OUR STORY
Blending family, heritage and historical roots
The story of Karta Wines unfolds from the deep-rooted passion for wine shared by Peter and Darci Meyerhofer, well before its inaugural vintage in 2018. Their affinity for wine has always been a social one, centered around the joy of sharing it with family and friends.
The Meyerhofers entered the Oregon wine landscape when they acquired a farm property in the heart of the newly established Ribbon Ridge AVA. In 2014, they embarked on their viticultural journey by establishing the Meyerhofer Vineyard, dedicating three acres to Pinot Noir, and eventually growing the vineyard to ten acres over the next five years.
While the initial intention did not involve creating their own wine label, plans took an unforeseen turn as the concept of Karta Wines began to materialize. This shift occurred when Paden West, an accomplished Winemaker and family friend, proposed the idea of a collaborative venture for their own brand. Over the subsequent months, the Meyerhofers and Paden immersed themselves in tasting numerous highly scored wines crafted by Paden during his tenure as an Assistant Winemaker with another winery several years prior.
Peter and Darci Meyerhofer
Peter Meyerhofer and Paden West
The Magic of Winemaking
The experience proved transformative, as the wines presented a unique character unlike anything Peter or Darci had encountered before. The Burgundian style wines, both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, were over-vintaged 18 months in French oak.
The Pinot Noir emerged as a pristine embodiment of Oregon, showcasing exquisite acidity, fruitiness, and a lingering finish.
The Chardonnay, in particular, left a lasting impression with its heightened complexity and finesse—an irresistible wine that captivated their palates.
Recognizing Paden's unwavering passion and talent for winemaking, Peter and Darci swiftly grasped the exceptional opportunity before them, and embarked on the new adventure that is Karta Wines.
Karta's first wines produced were limited to just 96 cases from the 2018 vintage and after three (long) years of aging in barrel and bottle, were ultimately released in early 2022. Although the waiting was tough, the result was fantastic - an age-worthy wine that would be as good in year two as it would be in year twenty.
A year later, with the new Karta label firmly established and growing, Darci and Peter decided to sell their Ribbon Ridge Vineyard altogether and focus all their time and attention on the wines.
Home of World-Class Wines
Our New Home
Over the next few years, Peter and Darci's love for the Willamette Valley grew and grew. In 2023, the Meyerhofers made a full-time commitment to Oregon by relocating their home and family from the Bay Area to Sherwood. This move aligns with their vision for Sherwood to also serve as the home to the upcoming Karta Wines Tasting Room, slated to open its doors in 2024.
From the outset, Peter and Darci recognized Sherwood as the ideal setting for Karta's home. Often referred to as "The Gateway to Oregon Wine Country," Sherwood is quickly gaining prominence as a burgeoning wine town.
Its strategic location makes it a perfect destination to engage with local wine enthusiasts and attract those journeying to or from Portland. The Meyerhofers' decision underscores Sherwood's appeal and its potential to provide a vibrant backdrop for the growth and success of Karta Wines.
Our Commitment
The pillars of Karta Wines rest on meticulous attention to detail, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a profound dedication to hospitality. These principles serve as the solid foundation upon which Karta Wines stands, reflecting the essence of their pursuit for excellence in every aspect.
While Karta Wines may be a boutique operation, its size is synonymous with focus and a sustained commitment to quality. Collaborating with Winemaker Paden West, Peter and Darci are united by a straightforward mission: crafting world-class wines with world-class grapes.
Honoring Family and Ancestry
The Meaning of Karta
The name Karta beautifully merges the names of Peter and Darci Meyerhofer's children, Karsten and Greta. Adding a personal touch, Karta's Chardonnay, Evangeline, incorporates Greta's middle name. Furthermore, the Nicholas Pinot Noir pays homage to Peter's father, Nicholas Meyerhofer, whom Peter acknowledges as a significant influence on his deep-seated passion for wine. Notably, Nicholas also serves as the middle name for their son, Karsten.
This thoughtful nomenclature reflects a familial connection and a genuine tribute to those who have played integral roles in shaping the essence of Karta Wines.
The Story of Our Logo
The Karta logo intricately weaves together Darci and Peter’s heritage, drawing inspiration from the coat of arms found on the Acadiana and Bavarian flags. Acadiana, often referred to as Cajun Country, holds deep significance as Darci’s birthplace in Southern Louisiana.
Within the logo, the castle symbolizes Spain, the ruling country during the Acadian settlement, while the Fleur de Lis represents the rich French heritage prevalent in Acadiana. The star, or Etoile, holds a dual significance, representing both Our Lady of the Assumption, the patron saint of Acadiana, and acknowledging the pivotal role played by Cajun soldiers in the American Revolution.
The choice of light blue coloring and the checkered pattern is a nod to the Bavarian flag, drawing a connection to Southern Germany - the ancestral region of Peter.
This thoughtful incorporation of symbols and colors in the Karta logo beautifully encapsulates their diverse heritage and historical roots, creating a visual narrative that adds depth to the identity of Karta Wines.
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