DUNDEE, Ore. — Joth Ricci and his family have purchased Winderlea Vineyard and Winery, marking a family-to-family transition at one of Oregon’s most established wine estates in the Dundee Hills.
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The sale transfers ownership from founders Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, who established Winderlea as a winery in 2006 and have overseen its growth into a nationally recognized producer known for low-intervention winemaking, biodynamic farming, and a hospitality-focused tasting experience. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Located on Worden Hill Road in the Dundee Hills, Winderlea sits on land tied closely to the early development of winegrowing in the Willamette Valley. The estate vineyard was originally planted in 1974, years before the winery’s founding, with guidance from pioneering winemaker David Adelsheim.
Sweat said the decision to sell was made with an emphasis on long-term stewardship.
“From our very first conversations, it was clear that Joth and his family truly understood the intention and people that define Winderlea,” Sweat said in a statement. “Donna and I approached this decision with care, and we feel confident about what comes next.”
Ricci previously served as president and CEO of Adelsheim Vineyard, a winery with historic ties to the Winderlea site. A third-generation Oregonian raised in Corvallis, Ricci has held executive leadership roles across several prominent Oregon food and beverage companies, including Columbia Distributing, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Dutch Bros Coffee. He currently serves on the board of several Oregon companies and organizations, as well as executive chairman of Burgerville.
“Oregon shaped who I am, and this was a very personal decision for our family,” Ricci said. “Bill and Donna have created something remarkable here, and we’re excited to build on that foundation.”
Day-to-day operations at Winderlea are expected to continue without immediate changes. Lindsey Morse will lead business operations as vice president of strategy and winery operations, and Ricci’s daughter, Anna Ricci, is actively involved in supporting estate operations.
The transaction was advised by Metis. No timeline for operational changes has been announced.
Winderlea produces Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines and is a Certified B Corp and Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyard. Learn more at Winderlea’s website.
