The Gold Vineyard

Founded in 1984, the Gold Vineyard has 18 planted acres, planted to Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The soil is predominately Coleman Clay Loam. A deep moderately drained soil on streeam terraces, and Manita Loam, a deep, well-drained soil on alluvial fans. The vineyard is on a gradual southeast-facing slope and gets approximately 20 inches of precipitation per season, falling mostly from January through May and November through December. This property is fully planted, discussing partnerships with neighbors.

In June of 1985, Becky and I [Randy Gold] had planted and nurtured our new vineyard through the previous year and were ready to train trunks in anticipation of our first crop the following year. Having no idea what to expect this season, we took off on vacation to Boston for two weeks and returned ready to get to work training the vines. What we found made us want to turn around and head back east. The weeds had grown halfway up the stakes and the young vines which we had pruned to the ground the previous winter had put out numerous shoots that were now 4 and 5 feet long and instead of growing perfectly up the stakes, were lying on the ground. It took us (mostly Becky) about 3 weeks to tie the vines so I could get to the weeds (which were no 3 and 4 feet high) with the tractor and disc. The lesson here was never, ever go on vacation in June, the most active time of plant growth in the vineyard.

This story is typical of our early experience in establishing Gold Vineyard. Neither of us had farming experience, far from it. I was a graphics person by education and experience, and Becky was and still is an elementary school teacher. We were drawn by the romance of a rural lifestyle and a love of wine. Becky says that our madness took root in our frequent visits to southeastern Washington State in the mid-1970's to visit her parents. We would get off the freeway and drive the back roads where we'd see the orchards and new vineyards. Becky would often have to grab the steering wheel so I wouldn't drift off the road in some vine inspired dream.

We're better at what we do now and have found it a very satisfying lifestyle. We still love the wine, the romance and the company of the rest of the dreamers we have met on our journey. It has been especially gratifying to watch the maturing of the Oregon wine industry in general and the Rogue Appellation specifically. We feel very lucky to be living in a very special place at a very exciting ti