Meet the Growers

As harvest season rolls in, there’s no better time to celebrate the people behind the bounty. Let’s Meet the Growers, and go behind the scenes with four local farms and vineyards in the Wilsonville area – just as the grapes are picked and the fields come alive with the energy of the season. These folks are more than producers; they’re stewards of the land, passionate about not only their craft but also the community. Let’s shine a light on these local gems and get to know more about the stories and hard work behind the harvest!

Beckham Estate

Nestled thirty minutes south of Portland on the steep, panoramic slopes of Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains, Beckham Estate Vineyard is the vision of Andrew and Annedria Beckham, first‑generation growers who bought the land in 2004 with dreams of creating a ceramics studio but found themselves drawn to viticulture instead. Over the years they’ve shaped their 34‑acre property with a deep respect for the land, converting nearly half to vine plantings (Pinot Noir, Gamay, Trousseau Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté and others) while protecting riparian zones for natural habitat. From dry farming techniques to evolving to increasingly biodynamic and regenerative farming practices with composting, animals, and soil health central to everything, the approach is truly holistic. What really sets Beckham apart, though, is the integration of ceramics: Andrew handcrafts terracotta amphorae on‑site to ferment and age wine, allowing him to express site, vintage, and texture in profoundly individual wines.

I had the great honor of receiving a tour of the entire operation from Andrew himself during my visit to Beckham Estates. Andrew was a ceramics teacher for over 20 years, most recently teaching at a local high school. When he and Annedria purchased the land back in 2004, creating a ceramics studio was certainly on the priority list, but what they didn’t expect was to get sidetracked by neighbors who were growing wine grapes. It was then that Andrew decided to try his own hand at this whole thing – he was quickly glued into the soil and wine making, initially using oak until his wife Annedria made a discovery. She pointed out an article about the origins of wine, the ancient way; for thousands of years, humans have used terra cotta vessels (amphora) to produce wine.

Andrew Beckham’s Novum Ceramics is now the first commercial producer of terra cotta amphorae in America. With many, many hours of firing and months of air drying to craft these 1,000 pound vessels, Andrew is passionate about being part of all the steps in this incredible process. The Beckham’s want to share this unique experience in the Willamette Valley rooted in nature and history, as these vessels are truly a sight to see. These growers and makers want visitors to feel the importance of getting back to our cultural roots, and discover why we did use this material for so long. The wines at Beckham Estate are about the place and the climate, the ancient practices of wine making come to life, from point A to Z, Andrew takes pride in being part of the entire process of winemaking.

The Beckham’s invite you to book a truly one of a kind tasting amongst the stunning natural beauty on Parrett Mountain. Experience an event like their hosted dinners, and even stay in the guesthouse on site for the ultimate wine country getaway.

Terra Vina

Tucked away on the scenic slopes of Parrett Mountain near Wilsonville, Terra Vina Wines is the heart and soul of Karl and Carole Dinger – a couple whose passion for wine took root when they planted their vineyard in the late 1990s. There were no grapes on the property when the family moved from the Bay Area in 1996, and with the desire of a slower life, acreage, and an interest in winemaking from the influence of grandfathers on both sides, a dream was set into motion. What began as a love for the land has grown into a winery particularly known for its bold, expressive reds and other unique varietals.They also source exceptional fruit from Eastern Oregon and Washington, allowing them to explore a broader palette of varietals while staying true to their roots. Whether you’re sipping a robust red or a crisp white, every bottle from Terra Vina tells the story of a family deeply committed to craft, community, and sharing good wine with good company. Today, Terra Vina is a multigenerational family-owned vineyard, where daughter Roxanne has proudly stepped into an operational role here and will likely be the first one to greet you upon visiting.

I got to wander the estate vineyard and tasting room with Roxanne and met her husband Drew, who is an outstanding chef from the East Coast, just adding to the amazing experience at Terra Vina. While Roxanne is overseeing things around Terra Vina these days, Karl still masterfully crafts the wines and loves sharing the stories behind the bottles. Carole is a talented gardener, which you’ll immediately notice upon visiting with all the meticulously planted flowers around the property. Though Karl and Carole have taken a step back, this is still very much a family affair.

With a smile on her face, Roxanne shared childhood memories filled with grape stomping, u-pick in the fall and later even entering wine making competitions at the state fair. When I asked which grape varietals they specialize in at Terra Vina, the answer came without hesitation: “Cabernet Franc!”, and they were actually one of the first in the valley to plant this varietal. Known for their love of big, bold reds, this winery isn’t afraid to venture into unique varietals you don’t often find – wines that are fruit-forward, low in tannins and acidity, yet still complex and approachable. Roxanne wants visitors to know that there’s something for every wine drinker at Terra Vina. With the launch of their STARK label, they’ve added Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their estate vineyard – elegant expressions of what the Willamette Valley is truly known for. The vineyard is LIVE certified, reflecting a deep commitment to environmentally and socially responsible farming practices. When it comes to the tasting experience, the goal is simple but heartfelt: to make every guest feel like they’ve just been welcomed into the family home where two generations have poured their hearts into the land. It’s not just about the wine, it’s about the story, the place, and the people behind each bottle.The family invites visitors to enjoy their beautiful estate vineyard and open air indoor tasting room overlooking the vineyard or outdoors on the extensive patio to sip on delicious wines and enjoy a bite from their onsite food truck, where you can expect an amazing signature seasonal menu curated by chef Drew himself.

Yesteryear

If you’re craving a Hallmark worthy holiday experience, Yesteryear Farms is the place. This farm located in the heart of Wilsonville isn’t just about pumpkins and corn – it’s about growing memories. Wander through rows of festive pumpkins (from jack‑o‑lantern classics to fairy‑tale gourds), get lost together in a winding corn maze, enjoy complimentary apple cider and popcorn, peek at farm animals and explore the magic of the gift shop stocked with local goodies, decor and more. On weekends, live music and food trucks may greet you, and all through the season there are unmatched photo ops and character appearances. Whether you’re looking for a festive (and incredibly aesthetically pleasing) way to celebrate fall, or later in the holiday season, experience Christmas magic and pick out a tree, Yesteryear Farms is a must-visit and truly a beloved gem to the community!

The family running this local gem prefers to stay behind the scenes, letting their farm – and all the joy it brings, take center stage. When I sat down with the family behind Yesteryear, their passion for community, tradition, and affordable family fun came through in every answer. The farm’s journey began humbly, with a small Christmas tree lot and a festive holiday store set up in a pole barn just down the road from their current location. After just two seasons, they had already outgrown the space, a testament to the community’s enthusiasm and support. While the farm operates seasonally, the work is truly year-round. Off-season days are filled with cleanup, planning, and preparing to welcome guests again. Local growers play a vital role in their success, providing much of the produce sold on-site, from pumpkins and gourds to hay and Christmas trees. Yesteryear Farms does grow their own corn for the maze, which is later donated for cattle feed. As they continue to grow, the farm’s main goal looking forward is to fine-tune the guest experience, improving parking, traffic flow, and accessibility so that everyone, from anywhere, can enjoy a safe and memorable visit. They see Yesteryear’s impact on local tourism not just as a draw, but as a ripple effect – visitors who come to the farm often explore nearby restaurants, stores, and attractions, boosting the surrounding economy. Seasonal celebrations are a cornerstone of their offerings, from summer sunflowers and Fourth of July festivities to their iconic fall Harvest Fest and Christmas magic. With over 30 varieties of pumpkins, some unusual and heirloom types included, and giant carvers with famously long stems from some of the best-known farmers and growers in the region.

New this year are expanded photo opportunities, and continuing is their personal favorite: free Friday night family movies in the pumpkin patch! A tradition from their own family’s past, these movie nights are now a cherished event that reflects the farm’s mission: to offer families a fun, memorable, and affordable experience, without the stress of high costs.

The folks behind Yesteryear are passionate about providing families with an amazing experience without worry of the cost – with the hope that visitors can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime with their loved ones. The family welcomes the local and surrounding communities to experience that Hallmark holiday feeling for themselves.

Our Table Co-Op

If you’ve ever thought about what it means to build a healthier, more connected way of eating, Our Table Cooperative is putting that vision into practice every day. Located on a 58-acre certified organic farm just outside of Wilsonville, this isn’t your average farmstand – it’s a thriving cooperative made up of growers, workers, and eaters, all sharing a stake in the future of good food. You’ll find rows of vegetables, patch‑after‑patch of berries, flower fields, pastured eggs, and more, all cared for with attention to sustainable practices. On the farm you can shop at their grocery store stocked with fresh produce and value‑added goods, enjoy a delicious meal during their seasonal Friday happy hours or at their hosted dinners, or just wander the grounds with plenty of seating and even a little nature play area for the kids. At Our Table, community is the heart of what they do, bringing together the people who buy and eat the food along with the people that grow and produce it.

In speaking with Narendra Varma, founder of Our Table Cooperative, it became clear just how deeply this work is rooted in purpose. Raised in India, Narendra grew up immersed in a culture where food was much more than sustenance – it was hospitality, celebration, and tradition. That early exposure, coupled with the experience of raising his own family, sparked a desire to build something meaningful: a space where food could be a vehicle for connection and sustainability. When Narendra and his family moved to Oregon in 2010, they were drawn to the region’s unique land-use laws, which allowed for rural farming close to urban centers. By 2013, the cooperative had taken root, and in 2015, the on-farm grocery store opened its doors. From the start, the mission has been about building community through food. And, while Our Table is a co-op, you don’t need to be a member to take part in what they offer. According to Narendra, the business is ever evolving, fine-tuning to the feedback of the community and competitive food landscape to offer customers the best possible experience, and most importantly, quality products that you can feel good about.

Narendra agrees to some extent that food may be fuel – but it’s so much more than that. “Food is nourishment and an opportunity to connect with each other”, he says. His hope is to continue sharing the magic of a farm-direct experience with members of the community and visitors alike. Whether you’re a weekly shopper or a first-time visitor, you’re invited to slow down, taste what’s in season, connect with neighbors over a shared table, and experience the power of food to bring people together.

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