The Pines Estate — A Sacred Legacy of Wine, Land, and History Cross Mill Creek via your own private bridge and enter The Pines Estate—a secluded sanctuary where nature, heritage, and refined living converge. Set on nearly 180 acres of rolling hills, basalt cliffs, vineyards, and pastures near The Dalles, Oregon, this estate is both a working vineyard and a living monument to the origins of the Columbia Gorge wine region. It is where Oregon’s Columbia Gorge wine story truly begins. Tucked away along the tranquil curves of Mill Creek Road, The Pines offers unmatched privacy, serenity, and beauty—just the sounds of nature, open skies, and sweeping terrain. The land spans the entire Mill Creek Valley—ridge to ridge—with 3,000 feet of creek frontage and expansive views of Mt. Hood from the high pastures and vineyard. At the heart of The Pines is Lonnie Wright, a pioneer of the Columbia Gorge wine industry. His vision took root in the early 1980s when he discovered this land, captivated by its potential and its history. In 1981, he began restoring a forgotten vineyard originally planted as early as 1900 by Louis Comini, an Italian stonemason and wine lover. Comini, with the blessing of early homesteader Theodore Mespley, planted vines on these hillsides—vines that survived Prohibition, freezes, and decades of neglect. Lonnie brought those vines back to life. After years of nurturing the land, he secured a long-term lease in 1987 and eventually purchased the property outright. Today, the estate is home to heritage Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, and a 42-year-old block of Chardonnay—the first vineyard Lonnie planted in the Gorge in 1983. Each vine tells a story: some double-trained and thick with age, others regrown after a harsh 2014 freeze. The estate includes: •
19 acres of irrigated vineyard, including century-old Zinfandel stock, carefully maintained by one of the region’s most respected vintners. •
15 acres of irrigated hay meadows with water rights •
144.5 acres of dry pasture •
A powerful irrigation system nourished by springs, productive wells, and Mill Creek itself, supporting 34 acres with established water rights. The 2,125 sq ft main residence, remodeled in 2008, blends historic charm with premium materials and modern finishes. A separate 1,235 sq ft guest house offers three bedrooms, nestled in the pines beside Mill Creek—ideal for guests or boutique hospitality. Historic outbuildings (most with power) include: •
Silo Building •
Carriage House •
Milk House (2 stories, 1,420 sq ft footprint, partial new metal roof) •
The Shop (1,815 sq ft) •
Horse Barn (2 stories, 1,980 sq ft footprint) •
Chicken House (2 stories, 481 sq ft footprint, with plans for a tasting room) Many original structures date back to the 1926 dairy operation, including the milkhouse, now used for wine storage and naturally cool year-round due to its thick adobe walls and Swiss-inspired hip roof. The story of The Pines is inseparable from the people who shaped it: Comini, the fiery Italian vintner; Mespley, the devout homesteader; and Lonnie Wright, who brought global viticultural experience—from Libya to Chateau Ste. Michelle—to transform this land into a cornerstone of Oregon wine history. Visitors often describe The Pines Estate as enchanted. Perhaps it’s the sunlit vines, the echoes of past caretakers, or the wine itself—expressive and born from fruit that has endured over a century. This is more than a property. It is a legacy, an origin story of the Columbia Gorge wine region, and a rare opportunity to steward a place where history grows on the vine and the future is poured into every glass. Ideal for a boutique hospitality venture, a working vineyard estate, or a secluded dream home. No drive-bys. Shown by appointment only.