Domaine Meriwether

What started as a quest is now our passion, producing world class sparkling wines. Obtaining this goal required three ingredients: ideal grapes – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grown in Oregon’s cool climate; a skilled winemaker with expertise in traditional Methode Champenoise; and lots and lots of patience.

In 1998 this vision became reality with our first harvest. Now 13 years later, our commitment to showcasing Oregon’s bounty has expanded into an award winning portfolio of still and sparkling wines. Begin your own quest for fine wines with us at Domaine Meriwether.

Ed Buzz Kawders
Businessman Buzz Kawders spent thirty years on the edge of the wine industry before starting Northwest Negociants in 2000. He was committed to providing smaller wineries in Oregon with sales and marketing opportunities otherwise not available to them. Through this he first encountered Domaine Meriwether. In time, Buzz was given full sales and marketing responsibilities for the Domaine Meriwether project. In 2005, Dr. Bagdade returned to his medical calling and Buzz logically stepped into the role of guiding the company as it grew. With the increasing success of the limited release small production wines, Buzz sought out the best Oregon based winemaker to continue what Jean-Louis had begun. Thus, enters into the Domaine Meriwether project winemaker Ray Walsh.

Raymond Walsh
New Zealand raised Ray Walsh had already been on his wine journey through France and Germany then back home to hone his craft of winemaking. His talent for producing memorable wine made him highly sought after. He was recruited to Oregon in the early 90’s by King Estate Winery. There, he helped established their cellar and winemaking protocols before taking on the role as winemaker. While professionally very rewarding, Ray wanted to return to creating the limited quantity handcrafted wines he was first exposed to. As a friend of Buzz Kawders, it was not long before they both realized the great fit Ray would be to Domaine Meriwether. Having worked with Domaine Meriwether’s original winemaker, Jean-Louis Denois, during one of his stints in Australia the decision was simple. The quality of the Domaine Meriwether sparkling and still wines today is a result of this winemaking and leadership team.

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