Richard Sommer (winemaker)

Richard Sommer (1929-2009) was a pioneering Oregon winemaker, widely credited with planting the first post-Prohibition Pinot noir vines in the state, and thus considered the father of the Oregon wine industry. In 1961, Sommer, who held a PhD in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, established HillCrest Vineyard in the Umpqua Valley, near Roseburg.

Despite skepticism from agricultural experts who believed the region was unsuitable for European grape varietals, Sommer was convinced that southern Oregon could produce quality wine grapes. He planted Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sylvaner, among other varietals, and his early wines, though initially rough and idiosyncratic, gradually gained recognition and proved the viability of winemaking in the area.

Sommer's dedication and persistence inspired others to pursue winemaking in Oregon, and he became a mentor and advocate for the burgeoning industry. He championed the idea that Oregon's climate and soils were particularly well-suited for Pinot noir, a belief that has since been vindicated by the international success of Oregon Pinot noir wines.

HillCrest Vineyard remains in operation today, continuing Sommer's legacy of experimentation and quality winemaking in the Umpqua Valley.