
2023

Modernization & digital growth.

<p>Future vision & innovation.</p>
2025

Future vision & innovation.

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.