Lingua Franca
Summary
Lingua Franca is a boutique 5,000-case producer in Oregon's Eola-Amity Hills AVA, founded in 2012 by Master Sommelier Larry Stone and partners, focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their 66-acre east-facing vineyard with volcanic and marine sedimentary soils. The estate combines Burgundian winemaking techniques with Oregon terroir through its gravity-flow winery, native yeast fermentations, and organic farming practices, quickly establishing itself as one of Willamette Valley's most promising producers in just a decade.
Heritage & Leadership
Lingua Franca was established in 2012 when Master Sommelier Larry Stone purchased a 66-acre property in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Stone, who previously served as wine director at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago and Rubicon in San Francisco, planted the estate vineyard in 2013. The winery operates as a partnership between Stone, Burgundian winemaker Dominique Lafon, and attorney David Honig. In 2016, Lingua Franca completed construction of its winery facility, designed specifically for gravity-flow production.
The winemaking team is led by Thomas Savre, who trained at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Dujac in Burgundy before joining Lingua Franca. Savre works in collaboration with Dominique Lafon, who serves as a consulting winemaker, bringing his expertise from managing his family's Burgundian estate, Domaine des Comtes Lafon. The leadership structure combines Stone's sommelier background, Lafon's Burgundian winemaking knowledge, and Savre's technical expertise.
## Vineyards & Wines
Lingua Franca's estate vineyard, known as LS Vineyard, encompasses 66 acres in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, situated at elevations ranging from 300 to 500 feet. The vineyard is planted primarily to Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%), with vine density of 2,100 vines per acre. The property features volcanic Jory and Nekia soils, with sections of marine sedimentary Gelderman soil. The vineyard's position on an east-facing slope provides morning sun exposure while offering protection from intense afternoon heat.
The winery produces several vineyard-designated wines, including the Avni Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (sourced from multiple vineyards), Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and single-block bottlings such as The Plow and Sisters. Production remains limited, with approximately 5,000 cases annually. Lingua Franca also sources fruit from select vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills and Dundee Hills, including Bunker Hill, Juniper Grove, and Mimi's Mind vineyards. The estate vineyard was certified organic in 2018.
## Philosophy & Practice
Lingua Franca adheres to organic farming practices, with certification granted in 2018. The vineyard management emphasizes biodiversity, with cover crops planted between rows to promote soil health and reduce erosion. No synthetic herbicides or pesticides are used in the vineyard.
In the winery, Lingua Franca employs traditional Burgundian techniques adapted to Oregon's terroir. Pinot Noir fermentations typically include 25-30% whole clusters, with native yeasts conducting fermentation in small open-top fermenters. The wines undergo gentle extraction through manual punch-downs rather than pump-overs. Aging takes place in French oak barrels (25-30% new) for 11-12 months for Pinot Noir and 11 months for Chardonnay.
The winery's gravity-flow design eliminates the need for pumping, allowing for gentler handling of the fruit and wine throughout the production process. Bottling occurs without fining or filtration for most wines. This minimalist approach reflects the winery's commitment to expressing site-specific characteristics with limited intervention. The name "Lingua Franca" references the common language that brings together the team's diverse backgrounds and experiences in service of creating wines that authentically represent their Oregon origins.
Vineyards & Wines
Lingua Franca's estate vineyard, known as LS Vineyard, encompasses 66 acres in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, situated at elevations ranging from 300 to 500 feet. The vineyard is planted primarily to Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%), with vine density of 2,100 vines per acre. The property features volcanic Jory and Nekia soils, with sections of marine sedimentary Gelderman soil. The vineyard's position on an east-facing slope provides morning sun exposure while offering protection from intense afternoon heat.
The winery produces several vineyard-designated wines, including the Avni Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (sourced from multiple vineyards), Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and single-block bottlings such as The Plow and Sisters. Production remains limited, with approximately 5,000 cases annually. Lingua Franca also sources fruit from select vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills and Dundee Hills, including Bunker Hill, Juniper Grove, and Mimi's Mind vineyards. The estate vineyard was certified organic in 2018.
## Philosophy & Practice
Lingua Franca adheres to organic farming practices, with certification granted in 2018. The vineyard management emphasizes biodiversity, with cover crops planted between rows to promote soil health and reduce erosion. No synthetic herbicides or pesticides are used in the vineyard.
In the winery, Lingua Franca employs traditional Burgundian techniques adapted to Oregon's terroir. Pinot Noir fermentations typically include 25-30% whole clusters, with native yeasts conducting fermentation in small open-top fermenters. The wines undergo gentle extraction through manual punch-downs rather than pump-overs. Aging takes place in French oak barrels (25-30% new) for 11-12 months for Pinot Noir and 11 months for Chardonnay.
The winery's gravity-flow design eliminates the need for pumping, allowing for gentler handling of the fruit and wine throughout the production process. Bottling occurs without fining or filtration for most wines. This minimalist approach reflects the winery's commitment to expressing site-specific characteristics with limited intervention. The name "Lingua Franca" references the common language that brings together the team's diverse backgrounds and experiences in service of creating wines that authentically represent their Oregon origins.
Philosophy & Practice
Lingua Franca adheres to organic farming practices, with certification granted in 2018. The vineyard management emphasizes biodiversity, with cover crops planted between rows to promote soil health and reduce erosion. No synthetic herbicides or pesticides are used in the vineyard.
In the winery, Lingua Franca employs traditional Burgundian techniques adapted to Oregon's terroir. Pinot Noir fermentations typically include 25-30% whole clusters, with native yeasts conducting fermentation in small open-top fermenters. The wines undergo gentle extraction through manual punch-downs rather than pump-overs. Aging takes place in French oak barrels (25-30% new) for 11-12 months for Pinot Noir and 11 months for Chardonnay.
The winery's gravity-flow design eliminates the need for pumping, allowing for gentler handling of the fruit and wine throughout the production process. Bottling occurs without fining or filtration for most wines. This minimalist approach reflects the winery's commitment to expressing site-specific characteristics with limited intervention. The name "Lingua Franca" references the common language that brings together the team's diverse backgrounds and experiences in service of creating wines that authentically represent their Oregon origins.