The Winderlea Story
Founded in 2006
Winderlea’s first vintage was produced in 2006, marking the beginning of a winery woven into Oregon’s Willamette Valley and shaped by a deep respect for place. From the start, Winderlea has focused on growing grapes and making wines that reflect the Dundee Hills, guided by responsible stewardship of the land and an artisan approach to winemaking. That commitment builds on the pioneering spirit that helped shape Oregon’s standing as a world-class wine destination.
Committed to Our Winegrowing Community
Oregon’s unique climate and soils paired with a heritage of artisanal winemaking and a practice with making small lots of the highest quality wine established the foundation. An obsession with sustainability drew us in further. On a practical level we found the Oregon wine community to be a collaborative one where newcomers are welcomed, tutored and expected to perfect their craft and continue the tradition.
About The name
Winderlea (pronounced Win-dur-lee) is a made-up word with a bit of history. The name comes from a Vermont property purchased by winery founders Bill Sweat and Donna Morris in 2001, originally named by the Gerard family, who cared for the land for more than 60 years. As Jim Gerard explained, “Winderlea was created by combining ‘wind’ with ‘lea,’ meaning meadow or pasture.” Together, it evokes “wind in the meadow.”
When Bill and Donna named their Willamette Valley vineyard and winery, Winderlea felt like the right continuation of the Gerard family’s original meaning, a name that felt familiar on Worden Hill. Today, the Ricci family carries that name forward with the same spirit, believing it captures both the idyllic setting and the character of the wines that come from it.
Our Team
The Ricci Family
In early 2026, the Ricci family purchased Winderlea Vineyard and Winery from founders Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, continuing a family-to-family transition grounded in multigenerational stewardship. Their approach begins with deep respect for this place and for the care that has defined it for nearly two decades, while supporting the team and guest experience that have long made Winderlea feel personal and welcoming.
A fifth-generation Oregonian raised in Corvallis, Joth Ricci has spent his career in Oregon’s food and beverage landscape, holding leadership roles across many of the state’s most recognized brands. Alongside his wife, Robin, that connection to Oregon has deepened as they’ve grown their family, shaping a shared commitment to the people, agriculture and hospitality that make the state distinctive. Joth’s family’s ties to Oregon wine strengthened during his time at Adelsheim Vineyard, further connecting him to the history of Worden Hill. For the Ricci family, Winderlea is a deeply personal commitment and a reflection of their belief in Oregon’s standing as a world-class wine region.
Founders Bill Sweat & Donna Morris
Winderlea was founded by Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, who stewarded the estate for 20 years with deep care for the land, the wines and the people behind them. As they enter a new chapter, their love for the Willamette Valley continues, and so does their belief in Winderlea’s role within it.
“From our very first conversations, it was clear that Joth and his family truly understood the intention and people that define Winderlea,” said Bill. “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.”
In early 2026, Bill and Donna transitioned ownership of Winderlea to the Ricci family, reflecting a shared commitment to thoughtful, multigenerational care.
Anna Ricci
Director of Engagement & Ownership Relations
Lindsey Morse
VP of Strategy and Winery Operations
Emily Terrell
Associate Winemaker
Robert Brittan
Consulting Winemaker
Evan Bellingar
Vineyard Manager
Scott Nagle
Director of Sales & Hospitality
Allison Fields
Operations Manager
