Compton Family Wines

Matthew and Tabitha Compton run Compton Family Wines in Philomath, Oregon, with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc at the center of a business whose roots date to 2003. The Willamette Valley winery makes small-lot wines with minimal intervention, emphasizing the character of each grape. Matthew brings vineyard-management experience to the work, and the winery keeps its grape sources within 25 miles of its production facility.

The family's farming practices give the winery a distinct identity. Their 17-acre Philomath homestead includes 10 acres of vineyard, where Katahdin sheep graze for about seven months of the year before moving out as grapes develop. Cover crops, no-till practices and dry farming—growing grapes without irrigation—are part of the approach. Grape-processing leftovers return to the farm as compost.

The tasting room sits at the working winery in downtown Philomath, at 810 Applegate Street, rather than at the homestead. Tastings run Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with a selection that changes monthly. Walk-ins are welcome; groups of six or more call or email ahead. Children are welcome with an adult, and leashed dogs can join the outside seating area. Birdie's Pizza delivers to the winery on tasting days, making this an easy stop to stretch into lunch.