Dusky Goose's Oregon Roots
Dusky Goose was founded in 2002 in the Dundee Hills, Oregon’s premier winegrowing region, by native Oregonians John and Linda Carter.
Claiming the Dundee Hills as the place to make their mark for growing World Class wines from the Willamette Valley set the Dusky Goose mission into motion.
Limited and True
Dusky Goose’s eight-acre Rambouillet Vineyard lies in the heart of the Dundee Hills, a site steeped in both history and intention. Its name pays tribute to John and Linda Carter’s Eastern Oregon ranching roots, where Linda’s family has raised Rambouillet sheep for generations, producing the luxurious wool treasured by Pendleton’s renowned mills.
Planted on south-facing slopes in the volcanic Jory soils that define the Dundee Hills, Rambouillet Vineyard embodies the elegance, balance, and ageability that have made this region synonymous with world-class Pinot Noir. The vineyard’s high-density plantings feature carefully selected Pommard and Dijon clones, positioned to capture every possible ray of seasonal daylight—an approach that places Rambouillet at the forefront of Oregon viticulture.
Our commitment to low-impact farming is evident in every row. By embracing low yields, limited production, and uncompromising respect for the fruit, vines, and land, we ensure that Rambouillet Vineyard continues to produce Pinot Noir of exceptional quality, vintage after vintage.
A Worthy Pursuit
From the very beginning, founder John Carter envisioned Dusky Goose as a pursuit of excellence—a commitment to crafting wines that stand the test of time, evolving with age to rival the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Old World.
Our philosophy has always been rooted in the vineyard. Alongside our estate vineyard Rambouillet, Dusky Goose sources fruit from some of the Willamette Valley’s most iconic sites: Dundee’s Lillie’s Vineyard and Yamhill-Carlton’s Fennwood Vineyard.
Lillie’s Vineyard, planted in 2000, is nestled adjacent to Rambouillet Vineyard. Its success lies in its south-facing slopes, prime elevations of 300 to 500 feet, rich Jory soils, and being planted exclusively to a single Pinot Noir clone—Dijon 115. Meanwhile, Fennwood Vineyard, planted in 2008 in Yamhill-Carlton, showcases a vibrant mix of clones for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, flourishing in the marine-sedimentary soils that define the AVA.
Steady Hands
At Dusky Goose, our winemaking journey is guided by a steady hand. founding winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash—an icon in Oregon wine—laid the foundation for Dusky Goose with her unparalleled expertise. Today, winemaker Hans Van Dale proudly carries on her legacy, crafting wines that embody elegance, depth, and a sense of place.
Hans brings a wealth of experience from working with Pinot Noir in Carneros, Anderson Valley, Central Otago, and all of the Willamette Valley’s nested AVAs. Before joining Dusky Goose, he served as assistant winemaker at Andrew Rich Wines. Inspired by great producers around the globe, Hans remains steadfast in his pursuit of expressing the singular voice of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Our vineyards thrive under the care of Andy Humphrey, a true pioneer of the Willamette Valley winegrowing community. With over 35 years of experience, Andy’s meticulous approach is evident in every pristine row of our vineyards, shaping the Dusky Goose identity from the ground up.
Recognizing the opportunity to grow the Dusky Goose story beyond Oregon, John and Linda Carter partnered with Tamara and John Lundgren, trusted ambassadors who have built a passionate community of Dusky Goose advocates along the East Coast.
Winemaking
At our winemaking facility in Carlton, Hans oversees the production of both Dusky Goose and Rambeaux Wines. A Santa Cruz, California, native with a lifelong passion for Pinot Noir, Hans draws inspiration from global winemaking traditions while staying firmly rooted in the Willamette Valley. His dedication to creating age-worthy wines that honor the land is the driving force behind every bottle.
Our People Process
At its core, Dusky Goose is a people-first endeavor. Crafting world-class wines demands more than skill—it requires a team with passion, precision, and deep ties to the local winegrowing community. From the vineyard to the cellar and beyond, every member of our team plays a vital role in bringing the Dusky Goose story to life, sharing the spirit of Oregon wine with family and friends across the country.
Galit Reilly
General Manager
Sarah Swindell
Consumer Sales Manager
Jorge Rivera
Hospitality Manager