
Robert McKinley
Robert McKinley is the winemaker at Norris Wines, bringing deep expertise and a hands-on approach to crafting site-specific Pinot Noir and Riesling. A Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture graduate, Robert has worked at renowned wineries such as Williams Selyem, The Hilt, Trisaetum, and WillaKenzie Estate. His international experience includes harvests at Craggy Range (New Zealand) and Torbreck (Australia). He follows a low-intervention winemaking philosophy, allowing the unique terroir of the Norris McKinley Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge to shine. His focus is on sustainable practices and precision winemaking, ensuring wines of balance, depth, and complexity.
Norris Wines Wines

Ribbon Ridge, OR
Ribbon Ridge AVA is a highly regarded sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley in Oregon, officially designated in 2005. Spanning approximately 3,500 acres, it is the smallest AVA in Oregon, yet one of the most distinctive. The region is defined by its marine sedimentary soils, primarily Willakenzie series, which provide excellent drainage, forcing vines to develop deep root systems that enhance fruit concentration and complexity.
Positioned between 200 to 600 feet in elevation, Ribbon Ridge enjoys a mild, maritime-influenced climate with warm days and cool nights, ideal for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The west-southwest orientation ensures optimal sunlight exposure, while the surrounding Chehalem Mountains offer natural protection from excessive rainfall, creating a dry, consistent growing season.
Ribbon Ridge is known for producing structured, age-worthy Pinot Noirs with deep fruit flavors, bright acidity, and earthy minerality. Its terroir-driven wines have gained recognition for their finesse, balance, and ability to reflect the unique characteristics of the region.