History
Christopher Bridge Cellars and Satori Springs Vineyard are owned and managed by the Carlberg family since their inception in 2001 and 1998 respectively. Chris’ parents Ragnhild and Wolfgang Carlberg purchased the nearly 80 acre farm in 1952 for its stunning Willamette Valley views and close proximity to Portland.
They raised their family of three children here while primarily working the ground with their hands. The farm was a simple affair with beef cattle and blackcaps as the main crops. In 1993, ownership passed to Chris and Susanne Carlberg. After 30 years in teaching here and in Germany, Chris decided to devote himself to a new career in the wine industry with an initial planting of 3,600 vinifera vines and establishing Satori Springs Vineyard in 1998. The estate winery followed in 2007 with the addition of a NW timberframe style tasting room in 2009. Now in its 26th year since first planted to Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, Satori Springs Vineyard has grown in size to nearly 20 acres and 9 additional varietals, among them Kerner, Ehrenfelser, Sauvignon Blanc, Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Siegerrebe, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat and Chardonnay. All Christopher Bridge wines are sourced from fruit grown exclusively on Satori Springs Vineyard and vinified onsite under the direction of Chris Carlberg.
The People
Chris Carlberg received training at the Northwest Viticultural Center, Salem, Oregon in both, Viticulture and Enology and continues to be inspired through 17 Estate vintages and their distinct, yet related “terroir.” | Susanne Carlberg manages the timberframe Wine Room, CB business office, on/off-premise sales, events and our special wine clubs. | |||
Alex Carlberg brings his aptitude for mechanical excellence into every aspect of vineyard and winery operations along with a newfound passion for Blacksmithing. | Stuart Carlberg received training at St. Michael/Eppan in Alto Aldige/Italy, returning in 2010 to assist in all phases of viticulture and winemaking and planting the seed for our new Eastern European varietals program. | |||
Ragnhild and Wolfgang Carlberg, our parents and grandparents and original settlers of this land more than 70 years ago. We strive to carry the torch which you so boldly carried for the first half century. Thank you! | ||||
“WineDog” Ajax “Swissies” hold a special place in our hearts, especially Ajax, our American Wineries’ “Winedogs USA” First Edition Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. | We also love our winery felines! |
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