Gold Medal

Winemaker Brian Dierks is a native of Southern Oregon, Brian was born and raised in Grants Pass and now lives in a small community outside of Rogue River. With a hands-on approach to winemaking, using traditional techniques to create wines that are balanced, complex, and full of character. Grit Cellars' commitment to quality is unwavering, and with a strong belief that every bottle of wine should be a true expression of the land and the people who make it.

If Brian is not tinkering in the winery or his wood shop he can be found adventuring in the wild lands of Southern Oregon. He spends his free time exploring the bike trails and back roads of the Rogue Valley on his mountain bike or road bike. And of course he loves to enjoy a glass of wine by the fire pit.

Grit Cellars, a family-owned winery that was established in 2019 by a photographer turned winemaker. Our business is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for crafting exceptional wines.

As a long-time studio photographer, Brian has always had an eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. In 2017, he decided to pursue his love of wine by enrolling in UCC (Umpqua Community College) to study winemaking and gain practical experience in a school winery. After producing his first vintage of wines in 2019, he knew he had found his calling.

Over the next few years, he worked tirelessly to obtain all the necessary licenses and equipment to turn his passion into a full-time business. Finally, in 2022, Grit Cellars opened its doors to the public, and he made the first vintage in their very own winery in Rogue River. Since then, Brian and his team have been dedicated to crafting exceptional wines using only the finest grapes sourced from local vineyards. The philosophy is simple: great wines are made with grit, determination, and passion.