The wine industry, especially in Oregon’s northern Willamette Valley, has faced significant changes over the past few years. While the pandemic did not completely derail the industry, it struggled with declining interest from younger generations and an ever-evolving corporate landscape characterized by acquisitions and changing ownerships.

Among Oregon’s wineries, Archery Summit stands out for maintaining its distinctive style despite these challenges. Producing around 10,000 cases from its Dundee Hills Estates, the winery has seen various ownership, from Olympic skier Gary Andrus to the current Napa-based Crimson Wine Group. Despite these transitions, dedicated winemakers have worked diligently to preserve the winery’s unique taste profile.

Recently, Kim Abramson took on the role of winemaker at Archery Summit. After spending eight years with one of Oregon’s well-respected brands, Lingua Franca, she decided to seize the opportunity to contribute to Archery Summit’s rich history. Her mission is to nurture the winery’s legacy while guiding it into its next chapter.

Regarding her approach, Abramson emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding the brand’s nuances. She knows that maintaining Archery Summit’s identity requires a thoughtful process, where questions like "why" and "how" are crucial for the winery’s evolution. With five estate vineyards as her canvas, Abramson aims to raise their distinctive voice while drawing insights from past winemakers.

Her perspective on change is clear: staying stagnant is not an option. She aims to refine rather than completely reinvent the winery’s approach, believing that evolution is essential for continued relevance. Each winemaker inevitably brings unique shifts, whether in oak usage or picking dates, and Abramson intends to blend these subtle changes within the existing framework of the winery’s traditions.

In conclusion, while she respects the foundation laid by her predecessors, Abramson envisions a future where Archery Summit remains true to its roots while adapting to the evolving landscape of the wine industry. The goal is to ensure that every wine produced speaks to the heritage of the vineyard, with the winemaking team serving as a guide.