Oregon Roots Run Deep in Winderlea’s Next Era

A new chapter is underway at Winderlea Vineyard & Winery. After two decades of leadership from Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, the winery now enters a new era under the stewardship of the Ricci family, a multi-generational Oregon family with longstanding ties to the Willamette Valley.

For those who know Winderlea, excellence has always been the standard. For two decades, it’s built a reputation in Oregon and beyond for its elegant, low-intervention wines and unflinching commitment to sustainability and stewardship of its vineyards. The Biodynamic® farming practices and Certified B Corp status are central to the winery’s values. The estate has earned its place among Oregon’s most respected labels, and that foundation remains firmly intact.

Anna Ricci, who represents the next generation of family leadership at Winderlea, describes the transition as both meaningful and energizing. “It was a serendipitous moment when this opportunity to purchase Winderlea presented itself. It was family coming to family, and now we’re thrilled to steward this beautiful legacy as we move forward.”

The Ricci family’s Oregon roots run four generations deep. Joth Ricci is well known across the state’s business and wine communities, including for his leadership at Adelsheim Vineyard. The existing team remains in place, including winemakers Emily Terrell and Robert Brittan, ensuring the same warm hospitality and thoughtful winemaking that guests have come to expect.

Lindsey Morse, Vice President of Strategy & Winery Operations, sees the next chapter as both a continuation and an evolution. “Winderlea is an incredible gem,” she notes. “It is located on Worden Hill Road, one of the most storied roads in one of the most recognized AVAs in the Willamette Valley. It overlooks one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen; we call it the amphitheater of the Dundee Hills. This is not just a 20-year-old winery, it’s a 50-year-old vineyard.”

Looking ahead, their place in the Dundee Hills will continue to guide the guest experience at Winderlea. As Morse notes, “Whether it’s a formal tasting or a walk through the vineyard or a really exceptional or unexpected culinary pairing, I think that’s what will be important as we look to the future and welcome in a new generation of wine drinkers.”

For those wondering about Bill and Donna’s next adventure, they are staying in the area and are excited to remain ingrained in the community and the philanthropic work they do here. They will certainly not be strangers!

For visitors to the Dundee Hills, Winderlea remains what it has always been: a place where history, hospitality, and sustainably crafted wines meet. Now it’s carried forward by a family whose Oregon roots run deep. Next time you’re visiting, be sure to stop by Winderlea to meet Anna, Lindsey, and the whole team.