Franchere Wine Company is an exciting project helmed by Mike Hinds. An Oregon native, Mike got his start working in wine shops in Chicago where he caught the wine bug from a bottle of Vouvray. This captivating experience led him to ask, “What is this? Why is this so magical with my food? How did this wine come to be like this?” The obsession was launched, and Mike returned to his home state taking viticulture classes, working in the cellar at Illahe Vineyards, farming grapes, and finally producing his own wines.

Launched with the 2013 vintage, Mike named his project Franchere after his great-great grandfather, Gabriel Franchère, who arrived in Oregon in 1811 aboard the ill-fated ship, Tonquin. In Gabriel’s memoir he gave his impression of what would later become Portland, describing the incredible landscape as having presented “…a smiling and enchanting prospect to the observer who loved the beauties of simple nature”. This regard for history, nature, and place runs through the wines of Franchere.

Mike Hinds hand-farms approximately 15% of the production, with the balance being sourced from vineyards in the Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge that are farmed organically, biodynamically, or sustainably – in all cases without irrigation and systemic herbicides. In the cellar he utilizes native fermentations, neutral aging vessels, and no adjustments. The resulting wines are fresh, savory, and balanced, while always showing their Willamette Valley origins.