By Sofia Baum | 2.5-minute read
Est Wines is a woman-owned winery that centers long-term care for the land in its practices. Led by farmer and winemaker Meredith Bell, Est reflects a philosophy rooted in organic, regenerative agriculture and a belief that great wine begins with healthy, protected working lands.
A vineyard shaped by stewardship
Bell brings both scientific training and lived experience to her work. After studying biochemistry at University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) and serving in the Peace Corps, she returned to Oregon with a deep appreciation for wine’s connection to place.
Bell has come full circle, stewarding land near where she grew up in Clackamas County. At Leland Vineyard, vines planted in 1982 grow in Oregon’s official state soil, jory, alongside native plants and managed forest. The vineyard is farmed without synthetic inputs or tilling—practices that support soil health, biodiversity, and the landscape’s long-term resilience and productivity.
"The quality of wine starts in the vineyard, and that’s directly tied to how we care for the land,” says Bell. “For Est Wines, it’s about working with intention and respect, knowing that when the land is cared for, the wines carry that sense of place, vitality, and integrity forward.”
As a winemaker, Bell's approach combines intuition with a light touch in the cellar. Est’s Pinot noir is fermented with native yeasts and handled minimally, resulting in wine that is vibrant, expressive, and closely tied to its origin.
“Natural winemaking is about synergy with nature, balance, and a deep respect for the land,” says Bell.
Est Wines also reflects the strength of Oregon’s land use system: The small vineyard sits on protected exclusive farm use (EFU) land on the edge of an urban growth boundary (UGB). These two designations help to preserve agricultural land for long-term farming and stewardship.
EFU land is designed to preserve space for cultivation and harvesting to occur without interference. Meanwhile, within the UGB, Bell shares her wines at an intimate tasting room in Portland. This serves to connect urban communities and the working lands that sustain Oregon’s wine industry. Together, the vineyard and tasting room demonstrate how thoughtful land use planning can support thriving farms, vibrant local economies, and healthy natural systems.
“Thoughtful land use and strong protections make it possible to farm in a way that supports soil health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience,” says Bell.
Coming soon
Est Wines was a key partner in the inaugural Oregon Arts and Agriculture Holiday Market last December. This new, annual event celebrates the connection between creative work and Oregon’s agricultural heritage. We are excited to welcome them back for the 2026 Oregon Arts and Agriculture Holiday Market!
Join us: If you are interested in being part of the market, please fill out our 2026 interest form. We also invite organizations whose values are in alignment with our mission to explore business partnership opportunities with 1000 Friends of Oregon.
Learn more about business partnerships