Winemaker's Dinner: Quady North

At Quady North, we are committed to the production of small lots using minimal handling at all stages of the process in order to show the distinct terroir of Southern Oregon.

After moving with his family from California in late 2003, Herb quickly became convinced that Southern Oregon was a region on the verge of exploding onto the wine scene. The climate, with warm days punctuated by afternoon winds and cool nights, reminded him of Southern France, and he was convinced that Rhone varieties would thrive.

In 2005, the Quady family purchased 100 acres, which contained the remains of an old motocross track and several dozen aging vehicles, and set upon the long task of converting it into an Estate vineyard. The next year, Herb and Meloney made the first vintage from purchased fruit while Herb worked as a winemaker at Troon Vineyard. Sourcing from distinct sites at disparate corners of the region, the first vintage was of excellent quality, and showed the terroir of each site.

The original planting was named “Mae’s Vineyard” after elder daughter Margaux Mae. Mae’s is planted to Syrah, Viogner, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Tannat, Malbec and Orange Muscat. In 2011, a second planting was named for younger daughter Serafina Eevee and was planted to Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Noir and Malvasia Bianca. Both are “LIVE” certified sustainable and Certified Organic.

As the Estate Vineyards came into bearing, the Quady’s continued to purchase fruit from the original sites, eventually forming a business that would manage these sites and more. These vineyard sites: Serenade (near Ashland), Steelhead Run (near the Applegate River), Sam’s Valley (in the upper Rogue) and the Frank’s Vineyard (now called Serra) would form a critical part of the winery’s portfolio, and are the source of many great wines.

Over time, the portfolio has expanded to become Pan-Rhonish, with a distinct Loire-ish influence. Recently, Grenache has played a larger part, becoming the basis of Dry Rose’, a GSM blend, as well as the “Bomba” a light, early released Grenache. The Pistoleta, a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Grenache Blanc, is a perennial favorite.