Abacela

Earl and Hilda Jones founded Abacela in 1995 after careers as medical researchers. Their approach was scientific from the start: identify a climate in Oregon that matched the conditions of Spain's great wine regions, then plant accordingly. They selected a site in the Umpqua Valley whose hot summers, cool nights, and dry growing season closely mirror those of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The first Tempranillo vines went into the ground in 1995, and the first commercial varietal Tempranillo wine followed in 1997, a genuine first for the Pacific Northwest.

• Founded 1995 by Earl and Hilda Jones, former medical researchers
• Pioneered site-climate matching methodology in Oregon viticulture
• First commercial varietal Tempranillo in the Pacific Northwest produced 1997
• Earl Jones credited as 'The Godfather of Tempranillo' and a worldwide expert on Spanish varieties

Abacela's competition record established the credibility of Oregon Tempranillo on a global stage. The 1998 Estate Tempranillo took first place at the 2001 San Francisco International Wine Competition, besting 19 Spanish entries. The 2005 Reserve became the first American varietal Tempranillo to receive a gold medal at Spain's Tempranillo al Mundo competition. Wine Press Northwest named Abacela Oregon Winery of the Year in 2013, and the Oregon wine industry honored Earl and Hilda Jones with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Most recently, the 2025 Grenache Rosé won the Greatest of the Grape award at the 55th annual Umpqua Valley wine competition.

• 1998 Estate Tempranillo defeated 19 Spanish entries at the 2001 San Francisco International Wine Competition
• 2005 Reserve: first American varietal Tempranillo to win gold at Spain's Tempranillo al Mundo
• Oregon Winery of the Year 2013, Wine Press Northwest
• Oregon Wine Industry Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Earl and Hilda Jones, 2015

The estate is known as Fault Line Vineyards, named for the 120-mile thrust fault on which it sits. The 76 acres are planted across south-facing hillsides at 500 to 800 feet above the valley floor, maximizing heat summation while minimizing fog. Seven different soil types have been identified on the property, many with magnesium-rich components. The growing season spans 213 days, with just 8.1 inches of precipitation falling during that period out of 28 inches annually. Vineyard monitoring is precise: three weather stations, 24 temperature sensors, and 40 soil moisture probes track conditions across the estate. A 125-hectare Nature Conservancy has also been established on the property.

• 76 acres on a 120-mile thrust fault; seven distinct soil types with magnesium-rich components
• Elevation 500-800 feet; south-facing hillsides minimise fog and maximise heat summation
• 213-day growing season with only 8.1 inches of precipitation; mirrors Rioja and Ribera del Duero climates
• Monitored by three weather stations, 24 temperature sensors, and 40 soil moisture probes

Abacela's winery is built around a gravity flow processing system operating across three floor elevations, minimising pump-handling of fruit and wine. The portfolio centres on Iberian varietals: Tempranillo leads production at roughly 3,500 cases per year, supported by Albariño, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz, Graciano, Bastardo, and Tannat. Italian varieties including Dolcetto, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo are also grown, alongside Grenache, Syrah, Malbec, Viognier, and Petit Verdot. Extended barrel aging and a commitment to expressing harmony between variety and site define the house style. Port-style and dessert wines round out the range. An internship programme established in 2001 has produced more than 50 alumni.

• Gravity flow winery across three floor elevations; extended barrel aging standard practice
• 17 grape varieties grown; Tempranillo leads at approximately 3,500 cases annually
• Portfolio spans Iberian, Italian, Rhône, and Bordeaux varieties plus Port and dessert wines
• Internship programme established 2001; more than 50 alumni to date