natural Winemaking,
Distinctly different
At Est, being women-owned and women-farmed means doing things with intuition, care, and a fresh perspective. The wine world has long been dominated by tradition, but we believe great wine comes from breaking the mold while respecting the history. Our grapes are farmed regeneratively and organically, in tune with the natural ebb and flow of nature,
Using an intuitive and intentional approach, we seek to honor the cyclical nature of farming and the spontaneous beauty of fermentation. We aim to craft wines that are as thought-provoking as they are delicious—vibrant, complex, and alive.
meet Meredith
Born and raised just outside of Portland only ten miles from Leland Vineyard—Meredith Bell has always been a proud Oregonian. Drawn to sunshine and diversity, she left for UCLA to study biochemistry, fascinated by its logic and precision but unsure where it would lead. Seeking a broader perspective on the world, she joined the Peace Corps and served in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. In a country where alcohol was forbidden by law, she found herself deeply missing wine and recognizing its significance in her life.
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Her path to winemaking began with a harvest in Elkton, Oregon, in 2009, followed by a master’s degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis. She worked harvests in France and Australia before returning to Oregon, drawn back by the promise of home. Since 2013, she has been rooted in the Pacific Northwest, where she crafts wines that reflect both place and intention.
Meredith now lives in Southeast Portland with her husband, James, their two children, Arlo and Edith, their dog, Monty, and three backyard chickens—Hot Dog, Mustard, and Ice Cream.
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She’s a dancing machine, finding daily joy in moving to music, usually in her living room.
Houseplants are an obsession—her home hosts over 75, and watching them grow never gets old.
Cooking is a passion, especially Asian cuisine, inspired by the Jade District’s incredible markets just steps from her door.
She’s a maker at heart, crafting everything from soap to hair gel to laundry detergent.
Her friendships run deep—she’s slow to warm, but once you’re in her circle, you’re there for life.
She reads every day (physical books only), switching between fiction and nonfiction to feed both sides of her brain.
the Vineyard
Our grapes come from Leland Vineyard, a small, four-acre farm just outside Oregon City planted in 1982 by Bruce Weber. Proof that world-class wine thrives on the eastern slopes of the Willamette Valley, this own-rooted, dry-farmed land has been nurtured for decades and continues to be cared for by Bruce and Est winemaker Meredith Bell. Half of the property is covered with managed forest that was planted alongside the vineyard, encouraging biodiversity and contributing to the health of the landscape. Deep Jory soils and intuitive farming yield Pinot Noir grapes with striking natural acidity, freshness, and depth that speak of place, history, and the cycles of the land.
the Process
Natural winemaking is about synergy with nature, balance, and a deep respect for the land. At Est, this means just fermented grapes with small amounts of sulfur, and wines that truly reflect the biochemistry and terroir of Leland Vineyard. It all begins in the soil. By farming without tilling, we allow native grasses and diverse plants to sequester carbon and feed soil microorganisms, creating a natural cycle that enriches the vines and adds complexity to every vintage. By farming organically, without the use of synthetic inputs, our vines are teaming with life.
Fermentation happens naturally, with nothing added—just the wild yeasts present on the grape skins and stems. Once pressed, the juice rests in barrels, where the most essential ingredient takes over: time. Guided by both chemistry and intuition, Meredith carefully shepherds each wine to its fullest expression, bottling only when it has reached its perfect moment.
stay awhile
Pull up a chair, pour a glass, and let’s make a moment of it. Our tasting room is where playful flavors meet good company—no pretense, just damn good wine.
Ready to sip with us?