FHV planted 3.2 acres of Chardonnay 76 bringing our total planted acreage of all varieties to 93.  When we began planting in 1983 we were hoping to plant the original 80 acres in three years, but phylloxera, inexperience, and youthful exuberance we underestimated by 33 years.  Still all in all quite a feeling of accomplishment.  The growing season was once again warm and we rushed into harvest on September 6 and finished with Pinot Blanc on October 3.  Early returns from the wineries are very promising.

Because we have had several dry years recently overall vigor has been suppressed and as a response we have been removing permanent cover crop in various blocks to limit competition for available water.  Bit of a tough decision because this means more tractor work and dust.  This is year 3 of FHV being herbicide free necessitating more mechanical weed control beneath the vines. The goal is to nurture soil health ultimately reflected in wine quality.  We are also pleased to announce we were certified sustainable by Food Alliance in 2018.

We continue to be proud of the recognition our winery partners have earned in the market place and are happy to have added over the last couple of years Kelly Fox, Mark Ryan Winery, and Illahee Vineyards.  2018 was also the first harvest following the passing of Patty Green and she was sorely missed, however the PGC family pulled together and continues to do wonderful things.  If you haven’t done so already, please lift a glass to in tribute to Patty, a super person and winemaker.

The 16′ harvest went smooth with pleasant weather and no hiccups. Yields were back to a more normal level, around 3 tons per acre. ’14 and ’15 were both huge years leaving winery’s scrambling to find space for for all the fruit. All in all 2016 was good vintage for us and we anticipate some great wines.

We had good weather just after harvest, which was nice for planting winter cover crops. This year we planted Crimson clover as well as Hairy Vetch.

The cold weather in December hardened off the vines and aloud us to begin pruning. The hard freeze in early January has let us get into the vineyard with the tractor to chop brush. As long as the temperature doesn’t get into single digits for extended periods the vines should be fine.

We’re excited to have four acres of Chardonnay coming into production this year. Altogether that will put us just under 14 acres of producing Chard. For ’18 we will have 3 more acres of Pinot Noir coming online.

It’s been a busy summer season. Bud break was one week behind last year, 4/1. An early start produced fast growing shoots and the crew worked hard to keep up moving wires.

July of ’16 has been cool and growth has slowed down a bit, but we are still on track for an early September harvest.

For those of you I haven’t met, my name is Dustin. I’m Dan and Helens oldest. I returned to the farm in ’12 and have been running day to day operations since then.

My youngest sister McKenzie has also joined the family business handling the books and social media.

We are excited to announce that we have several new winery’s purchasing fruit this year, Evesham Wood and Cana’s Feast. Also this summer, Devona of Walla Walla has released there 2012 Freedom Hill Pinot noir.

All in all 2016 has been good this far to Freedom Hill. Here’s to a bountiful harvest.

Dustin Dusschee

March 12th has come and passed, but the Dusschee’s spent much of the day in Portland’s Pearl District at the first Freedom Hill Vineyard Terroir Tasting. It was an amazing experience.

The beginning portion was a tasting and presentation for the trade industry with Dan and Helen Dusschee, Mark Vlossak, Jesse Lange, and Ken Wright. Dan and Helen each took a roll in presenting the history of the vineyard. Helen focused on the family aspect and Dan educated about the land and farming.

The second portion of the Terrior Tasting was the consumer portion. The house was packed with over 130 guests. Six of the wineries that Freedom Hill sells to were there exclusively pouring Freedom Hill. This included: Ken Wright Cellars, Purple Hands Wines, Walter Scott Wine, St. Innocent Winery, Patricia Green Cellars, and Lange Estate Winery.

All in the all this was a wonderful day and the Dusschee family felt honored to be recognized in such a way. Thank you to all who attended!!

The wine industry has lost a long term and devoted supporter in the
passing of John Innocent Vlossak this past week. With all those he
came into contact with he offered warmth and ever caring knowledge
about wine. His contributions to St. Innocent Winery and his son’s,
Mark’s skills are profound.

He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to Mark and family.

The Dusschee Family

Be ready……

March 12th in Portland, Freedom Hill Vineyard tasting by all major producers.

More info soon!!