Richard Sommer

Richard Sommer (1929? - 2009) American winemaker, considered the father of the Oregon wine industry.

After graduating in 1957 in agronomy from the University of California, Davis, Sommer moved to Douglas County, Oregon. First, he found employment in the county assessor’s office and in 1961 established Hillcrest vineyards on 20 acres of land near the Callahan Ridge. Sommer planted a number of varieties. During a public meeting in 1971, the winemaker acknowledged planting eight varieties including Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, White Riesling and Pinot Noir. These cuttings had been collected in 1959, from Louis Martini’s Stanly Ranch Vineyard in Carneros, California.

Sommer sold Hillcrest Vineyards in 2003.