Jerry Sass

Inspired by his father's amateur winemaking with Finger Lakes grapes in New York, Jerry Sass founded Sass Winery in 1996, driven by a passion for natural and non-invasive winemaking. After relocating to Oregon in 1982, Jerry gained experience working harvests with esteemed winemakers Russ Raney at Evesham Wood Winery and Mark Vlossak at St. Innocent Winery. His dedication to sustainable viticulture led to the establishment of the Wild Winds Vineyard, where he employs dry-farming techniques to cultivate grapes that truly reflect their terroir. Jerry's commitment to crafting elegant, balanced wines has positioned Sass Winery as a respected name in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s premier wine region, internationally renowned for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Spanning over 150 miles from Portland to Eugene, this fertile valley is nestled between the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Coast Range to the west, creating an ideal environment for viticulture. The region's maritime climate brings mild summers, cool nights, and wet winters, mirroring conditions found in Burgundy, France, making it perfect for delicate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.