BRACKEN VINEYARD

GROWER | SHELBY PERKINS

EOLA-AMITY HILLS AVA
ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC PRACTICES

Founded in 2016 by the fiercely curious and endlessly passionate Shelby Perkins, Bracken Vineyard stretches across the high western benchlands of the Eola Amity Hills, rising from 630 to 750 feet and gazing straight into the Van Duzer corridor. The vines dig deep into a mosaic of volcanic soils: Nekia, Ritner, Witzel, and Jory, each lending depth and texture to the wines. Coastal Van Duzer winds moderate ripening and preserve freshness, contributing electric acidity and structural finesse to the wines.

Guided by both intuition and inquiry, Shelby’s work in the vineyard is rooted in analysis and alive with purpose. Originally planted in 2016 to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the vineyard expanded in 2019 with additional Chardonnay vines.Then came the voles. After a full-blown underground assault in 2020, Shelby replanted aggressively in 2021, reclaiming the vineyard and adding 3.26 new acres of Aligoté, Pinot Meunier, and additional Chardonnay. Rather than highlighting clonal identity, the variety of clones at Bracken is meant to deepen the site’s expression by offering multiple pathways for the terroir to reveal itself.

With a background that spans geology, environmental law, and Antarctic exploration, Shelby’s ethos, with an emphasis on soil vitality and biodiversity, brings a singular approach to viticulture. Walter Scott is proud to be one in a small group of winemakers making wine from this remarkable site.