Heather Perkin Promoted To Head Winemaker
PRESS RELEASE
February 23, 2023, McMinnville, Oregon - After 15+ years of working with the Campbell family, moving up the ranks and proving herself in the cellar, Heather Perkin has been promoted to the Head Winemaker position for Pike Road wines. Perkin has been making wine since the early 2000s when she studied Agriculture Science and majored in Enology at Adelaide University in South Australia. She has a meticulous and creative approach to winemaking:
“My winemaking style makes creative use of the growing season’s influences on the fruit from each unique vineyard site. While I tightly regulate the production processes to ensure consistent quality, I leave plenty of room for the grapes to shine. My role is to continue the vineyard crews’ hard work and shepherd the grapes to bottle.” – Head Winemaker Heather Perkin
Pike Road Wines launched in 2016 and is the sister winery to Elk Cove Vineyards, founded by Pat and Joe Campbell in 1974 and the first vineyard and winery in what is now the Yamhill-Carlton AVA (American Viticultural Area). Elk Cove is now in the second generation under Winemaker/Owner Adam Campbell and their wines are 100% estate grown, whereas the Campbells purchase fruit from 20+ growers in the northern Willamette Valley to produce their wines under the Pike Road label.
“I am thrilled to be working alongside family-owned vineyards. My first exposure to the wine industry was at the age of 16, working alongside my dad in the vineyard. I feel I am coming full circle, working with people who are passionate about their vineyards and have amazing stories to share about their grape growing journeys. I am excited to shepherd their long hours in the vineyard to bottle for everyone to enjoy!” - Head Winemaker Heather Perkin
Over the last 50 years, it’s either been Adam Campbell or his father Joe at the helm, so naming Heather as the Head Winemaker for Pike Road Wines is a big step and it’s a testament to her skills, passion and devotion to her craft.
Heather Perkin & Adam Campbell
“Heather Perkin has been an indispensable part of the continued success of my family’s Elk Cove Estate as well as the meteoric rise of our sister winery Pike Road Wines! Since this amazing human being first started here in 2005 as a Harvest Intern, I’ve been so fortunate to partner with her on pushing quality forward for my two wineries. From amazing Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs to our aromatic whites and more recently traditional method sparkling wines, Heather’s palate and intuitive sense of our needs in the cellar have pushed quality to the highest level imaginable. I feel so fortunate to work with Heather to continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible for all of the Elk Cove and Pike Road wines!” – Owner/Winemaker Adam Campbell
In less than 10 years, Pike Road Wines has grown its production to 38,000 cases per year, with a focus on value-driven, quality Willamette Valley wines. Pike Road Wines are now distributed in 49 states and 5 export markets. Pike Road has a Tasting Room in McMinnville Oregon with over 600 Wine Club members. In less than a decade, Pike Road wines have been awarded over 50 awards from major magazines of 90 points and above.
About Pike Road Wines:
“At Pike Road, we believe great winemaking starts with great farming. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to support small family-owned vineyards to create wines of quality, value and integrity, sourcing fruit from over 20 farms in Oregon’s northern Willamette Valley covering six unique sub-AVAs: Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, Laurelwood, Tualatin Hills & Yamhill Carlton. With over four decades of experience at Pike Road’s sister winery Elk Cove Vineyards, our family has a long history here in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. We are committed to preserving family farms through our longtime partnerships with growers from around the valley.” - The Campbell Family
Quick facts about Pike Road:
• 38K annual case production. Winemaking at Elk Cove Vineyards in Gaston, OR
• Fruit sourced from Elk Cove’s estate plantings and 20+ small vineyards in the northern Willamette Valley
• Wines include Pinot Noir, Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sparkler and Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs from several well-known vineyards including Shea, Fairsing and Temperance Hill