Swiss Roots, Oregon Fruits: Cardwell Hill Cellars' 25 Anniversary

Written on assignment for the August 2025 issue of Oregon Wine Press.

The story of Cardwell Hill Cellars began on a hiking trail in Switzerland, where a conversation at 6,000 feet changed two lives forever and ultimately led to the celebration of 25 years in business this fall.

The anniversary party is set for Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Owners Dan and Nancy Chapel invite the public to join the festivities, which will include live music, bocce ball, vineyard tours and, of course, award-winning wine.

Situated in Philomath, near Corvallis, the winery derives its name from its address on Cardwell Hill Drive, named after Oregon pioneer Byron P. Cardwell (1832-1903). The Cardwell family arrived in Corvallis in 1852 and homesteaded what is now known as Cardwell Hill as a result of the Donation Land Claim Act, according to B.P.'s obituary in The Oregonian. He farmed and ran a photography business in Portland, was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue by President Lincoln and later served as a representative in the state legislature.

SWISS CHEMISTRY

Despite more than two decades of winemaking, the Chapels weren't always vintners. Dan spent 42 years with Fluor Corp., rising to senior vice president. He holds degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, while Nancy, equally credentialed, holds a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley and two master's degrees.

Their wine journey began during Dan's corporate transfer to Fluor's Dusseldorf office, where the couple had the chance to immerse themselves in European wine culture. Nancy had encouraged Dan for years about the dream of an "active retirement," something beyond the corporate world that had defined their professional lives. After careful consideration, they decided to pursue the wine industry, specifically Pinot Noir.

In 1998, the Chapels visited Oregon with modest expectations. After several fruitless property visits, they discovered an abandoned vineyard near Corvallis. Tumbledown poles, half-finished trellising and a few stubborn vines whispered of forgotten ambition. It had promise. But timing clashed with reality. That same day, Dan received a promotion at Fluor with a fresh set of global responsibilities. The dream was shelved.

Everything changed the following summer. While hiking in Switzerland, the couple drank local wine nightly and marveled at the country's steep vineyards, where Pinot Noir is the leading red variety. The connection felt profound; Swiss immigrants had founded Fluor Corp. itself, and the Fluor name originated in Switzerland. Near the end of their trip, while hiking in Verbier, Dan turned to Nancy and suggested they take another look at that abandoned Oregon vineyard. She didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Their second inspection of the Corvallis property revealed both promise and challenge. One plot of Pinot Noir had taken root, but other areas remained unfinished. Poles lay scattered, wire rusted beneath weeds. The previous owners had walked away. The Chapels did not.

In January, they finalized the purchase of the property. Dan was still working full time, and neither of them had any farming experience, so they hired a vineyard manager and began assembling a team for a major recovery effort.

They salvaged the posts and wire, managing to save that single block of vines. Remarkably, it contained Wädenswil, a Swiss clone of Pinot Noir. It felt like destiny.

THE SWISS CLONE

The word "clone" may evoke scenes from a Star Wars movie, but in wine growing, it refers to genetically identical vines propagated from a common mother plant. Clonal selection typically results from rigorous trials aimed at selecting desirable growth, flavor and ripening qualities while minimizing the presence of viruses.

One center of this work is the Swiss Federal Research Institute in Wädenswil, near Zurich. According to Jason Lett of The Eyrie Vineyards, Pinot Noir arrived in Switzerland from Burgundy in the 17th century. The clone developed by the Swiss at Wädenswil was brought to UC Davis by Dr. Harold Olmo, and David Lett introduced it to Oregon in the 1960s. It remains a key component in the region's wines.

In 2001, the Chapels produced one humble barrel of Pinot Noir from their partially refurbished Wädenswil block, with the help of custom crush partners at LaVelle Vineyards, near Eugene. But they didn't wait to scale up. That same year, they planted 27,000 grafted vines — Pommard, 777 and 115 clones. In 2002, they built a management center with a 4,000-square-foot underground warehouse and produced five barrels. By 2003, a newly built winery hummed with its first 23-barrel harvest.

In 2004, they released their first Pinot Gris, using purchased grapes, and completed their tasting room. They earned LIVE and Salmon-Safe certifications and brought in a consultant to assist Dan with winemaking. He retired from chemical engineering, and the couple purchased 20 additional acres just down the road.

Between 2005 and 2006, they planted more Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, increasing vineyard acreage to about 40. Recognition soon followed — Wine Spectator named their 2006 Estate Pinot Noir one of its Top 100 Wines in 2008. Remarkably, it was only the fourth vintage from their own winery.

A GROWING SEASON

Expansion continued steadily. They added new Pinot Noir bottlings, including a Pommard block wine, a Dijon block wine, the Monet Vineyard and a Reserve line, aged around 20 months. Their Old Vines label showcases the Wädenswil clone from that original saved block — an enduring tribute to their Swiss connection.

By 2010, Cardwell Hill was completely self-sufficient, relying solely on estate fruit and managing everything from vineyard operations to most aspects of harvesting, winemaking and aging. They bottle in-house and store all products in their own warehouse. This level of vertical integration is rare for a producer of their size, which is about 8,000 cases per year.

Their portfolio gradually expanded to include Chardonnay, rosé and blush wines, totaling 12 different offerings.

Awards have followed. In 2021, Wine Press Northwest named Cardwell Hill Cellars "Oregon Winery of the Year." To date, they've earned more than 600 medals.

Perhaps more remarkable than the accolades is the loyalty of their employees. Eight of nine staff members have worked at Cardwell Hill for more than 13 years. Two vineyard stewards and two winery workers have been with the company for more than 20 years. That rare continuity is key to consistent quality.

A RETURN TO THE SCENE OF THE WINE

In 2023, the Chapels returned to Switzerland — not for hiking this time, but to honor the roots of their journey. After careful planning, they arrived in Zurich and took a lake steamer to Wädenswil, the village that lent its name to the very clone they rescued more than two decades ago.

Standing under the Wädenswil banner at the wharf, they opened a bottle of their Old Vines Pinot Noir and drank Oregon-produced Wädenswil in its Swiss homeland — Benton County vintners completing a remarkable circle. Their Oregon wines have been sold in Canada and four European countries, including France, proving that quality transcends borders.

From that pivotal conversation on a Swiss mountain trail to becoming award-winning winemakers in Oregon, Dan and Nancy Chapel have created something extraordinary. As they celebrate 25 years, Cardwell Hill Cellars represents more than their business success — it stands as a testament to bold decisions, long views and the rewards of following a passion all the way home.