“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” Susan Sokol Blosser said — and that statement comes after a lifetime of difficult choices. In the early 1970s, Susan Sokol and her first husband, Bill Blosser, founded Sokol Blosser Winery in Oregon at a time when the state’s wine industry was barely established. Over the decades she took on physically demanding work in the vineyards, learned to operate heavy equipment, and in 1991 assumed the presidency of the winery. Then, in 2008, she made what she calls the hardest decision of all: after a gradual transition and without external pressure, she stepped down as president and named her children, Alison and Alex, as co-presidents.
Forty-two years after Susan and Bill planted their first vines, Oregon’s wine scene has grown to include roughly 450 wineries, and Sokol Blosser stands out as one of its most respected producers. It is not the largest—by design the winery limited production to preserve quality—but it is regarded as one of the finest. Rather than follow the local trend of producing Chardonnay, Sokol Blosser shifted focus to Pinot Gris, which has become a signature for the estate.
On a recent tasting, the 2011 Pinot Gris ($20) showed a bright, crisp profile with lively freshness and vivid fruit notes. Among the winery’s Pinot Noirs, the Estate Cuvée 2009 ($60), a Reserve-level bottling, presented dark berry aromas, a refined structure and a long, satisfying finish. The Pinot Noir 2009 ($80), sourced from the Goosepen Block vineyard and considered the winery’s Grand Cru, displayed elegant berry character, subtle earthiness and the classic flavors expected from a top Oregon Pinot.
Another cornerstone of Sokol Blosser’s portfolio is Evolution, a pair of non-vintage blends that account for a significant share of production. The white Evolution, now in its 16th bottling, is energetic and tropical with a lush palate ($15). Evolution Red, introduced recently, combines dark berry flavors with spice and a smooth finish, offering an approachable, food-friendly option at the same price point ($15).
Beyond the cellar, Susan remains active in the local community, serving as president of the Yamhill Enrichment Society and leading initiatives that support community projects. The winery has invested in visitor facilities as well: a new, larger tasting room is set to open this year, enhancing the guest experience while reflecting the estate’s commitment to quality and hospitality.
The leadership transition has been successful: Alison, now 33, and Alex, 39, continue to build on their parents’ legacy while maintaining the family’s standards. The next generation is already making memories among the vines — Alison’s 4-year-old son, Dario, has declared his favorite pastime is playing in the vineyards. With that early enthusiasm, a third generation may well be on the way.