Rex Hill Is An Old Friend Worth Rediscovering

A reunion with an old friend imparts many emotions.

There’s something comforting about knowing no matter how much time has passed, time seems to simply fall away, and you pick up right where you left off.

After a call with Rex Hill winemaker Michael Davies, that’s what vibes remained. A historic producer in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the producer is both familiar and fresh. Its latest releases carried the warmth of a memory with the confidence of a winery making strides into the future.

Whether its changing climate patters or a connection to the family nature that still permeates through Oregon wineries, Davies is right there, wearing a flannel shirt, jeans and getting his hands dirty in the winery.

New wineries have popped up all over the place, yet it’s Rex Hill that has been that steady presence throughout the years.

“There’s a lot of good wine in the world right now, and consumption is down overall,” Davies said “We’re very grateful Mother Nature dealt us a good hand this year. Nothing’s holding us back.”

Rex Hill has always stood for authenticity. Founded in 1982, the winery helped shape Oregon’s Pinot Noir identity long before the state became a global darling. The winemaker, who’s crafted Rex Hil wines since 2007, has seen the region evolve.

What was once a scrappy, cooperative community has kept those positive traits. Yet, its grown wisewith deep confidence and self-assurance.

“I think it’s in our bones,” Davies said. “We’ve been here long enough to trust our instincts. What makes Oregon special is that we collaborate. We’re not territorial. We’re not trying to prove something all the time.”

He credits the founders at Rex Hill and beyond with setting that tone.

Michael Davies makes outstanding wines at Rex Hill in Oregon.

“They showed how wineries should treat each other. Even with new investment coming in, both domestic and international, we’ve stayed strong together while still expressing ourselves individually.”

In a landscape where neighboring regions like Washington boast large-scale producers, Oregon has remained refreshingly small and hands-on.

“Here, the winemaker is also the tractor driver, the bookkeeper, the marketer,” Davies said with a laugh. “It’s still family-run.”