Laurent Montalieu is the founder and winemaker of Soléna Estate in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Originally from France, Laurent brought his passion for agriculture and winemaking to Oregon more than three decades ago, becoming one of the early contributors to the region’s growth as a world-class wine destination.
Soléna Estate – named after daughter Soléna – was launched in May 2000 by owners Laurent and Danielle Andrus. Laurent focuses on crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines that highlight the character of the Willamette Valley. His winemaking philosophy emphasizes thoughtful vineyard stewardship, balanced fruit, and a style that allows each vineyard site and vintage to shine. Through Soléna Estate, Laurent continues to share his 35-year dedication to quality winemaking and the land that inspires it. Media Inquiries: Solena Andrus Montalieu solenaam@solenaestate.com | https://www.solenaestate.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
I’ve worked in the U.S. wine industry for more than 35 years and have had the privilege of working with many of the Willamette Valley’s most respected producers. But my greatest joy has been watching my daughter, Solena—the namesake of our winery—grow up on the property and begin her own journey in the wine business. As a child, she helped sort grapes during harvest, served food at events, and even gave impromptu winery tours.
Knowing that this property and brand, first planted by her grandfather, will one day be hers is something I’m deeply grateful for. Watching her step into the business has been especially meaningful. One of my favorite examples is when she created the Solena Estate Opa Pinot Noir, a tribute to her maternal grandfather, Gary Andrus, and the suitcase clone he brought with him. Family, legacy, and the story behind the wines remain at the heart of our brand, and seeing Solena carry that forward makes me incredibly proud—both as her father and as her partner in this journey.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
As mentioned earlier, I’ve been doing this for over 35 years. I’ve jokingly said to Solena that I’m eventually trying to retire! However, if there were no constraints and the sky were the limit, I would love to bring the story and wine of Solena Estate, into the glass of people across the country. To do that, I would want to expand Solena Estate’s production, both in terms of facilities and winemaking. I also know Solena aspires to expand its presence to both Portland and Bend. She has other plans for herself as well, but that may be something you’ll have to ask her about one day.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
If I had to choose one wine that is most emblematic of the Solena Estate brand, I would say our Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir. In 2000, Danielle Andrus and I purchased—and were married on—the property that would eventually become both our home and the 22 acres of vineyards we have planted today. At that time, Danielle’s father gifted us about five acres of varying Pinot Noir clones, some of which included his suitcase clone.
In 2001, our daughter Solena was born, and in 2002, Danielle and I started Solena Estate. Without Gary’s support in starting our vineyard, Danielle’s excellent business mindset, and my winemaking background, our brand would not be where it is today. This wine represents the culmination of three generations of winemakers and proprietors who deeply care about the wine industry and the legacy of what we set out to create. Read my review of this Yamhill-Carlton AVA Pinot Noir.
Bonus Question: What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I didn’t originally want to be a winemaker! I originally went to school in France to become a veterinarian. However, I wasn’t doing very well in my classes, and I realized that all my friends in the viticulture program were having a lot more fun than I was. Plus, many of them had family vineyards and needed help with chores so we could go skiing on the weekends. I ended up really enjoying the viticulture work, and the rest is history.