Bill Stoller: A Visionary in Oregon Wine

The Oregon wine industry has suffered a significant loss with the passing of Bill Stoller, a renowned winemaker, businessman, and philanthropist. Stoller, who was 74, died on April 24, 2023, at his home in Oklahoma City. Stoller’s legacy extends far beyond his business ventures. He was a pioneer in Oregon wine, playing a crucial role in shaping the industry into what it is today. His unwavering vision and commitment to sustainability helped establish Oregon as a world-class wine region. Born on the family farm outside Dayton, Oregon, Stoller grew up with a deep understanding of the land and its potential. He later graduated from Pacific University with degrees in business and economics, and earned his MBA from Portland State University. Stoller’s background in business and economics provided a solid foundation for his future success in the wine industry. In 1983, Stoller co-founded Express Employment Professionals, a company that would become one of the largest privately owned staffing companies in the world. However, it was his return to Oregon in the late 1980s that marked the beginning of his journey in the wine industry.

Stoller was one of 36 investors in Ridgecrest Vineyards, the first vineyard planted in what would later become the highly regarded Ribbon Ridge appellation. By 1993, he was co-owner of Chehalem, which was founded by winemaker Harry Peterson-Nedry in 1990. Stoller’s partnership with Chehalem helped establish the winery as a prominent player in the Oregon wine industry. Stoller also purchased the old family turkey farm and started planting vineyards there. The property, now known as Stoller Family, is located in the Dundee Hills appellation and has 210 acres of vineyards, about 70 percent planted with Pinot Noir. The first vintage of Stoller was 2001, made at Chehalem. Stoller was committed to sustainability in both farming and winemaking, and helped set an example for the industry by earning the prestigious LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency and environmental design in 2006. His commitment to sustainability helped pave the way for other wineries to follow in his footsteps. In addition to his work in the wine industry, Stoller was also a philanthropist and worked to revitalize his hometown of Dayton.