Brick House
Summary
Brick House is a small, family-owned estate in Oregon's Ribbon Ridge AVA producing 3,000-4,000 cases annually of primarily Pinot Noir, with smaller amounts of Chardonnay and Gamay Noir from marine sedimentary soils at 250-500 feet elevation. Owner Doug Tunnell, a former CBS correspondent, employs biodynamic farming practices (Demeter-certified since 2005) and traditional winemaking techniques including native yeast fermentation, gentle extraction, and minimal filtration to express the distinctive character of his 30-acre vineyard.
Heritage & Leadership
Brick House was established in 1990 when Doug Tunnell purchased a 40-acre farm on the sedimentary soils of Ribbon Ridge in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Tunnell, a former CBS News foreign correspondent who spent 17 years covering international affairs, returned to his native Oregon to pursue winegrowing after developing an appreciation for European wines during his overseas assignments. The winery takes its name from the 1931 brick farmhouse that stands on the property, which Tunnell renovated while establishing his vineyards.
Since its founding, Brick House has remained under Tunnell's ownership and direction, with his wife Melissa Mills joining the operation. The winery marked a significant milestone in 1995 when it produced its first commercial vintage from estate-grown fruit. In 2002, Brick House achieved organic certification through Oregon Tilth, followed by Demeter Biodynamic certification in 2005, becoming one of the first vineyards in Oregon to receive this designation.
Vineyards & Wines
Brick House encompasses 40 acres in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, a sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley distinguished by its uniform marine sedimentary soils. The estate features 30 acres of vineyards planted primarily to Pinot Noir (24 acres), with additional plantings of Chardonnay (5 acres) and Gamay Noir (1 acre). The vineyards sit at elevations between 250 and 500 feet above sea level, with varying exposures that include south, southeast, and east-facing slopes.
The vineyard is divided into distinct blocks, each with specific characteristics. The Pommard and Wädenswil blocks contain some of the estate's oldest vines, planted in 1990, while the Dijon clone blocks were established between 1992 and 1995. The marine sedimentary soils of Ribbon Ridge, classified as Willakenzie series, provide excellent drainage and contribute to the distinctive mineral character of the wines.
Brick House produces several vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs, including "Les Dijonnais" (from Dijon clones), "Evelyn's" (named after Tunnell's mother), and "Cuvée du Tonnelier" (Barrel-maker's Cuvée). The portfolio also includes Chardonnay from Dijon clones and Gamay Noir, a variety rarely found in Oregon but embraced by Tunnell for its affinity to the region's growing conditions.
Philosophy & Practice
Brick House operates under a comprehensive biodynamic farming philosophy, certified by Demeter USA since 2005. This approach treats the vineyard as an integrated, self-sustaining ecosystem where soil health forms the foundation of wine quality. The estate maintains biodiversity through cover crops, insectaries, and habitat preservation for beneficial insects and wildlife.
In the winery, Tunnell employs traditional techniques with minimal intervention. Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grape skins. Pinot Noir undergoes gentle extraction through punch-downs rather than pump-overs, followed by aging in French oak barrels (approximately 20-30% new oak) for 12-18 months depending on the cuvée. Chardonnay ferments and ages in French oak barrels with complete malolactic fermentation, while Gamay Noir sees a combination of traditional and carbonic maceration techniques.
Brick House bottles all wines unfiltered and with minimal sulfur additions. Annual production remains deliberately small at approximately 3,000-4,000 cases, allowing for meticulous attention to detail throughout the growing and winemaking process. The winery's commitment to sustainability extends beyond vineyard practices to include solar power generation, water conservation measures, and packaging choices that minimize environmental impact.