About Us

The Grande Dalles. To the chagrin of our neighbors in the Columbia Valley AVA, we laid out and planted 20 acres of The Grande Dalles vineyard just minutes outside The Dalles, Oregon, but in feeling worlds away, in 2006 with cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo, and sangiovese (Brunello), and some blending varietals like syrah and cabernet franc. Much crying and cursing (mine, and I’m guessing our neighbors’) has since ensued. Look for our 2008 inaugural vintage release in Fall 2010.

Stephanie LaMonica. That’s me. More a martini/manhattan kind of gal, I’m a newcomer to farming and to the wine industry. Came out to Oregon in 1991 looking for big, open sky, mountains, rivers, forest, and the fresh air of self-pursued freedom. I found it. Well, most of it. I’ll get there.

Scott Elder. My husband, and the big dreamer and kingpin of The Grande Dalles. Scott has over 20 years of wine love behind him, with the palate of a guy whose weekend tastings with one of France’s most noted wine merchants continue to influence the decisions he makes for the grapes we grow and the wine we’re making. Plus, he was raised on a farm. And no, he did not attend UC Davis. Although he does have a PhD and loves to crunch vineyard data. Oh, and did I mention the prestigious L’Academie de Jean Cadoret?

Samuel Elder. Our partner and son. Loves to run down hills as fast as his little chunky one-year-old legs can carry him. Not a good thing out on our hillside.

Jack. Our dog, and hole digger extraordinaire, although I try to keep that from Scott. A dog has to be a dog after all, n’est-ce pas?

DISCLAIMER, or, WHY WE LIVE IN A SHOE BOX: No outside funds other than our own went into the making of this vineyard. No family fortunes. No family farm conversion. No prodigal son returning home to take over the wine business. No government backing or lottery dollars. No investors (although we did try). No retirement savings (we’re too young). No cash-ins on Antiques Road Show. Nada. Just us.

  1. Andy Plymale on December 2, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    Please tell Scott Elder I said hi!!!

  2. stephanie on December 3, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    Absolutely. And thanks so much for your kind note on PaulG’s blog. Best -

  3. Andrew Petersen on January 4, 2010 at 4:01 PM

    Very excited to see how it goes. Consider me a like minded brother in arms. Currently in Chicago, and longing to be back in Oregon with dirt on the boots and bees in my face during harvest. I have been eyeing property a little further east from you, but definitely very similar country.

  4. stephanie on January 5, 2010 at 10:30 AM

    Andrew,
    thanks! you are our first self-proclaimed “brother in arms”!

    LOVED the links (anything Swiss and I’m pretty much sold, btw–I’ve spent a lot of time there), thank you, THANK YOU; and appreciate even more the thought and time you put into sharing them.

    now the pressure is on, knowing you’re out there paying attention to our endeavor! hope you make it back “home” soon.
    stephanie

  5. Shannon on April 7, 2010 at 7:13 AM

    Sending you cases full ‘o good luck – the strong Irish kind – with launching your vintage! You’re truly an inspiring pair for those of us also interested in making our dreams come true. I’m so proud of ya’ll for persevering and am so excited about the future of the Grande Dalles & the Little House on the Hilltop. I look forward to watching the blooming of your vision and tasting it too!

  6. Mother Simonds on June 17, 2010 at 9:58 AM

    Dear little family, whom I love so dearly and admire enormously,Reading all this and knowing all you have endeared, with how far you have come. I can only keep praising you and wishing you onward and upward and God bless. With loads of Love always, the Mother.