Granville’s Story
First-generation winemakers, second-generation growers.
For Ayla and Jackson, the Dundee Hills isn't just where they farm, it's where they were raised and where they're now raising their own children; where the red Jory soil has been a constant backdrop for life and livelihood.
Brought up in the industry and spending vintages both at home and abroad, they returned in 2014 to hand-farm Holstein Estate, Jackson's family vineyard. This marked the founding of Granville Wine Co., named in tribute to a paternal family legacy rooted in stewardship, conservation, and a lasting connection to the land.
After beginning with their small family estate, Ayla and Jackson have since built partnerships with like-minded growers across the Dundee and Eola-Amity Hills while also working to establish new parcels of their own in the nearby hillsides.
Viticulture and enology are a way of life for their family. Farm equipment turns into playgrounds by dusk. Meals are shared while reflecting on vintage variation. Their days are wholly dedicated to ushering in the next best expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This intimacy and focus create distinction in their work; a deeper devotion to the land they tend for this generation and that of the future.
As the Willamette Valley gains global recognition, the Holsteins’ sole purpose remains as dedicated students of their parcels, refining their approach with each season while honoring the land that raised them. The best is yet to come.
The Approach
Precision guided by observation.
Granville’s winemaking flows from seasonal observation, with each vintage informing the next. From winter pruning to autumn’s turning leaves, their approach demands both humility and intentionality as they refine their methods year by year.
It begins with organically tended vines, grown without irrigation or synthetic inputs. Vine vigor is managed through seasoned compost and a mix of diverse annual and perennial cover crops, with yields carefully monitored from bud break through veraison. Unconventional canopy management techniques like tressage—borrowed from Old World traditions—are used to naturally optimize ripening chemistry.
In the cellar, ambient yeast guides all fermentations. Reds include significant stem contact and ferment in small vessels of varied materials, then undergo élevage in large-format barrels selected for each wine’s character.
Whites are whole-cluster pressed, sometimes with light skin contact, and ferment at warmer temperatures in isolation from the reds. Oxidative and reductive techniques are blended intuitively, and malolactic conversion is often left incomplete to preserve natural acidity and freshness.
Every choice reflects what the season reveals—from dormant pruning to harvest decisions—building the cyclical wisdom that defines their evolving craft.
The People
Jackson Holstein
Jackson is a second-generation winegrower and the first winemaker in his family, raised among the picturesque vineyards of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. He learned viticulture from his father, a prominent viticulturist who established estate vineyards for the Drouhin family and Argyle throughout the 1980s and ’90s. Raised in these cellars and later working vintages in Australia, New Zealand, and Oregon after university, Jackson eventually turned to vineyard management, where he witnessed firsthand the importance of organic practices and being present in the fields.
Today, Jackson oversees every aspect of vineyard operations and winemaking, often while chasing his two toddlers through the rows of vines thus blending his love for family and the craft into a lasting legacy.
Ayla Holstein
Ayla is the powerhouse behind Granville. She expertly oversees business operations and hospitality with a keen eye and refined palate, while also playing a crucial role in the cellar during pivotal moments like harvest and assemblage. Raised in the Dundee Hills, she honed her skills through harvests in Oregon, New Zealand, and Australia before becoming the wine buyer at a prominent local restaurant. Today, Ayla’s leadership and vision propel Granville forward. Her grace and humor perfectly complement Jackson’s focused approach, forging a dynamic and collaborative partnership in business and life.
Rubén Lopez
The ever busy and calming figure among the vines, Rubén hails from Guanajuato, Mexico. He migrated to the U.S. at 15 and quickly immersed himself in the vineyards of the Willamette Valley. After gaining valuable experience at Stoller, Argyle, and Flaneur, Rubén joined Granville in 2021. Since then, he has dedicated countless hours in the vineyards and cellar, ensuring every detail is attended to. His infectious smile and relentless work ethic are a staple on the estate vineyards. Rubén is also a devoted father to three children with his wife, Sylvia.
Jake Stroud
Jake is the vibe master, ensuring guests feel welcomed and cared for during private tastings. He joined Granville in 2022 after managing larger tasting rooms, seeking a slower pace to engage more meaningfully with visitors. With experience in cellars in New Zealand and the Willamette Valley, Jake combines his production background with a gentle sense of humor, creating a memorable experience for guests. He expertly shares insights into the winemaking process, from vine pruning to cooperage nuances, making him an invaluable asset to the team. Outside of work, Jake is a loving partner to his wife, Sydney.
Chris Hanke
Chris is the glue that holds Granville's operations together, managing logistics, shipping, and compliance. Originally from Winona, Minnesota, he found his way into the wine industry after moving to Oregon in 2005. With experience in various roles, Chris thrives on the important details that keep everything running smoothly. He is a devoted husband to Jesse and a father to their shepherd, Kirby. When he’s not juggling responsibilities at Granville, you can find him chasing chickens or savoring Italian wines on the Oregon coast.
Renee Hunt
The aesthetic eye and refinement to all things Granville Wine Co, Renee joined the team in 2024 as our Marketing & Club Director. Raised in the Colorado Rockies, her path led from hospitality to success in nutrition and wellness brand management. Later, the Willamette Valley wine industry captured her attention and she has immersed herself ever since. Outside of her work at Granville, Renee can be found on the Oregon coast chasing the perfect wave and golden hour beverage to go with it.
