Beginning her wine education and career in Washington, Megan has hopped continents and hemispheres to expand her wine knowledge and experience. After making it as far north as the San Juan islands and as far south as New Zealand and Tasmania, in 2016 she decided to put down roots in the Willamette Valley and commit to her infatuation with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Growing among a community of mentors and friends led Megan to invaluable production experiences as well as dipping her toe back in the wine sales and hospitality side for a stint. Summer of 2022 finally led her to Lingua Franca where she is thrilled to be a part of such a talented production team.
The story of Ehlers Estate is one of passion, patience, and hard work, intertwined like the tendrils of robust vines that have been part of the landscape here since the mid-1800s.
It was the lure of winemaking that tempted Bernard Ehlers to buy a small, dying vineyard in the late 1800s and embark on a quest to create the winery that continues to bear his name. He replanted his newly-acquired 10-acre vineyard, established the olive grove that still thrives today and in 1886 completed construction of the stone barn that is now our beautiful winery building. His original Bale Mill Winery continued to operate long after his death, run by his wife until the 1920s and then by successive new owners who took advantage of its prime location and unique terroir.
In 2018, Laura Diaz Munoz was brought on as Winemaker and General Manager. Educated in Madrid and trained in various wine regions around the world, Laura ultimately landed in Napa Valley where she has been making wine for over ten years. In the spring of 2019, Laura hired vineyard manager, Michael Wolf of Michael Wolf Vineyard Services, for farming and maintenance of the estate vines. His meticulous nature and practical experience in the field, along with his respect for the land and those that tend it have made him a natural fit for Ehlers Estate.
Located in the Ribeira Sacra wine region, the old dry-stone outhouse would typically have been used for storing wine, spirits and meat, as well as for providing a sheltered place for keeping both straw and livestock.
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