The founder of Argyle Winery is Rollin Soles. I had the pleasure of meeting Rollin and hearing about his journey into winemaking during my time in the Willamette Valley. It was evident that he had a deep passion for the region and its potential for producing world-class wines.
Rollin Soles visited the Willamette Valley in 1979, a time when the Oregon wine industry was still in its early stages. This was a time of exploration and experimentation, where winemakers like Rollin were drawn to the region's unique climate and soil conditions. They saw the potential for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and other cool-climate varietals.
When Rollin first set foot in the Willamette Valley, he was captivated by the spirit of the place. It was a spirit of adventure, of pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. The ethos of Oregon winemaking was already beginning to take shape, with an emphasis on sustainable and organic practices, a focus on quality over quantity, and a commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of the region.
Rollin Soles was inspired by this spirit and saw an opportunity to contribute to the growing wine scene in the Willamette Valley. He founded Argyle Winery in 1987, with a vision to produce wines that reflected the true essence of the region. His goal was to craft wines of exceptional quality that would rival the best in the world.
One of the key factors that set Argyle apart from other wineries in the region was Rollin's background as a brewer. He brought a fresh perspective to winemaking, drawing on his knowledge of fermentation and flavor development from his brewing days. This unique perspective allowed him to approach winemaking from a different angle, resulting in wines that were distinct and full of character.
I had the opportunity to taste some of Argyle's wines during my visit to the Willamette Valley, and I was truly impressed. The Pinot Noir, in particular, stood out for its elegance, complexity, and balance. It was evident that Rollin's commitment to quality and his meticulous attention to detail were reflected in every bottle.
To this day, Argyle Winery continues to uphold the pioneering spirit that Rollin Soles brought to the Willamette Valley. The winery remains dedicated to sustainable practices, using organic and biodynamic farming methods to produce their wines. They also continue to push the boundaries of winemaking, constantly striving to improve and innovate.
Rollin Soles is the founder of Argyle Winery, a true pioneer in Oregon winemaking. His passion, dedication, and unique perspective have played a significant role in shaping the ethos of the Willamette Valley wine industry. His legacy lives on through the exceptional wines produced by Argyle Winery today.