Jennifer Dunn is co-owner of Table Rock Ranch and Vineyard in Rogue Valley, Oregon. But the vineyard story is more than just great wine; it’s about a farming family legacy. After growing up in northern Oregon, attending college, launching a career in tech where she focused on education and learning, getting married, and raising a family. She had spent close to 30 years traveling to southern Oregon helping with the family farm, but this was growing weary, and big city traffic was cutting life too short.
Jennifer took on new roots by settling on her husband’s family farm, which was established in 1883. Shortly after, she expanded the property by acquiring a neighboring 86-acre farm with a 17 vineyard with a beautifully restored 1905 stone home. While continuing her career in technology, she revitalized the vineyard, and within two years, it was thriving.
Driven to create a lasting symbol of her family’s legacy, Jennifer partnered with winemaker Linda Donovan of Pallet Wine Company. In 2021, they released their first vintage—a Pinot Noir crafted with care from vine to bottle. The estate has since grown to include red, rosé, and white Pinot Noir. Today, Jennifer focuses on brand growth and hosts seasonal tastings from May through October in the vineyard’s scenic outdoor space. Media Inquiries: dunnfamily@tablerockwine.com | https://tablerockwine.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
Table Rock Vineyard is carefully tended by a multigenerational farming family going back to 1883. Vines and fruit echo the strength and character of our ancestors. Many evenings, sitting on the porch of our 1905 home, built from stones once nestled in the land, and a view to our southern facing vineyard, we relish the past that others have taken. Who were those before our grandparents who were relentless and resilient to ensure fruitful crops? How did they endure without machinery and technology? If only the land could tell us its story.
We carry on the traditions of our ancestors. We take an active role in vineyard farming and management to ensure the vines thrive and provide. Our motto: respect, nurture, and give back to the land before you expect to be rewarded.
In 2019, we expanded the family farm to over 180 acres, adding a vineyard. While a vineyard was new to this family, growing was second nature. Two beautiful Pinot Noir clones were planted strategically on 17 acres of Seven Oaks Loamy Sand and Cocker Clay but needed tender care. Taking an active role and willingness to learn, within just a few years, lots of sweat, countless tractor hours, sore pruning hands, the vineyard is thriving and producing some outstanding Pinot Noir. Blessed by the pristine waters of the Rogue River, you can’t help but taste a pure wine. Our soil, water, and weather help create a wine that is complex with a memorable journey on the palate.
Our first bottling started in 2021 with an Estate Pinot Noir. Since then, we’ve added a 2022 Estate Pinot Noir, a 2023 Estate Pinot Noir Rose, and a 2023 Estate White Pinot Noir. All offer a different experience, but there is something to appeal to all wine lovers.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
Build a tasting room that takes a nod to the deep legacy of farming traditions and educates guests on the farming and growing process. Many focus on the winemaking process and the tasting journey, but how many know the process before that? Strong farming practices help create the perfect environment for quality fruit. With quality fruit, manipulation of the wine is kept minimal; a natural evolution occurs.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Our 2021 Estate Pinot Noir is a symbol of our resilience. As the world closed down, we were blessed to roll up our sleeves, head outside, and take an active role in the vine growing season. While this was a laborious time, we learned every stage and gained respect for those who do this year-round. As we sip the wine, we take pride in our heritage and continued legacy. The wine is complex, like the dirt that hugs our vines, and creates a wonderful, long journey like our ancestors who arrived here. Taste the minerals, pristine waters, cool nights, and warm days. Sometimes, we imagine a warm blanket wrapped around tired shoulders as the sun sets, providing a magic glow. Stay tuned, this wine review is coming soon!
Bonus Question: What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
The patriarch of the family, Mike Dunn, was born and raised across the street from our vineyard. He has returned to home after more than 50 years.