Transition underscores multigenerational stewardship and Oregon’s standing as world-class wine region
Dundee, Ore. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Joth Ricci and his family have purchased Winderlea Vineyard and Winery, marking a thoughtful next chapter for the landmark Dundee Hills estate. The family-to-family transition reflects a shared commitment to multigenerational stewardship for the winery, as well as a belief in the enduring importance of Oregon wine to the region’s cultural fabric.
Situated on historic Worden Hill Road in the Dundee Hills, Winderlea occupies one of the most meaningful stretches of land in the Willamette Valley, central to the region’s early vineyard development and enduring winegrowing legacy. Founded 20 years ago by Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, the winery has earned a reputation for low-intervention farming, elegant and nuanced wines, and a welcoming guest experience grounded in genuine connection. That combination of place, history and approach played a significant role in the Ricci family’s decision to purchase Winderlea, and their involvement builds on those foundations, preserving the character of the winery’s winemaking and hospitality while allowing it to grow alongside Oregon’s expanding food and wine landscape.
“From our very first conversations, it was clear that Joth and his family truly understood the intention and people that define Winderlea,” said Sweat. “Donna and I approached this decision with care, and we feel confident about what comes next. We believe Winderlea is well positioned to move forward with clarity and integrity.”
A Thoughtful Path Forward
Ricci’s ties to Oregon wine deepened during his time as President and CEO of Adelsheim Vineyard, a winery with longstanding ties to Winderlea through pioneering winemaker David Adelsheim. Adelsheim helped lay out the original estate vineyard planted in 1974, well before Winderlea was founded as a winery. Those overlapping histories reflect the shared values that define the Willamette Valley and have played a meaningful role in the Ricci family’s decision to purchase Winderlea.
“Oregon shaped who I am, and this was a very personal decision for our family,” said Ricci. “Worden Hill means a great deal to the Willamette Valley, and Bill and Donna have created something remarkable here that is expressed in the wines and woven into the way people connect with Winderlea. We’re excited to build on what they’ve created and steward the winery with care in the years ahead.”
A Career Grounded in Oregon Innovation
Over the course of his career, Ricci has guided Oregon businesses through significant periods of growth, transition and evolution. A third-generation Oregonian raised in Corvallis, he’s been a driving force in the state’s business community for decades and has held top leadership roles across some of the region’s most recognized food and beverage brands, including as general manager at Columbia Distributing and president of Stumptown Coffee Roasters, where he launched Cold Brew and led the brand to its existing partnership with Peet’s Coffee. He later guided Dutch Bros Coffee as CEO through its 2021 IPO, the largest in Oregon history. Ricci currently serves as executive chairman of Burgerville.
In recent years, Ricci has focused his time on civic leadership and philanthropy, supporting education, athletics and economic development across Oregon through board service and community initiatives. A graduate of Oregon State University, he’s remained closely connected to his alma mater, driven by a passion for developing people, strengthening teams and investing in the next generation of Oregon leaders. The purchase of Winderlea is a natural extension of Ricci’s work, one guided by the approach he’s applied across Oregon businesses and grounded in a long-term commitment from his family.
Oregon’s Strength as a Wine and Culinary Region
The Ricci family’s vision for Winderlea is informed by their belief in Oregon as one of the world’s great gastronomic regions. Ricci is a driving force behind Food Forward, an initiative created together with longtime Oregon champion Mike Thelin to unify food, beverage, culinary voices with agriculture and hospitality communities across the state. Their aim is to support a cohesive narrative that can draw global attention and attract nationally recognized events, visitors and investment. This perspective reinforces the Ricci family’s conviction in the role wineries like Winderlea play in Oregon’s economic vitality and cultural identity.
A Growing, Experienced Team
At Winderlea, day-to-day operations will continue with no immediate changes planned. The existing team will maintain its focus on the winery and hospitality spaces, carrying forward the approach that has long defined Winderlea. Leading the business will be Lindsey Morse as Vice President of Strategy and Winery Operations, whose background includes leadership roles at Ponzi Vineyards and Stoller Family Estate, as well as Adelsheim, where she first collaborated with Ricci. The family is also supported by a close circle of trusted advisors and industry veterans, including Kim Bellingar, founder of Century Vineyards and former COO of Adelsheim, who will provide strategic support across business operations and organizational development.
Ricci’s daughter Anna, both a fourth-generation Oregonian and OSU graduate, is actively involved at the winery, taking a hands-on position supporting day-to-day operations and work across the estate. Her involvement reflects the family’s connection to Oregon wine, agriculture and hospitality, and brings a presence anchored in curiosity and respect for Winderlea’s history and character.
A Future Built on Collaboration
The transaction was advised by Metis, whose counsel helped ensure a process centered on shared values and ongoing alignment. Terms of the agreement are confidential.
About Winderlea Vineyard and WineryNestled in Oregon’s Dundee Hills on historic Worden Hill Road, Winderlea Vineyard and Winery is known for Pinot noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines that reflect the character of the Willamette Valley. Since its founding, Winderlea has focused on responsible farming, thoughtful winemaking and a guest experience rooted in the vineyard and its wines. A Certified B Corp and Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyard, the winery upholds its commitment to sustainability across both agricultural and business practices. Guests are welcomed to the estate to spend time among the vines and connect with the team behind the wines. Visit winderlea.com to learn more.
