Our Short Story

Bringing delicious wine to Oregon

Cardwell Hill Cellars was founded with a passion for premium wine and a love of the Willamette Valley. In January of 2000 Dan and Nancy Chapel purchased the land that is Cardwell Hill Cellars. Located twelve miles west of Corvallis in the shadow of Mary’s Peak, this plot was just what they wanted. It had a north/south slope, volcanic basalt soil and abundant rainfall.

Once the ink was dry on the contract, Dan and Nancy set about to establish their brand. They cleared, planted and built. Soon new vineyards were established and an administrative center and winery were built. In 2003 the first pinot noir was produced. The tasting room opened to the public Thanksgiving weekend 2004. Pinot Noir 2006, their fourth vintage, was included by Wine Spectator in their Top 100. And so the dream continues. Please note the current major awards.

2018 Monet Blocks
DOUBLE GOLD  2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
DOUBLE GOLD  2022 Great Northwest Platinum Wine Competition
92 pts – GOLD  2022 Great Northwest Invititonal Wine Competition

2022 Rose’ from Pinot Noir
PLATINUM  2023 Great NW Wine Platinum Competition
91 pts. 2023 Great NW Wine Platinum Competition
91 pts. 2023 Review by Paul Gregutt
91 pts. 2023 Oregon Wine Awards
GOLD 2023 Oregon Wine Awards

2021 The Bard Chard
BEST CHARDONNAY  2023 SIP! McMinnville Wine & Food Classic “again this year, a record fourth time”
BEST WHITE VARIENTAL  2023 SIP! McMinnville Wine & Food Classic
DOUBLE GOLD 2023 SIP! McMinnville Wine & Food Classic

2022 Pinot Gris
91 pts. 2023 Oregon Wine Awards
GOLD 2023 Oregon Wine Awards

2022 Blush Pinot Noir
91 pts. 2023 Review by Paul Gregutt
90 pts – 2023 Oregon Wine Awards
SILVER 2023 Oregon Wine Awards

2022 Estate Pinot Noir
GOLD 2024 Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival Competition
GOLD  2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2021 Reserve Pinot Noir
SILVER 2024 Newport Seafood Wine Competition