Terry Brandborg is the founder and winemaker at Brandborg Vineyard and Winery, which was founded in Elkton, Oregon, in 2002 by Terry and Sue Brandborg. Terry previously established Brandborg Cellars in 1986 in California’s Anderson Valley, focusing on Pinot Noir and cool-climate whites. After searching the West Coast for an ideal cool-climate site, they chose Elkton for its coastal influence and proven history with Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer, planting their vineyard in 2002.
Brandborg has grown to 10,000 cases, is distributed in 20 U.S. markets, and played a key role in establishing the Elkton, Oregon AVA in 2013. The winery was named “2015 Oregon Winery of the Year” by Wine Press Northwest.
Media Inquiries: terry@brandborgwine.com | https://www.brandborgwine.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
We moved to Elkton in 2002, drawn by its early plantings of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer dating back to 1972—remarkably early for Oregon. With its cool, coastal climate, the region allows us to produce structured, “Old World”–style wines without chasing excessive ripeness.
At the time, only one other winery operated in Elkton. We sourced fruit from vineyards planted in 1983 from original cuttings and later established our own five-acre, high-elevation Dijon-clone Pinot Noir vineyard west of town.
As we built national distribution, we worked to distinguish Elkton from the warmer reputation of Southern Oregon, ultimately helping secure Elkton AVA approval in 2013. I also designed our winery to reflect the character of the town—an effort that contributed to a broader local revitalization.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
Having made wine commercially for 40 years, we are ready to move on. It’s been a great ride! We have especially enjoyed the people and connections that we have made over the course of this journey. Of course we had desired to become more successful financially.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
If I had to try just one wine? Our Ferris Wheel Estate pinot noir, both red and white. It’s truly emblematic of our vineyard, planted by Sue and I. Sue jokingly says she named every vine out there; they’re her children! Read my review of this exceptional Pinot Noir.
Bonus Question: What are your wholehearted convictions related to the wine business? Not about your wines!
We have always sought to build this industry, not just our brand. I served as President of the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association, a board director on the Oregon Wine Board, and a board director for the Oregon Winegrowers Association. The object has always been to promote all of our Oregon industry.