Francis Ford Coppola buys Oregon winery

Film and winemaker Francis Ford Coppola has bought the Vista Hills Vineyard in Willamette Valley.

For Coppola, who also owns Inglenook in Napa Valley and makes wine from various other parts of California, it is the first foray into Oregon, a state which has seen a lot of outside attention in more recent years.

The sale includes not only the winery but also its 42 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris in the Dundee Hills sub-region, the treehouse tasting room and winemaker David Patterson who will remain in place.

Corey Beck, chief executive officer and chief winemaker of The Family Coppola, said: “These vineyards produce some of the finest fruit in Dundee Hills and make a perfect fit within our premium wine offerings.

“We’re proud of this opportunity to own prime real estate embedded in such a respected region, and we look forward to showing our commitment to the area and further getting to know the community,”

According to local media, the McClintock family that founded the winery in 1995 will retain the Vista Hills brand name as Coppola is planning to relaunch the brand under a new name and label, details of which are currently little known but are expected early next year.

Read more: Hamilton Russells head to Oregon to make wine