A family tradition born of serendipity

So much of life is serendipity. Growing up in Sacramento, Joel Myers’s family lived across the street from Charles Coury – who would become of the pioneers of Oregon wine. Through his father, Tucson, the Myers family got to know a pair of bright young UC Davis winemaking students: David Lett, another future Oregon wine pioneer; and Werner Koblet, who would become one of Europe’s top vineyard researchers.

Before long, the Myers family moved north, and ten-year-old Joel joined the Letts in planting and trellising their vineyard in the Dundee Hills. Fast-forward to post-college, and Joel took a summer gig at Eyrie once again helping the Letts in the vineyard. Before long, Joel met Louise – another Lett employee – and they were married. By 1981, they dropped in on Dr. Koblet, and spent time in Switzerland studying the science of viticulture and pairing it with traditional farming techniques.

By 1984, Joel and Louise launched a successful Oregon vineyard management company. And in 2000, launched Siltstone Wines and its premium brand, J. Myers & Sons. Through Siltstone, the family tradition continues – with sons Joey and David working on vineyards and wine, and son John working on the business side.