Stoller Expands Its Vision with Bold Elouan Acquisition
By bringing Elouan into the family, founding winemaker Melissa Burr and Stoller double production, deepen their Oregon footprint, and embrace a statewide story rooted in exploration.
When Stoller acquired Elouan it took a bold and stratrgic step.
Even though the Oregon winery doubled its production, to roughly 300,000 cases, it expanded the opportunity to take a wider view of the state.
“It’s exciting because it gives us the whole Oregon story,” Burr said. “It will be neat to contrast the AVAs. The southern AVA is a bit new to us, so we are learning a lot but positioned to make it, sell it and see where story goes over the next couple of years. It might take 24 months for the rhythm to hit as we start to make the wines and get through the existing inventory.”
Elouan had previously been under California ownership, but Stoller’s approach brings a different lens. With the purchase of 300 acres in 2018, estate chemistry becomes possible, giving the team more control and long-term vision.
“It’s a little scary,” Burr said “But we’re up for it. It will be like a sister to Stoller.”
Rather than reinvent Elouan, the plan is to respect what exists. Stoller will keep the Elouan name in place while it refines the presentation. One change will be a more efficient and technically sound screw cap.
Because southern Oregon introduces a fresh set of variables: different climates, soils and rhythms, Burr said it might take a little time for Stoller to adapt. But a little learning curve is part of the appeal.
Within Stoller’s broader portfolio, Elouan will act like a sibling brand. Sure, it’s related, but it will also be distinct. While estate wines from Stoller and Chehalem Mountain focus tightly on sense of place, Willamette Valley bottlings operate as a mosaic, blending sources and folding in fruit that doesn’t quite fit the estate profile. Elouan expands that philosophy statewide, offering contrast rather than competition.
