The family behind the heart
Celebrating over 27 years on this beautiful property — we welcome you to get to know us a little better.
We got lost — and found home
We moved to the Willamette Valley in the spring of 1998 in pursuit of creating the next great Pinot Noir, and of shaping an environment where our family could thrive. We came to this special place after getting lost scouting vineyard sites over Memorial Day weekend — an out-of-the-way property that showed great promise. After weeks of walking the land and analyzing the soils, we knew this would be the home of Coeur de Terre.
Very hands-on, we’re responsible for every aspect of vineyard and winery operations. New plantings are grafted in our estate greenhouse from hand-selected vines, all winemaking happens onsite in micro-sized lots, and the site has been farmed organically from the start — glyphosate-free for over fifteen years.
The family has grown up alongside the vineyard. Our daughters, Abby and Tallulah, spent their childhoods here — underfoot in the cellar, riding along at harvest, raised as much by this land as on it. Now Tallulah is heading to Oregon State University to study Viticulture and Enology, the first step in continuing the lineage of Coeur de Terre.
Lost on Memorial Day weekend, we find the property — and move in by Labor Day.
Renelle’s Block, our first planting, goes into south-facing sedimentary soils.
Sarah Jane’s Block, Abby’s Block, and Tallulah’s Run follow — each named for family.
Our first vintage.
Our first white wine — a dry Riesling.
First Pinot Gris.
Estate Syrah release.
The neighboring 42 acres join the estate — 92 acres in all — and CdT is a Featured Winery at the International Pinot Noir Celebration.
An Oregon Pinot Camp winery.
Chardonnay planted.
First estate Chardonnay.
Tallulah enters Oregon State University’s viticulture program.
Organic, no-till, regenerative — with half the property kept wild.
Meet the team
Scott Neal
Raised on a farm in southern Minnesota, Scott makes wines that celebrate the time and place where the grapes are grown — with a minimalist touch that lets them shine.
Lisa Neal
The soul of Coeur de Terre and the driving force behind our organic and regenerative agriculture initiatives — and a certified yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic instructor.
Joylin Kent
A Texan-turned-Oregonian who fell in love with the region in 2012, Joylin brings deep wine club, events, and hospitality leadership — and an avid runner’s energy.
Joanne Cramer-Brown
With us since 2020 and a guest favorite, Joanne brings exceptionally deep wine knowledge, local history, and a wonderful personality to every tasting.
Hector Ortega de la Merced
Eleven years with CdT and simply invaluable — Scott’s “right hand” in the vineyard and winery, able to fix any problem that comes up.
Hector & Family
Hector’s son Jesús has been with us three years, and his namesake joins each summer — an integral part of our family winery.
Come meet us in person
Join us at the winery and vineyard to see what makes this place truly special.
Plan Your Visit