About Us
150 Years and Counting
It was 1865. The Civil War had just come to an end, Oregon had transitioned from a territory to the 33rd state, and Aaron Stephens finished his journey across the Oregon Trail to lay claim to a plot of land in the Willamette Valley. Today, that plot of land is Stephens Struxness Orchard and Vineyard (formerly Shad-O-Hill Farm). It is nestled at the foot of Eola Hills in the heart of the Willamette Valley. It is owned by Aaron’s great-great grandson Les Stephens, and operated by Les and his wife Leslie Struxness (pictured left).
Maintaining Integrity
The family works together to improve their techniques and stay ahead of the latest agricultural practices. The mission is to raise productivity, all the while maintaining the integrity of the land and environment.
Resilient and Innovative
Over the years, we have adapted, pivoted and evolved. Currently, we are growing primarily wine grapes and hazlenuts. We also have plums and cherries growing on the land.
What about wine?
Since 2000, Leslie and Les have been cultivating wine grapes on their land. Thanks to the combination of soil, rock, and the great team managing the land and fruit, we’re producing award winning wines. Check out Rose and Arrow Estates (rosearrowestate.com) to learn more about the products being made with the grapes from our land.
Want to try some of the wine? Visit Alit Wines (alit.wine) tasting room in Dundee Oregon.