Wine Academ of Wine 1996

The owners of Academy Winery, Barney and Betty Smith, have retired from their previous careers as a nurse and management professor to pursue their passion for winemaking in Oregon's Applegate Valley. They established their operation in 1989 after retiring there in that same year, drawn by the region's climate which they describe as nearly perfect and possessing soil conditions very similar to those found in Bordeaux. This ideal environment has allowed them to cultivate a vineyard where every step of the process is meticulously managed with care and attention to detail. The couple operates what Barney refers to as a "micro winery," producing less than two percent of their grapes, primarily focusing on Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Their philosophy centers on micro-managing every aspect of production so that they can personally oversee each stage from planting the individual vines to crafting the final bottle. They view these wines as special handcrafted creations rather than mere commodities, often referring to them affectionately as their "babies" because they planted and nurtured each plant themselves over many years. For Barney and Betty, the winery is driven more by pleasure than profit, leading them to decide against expanding beyond their current five acres unless their children choose to take over in the future. While this year's harvest is still a few weeks away with sugar levels currently running slightly lower than their preferred target for optimal ripeness, last year's vintage is already aging in barrels within the facility. The Chardonnay from that previous season should be ready for drinking next year, while the Cabernet Sauvignon will require two years of maturation before it can be enjoyed. The Smiths maintain a close connection to their land and family legacy by planning for their children's involvement during the upcoming harvest in just three or four weeks. Their story highlights a dedication to quality over quantity, ensuring that every bottle reflects the unique character of the Applegate Valley terroir through hands-on labor rather than industrial scale production. As they count down the days until crushing season begins again, it is clear that their commitment remains rooted in creating something truly special for wine lovers who appreciate small-batch craftsmanship and patience.