Our Story
In the early 1980s, a small group of Oregonians came together around a simple but ambitious idea: that the Willamette Valley could produce wines to rival the best in the world. Among them was founder Tom Huggins, whose background in agricultural insurance gave him a trained eye for exceptional vineyard sites. On a hillside just west of Salem, he saw potential where others saw a wheat field—and convinced a handful of friends and family to invest alongside him.
What followed wasn’t just an investment. It was a shared endeavor. Together, they cleared the land, planted the first vines, and learned every step of the winemaking process by doing it themselves—staking, training, harvesting, sorting, and crushing.
In 1986, those efforts became Eola Hills Wine Cellars’ first 1,500 cases of wine. It was hard work. It was collaborative. And from the beginning, it was rooted in a belief that great wine is grown not just from the land—but from the people who steward it.
Today, that spirit continues. Eola Hills Wine Cellars remains proudly independent and locally owned, with more than 325 acres under vine and wines enjoyed across the country and around the world. While we’ve
grown, our focus remains the same: crafting wines that reflect the character of Oregon and creating experiences that bring people together around them. From vineyard to glass, our story is still being written—by the same values that started it all: curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for the land.
Our People
Tom Huggins l Founder
Tom Huggins founded Eola Hills Wine Cellars with a vision for Oregon wine that was ahead of its time. Over decades of leadership, he helped shape not only the winery, but also the community around it. Now retired, Tom’s legacy continues to influence the culture, values, and direction of Eola Hills.
Steve Anderson l Head Winemaker
Steve Anderson’s journey into winemaking began at just thirteen years old—with a neighbor’s grapes, a five-gallon bucket, and a healthy dose of curiosity. What started as an experiment quickly became a calling.
After serving as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the U.S. Army and completing his degree at Oregon State University, Steve joined Eola Hills during harvest in 1993—as a cellar rat. Within weeks, he was promoted to Assistant Winemaker, beginning a decades-long career shaping the wines of Eola Hills. Today, as Head Winemaker, Steve combines technical expertise with a deep, intuitive understanding of the vineyard—crafting wines that are both consistent and expressive of Oregon’s unique terroir.
Meghannraye Sutton l Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer, Meghannraye plays a key role in guiding the financial health and long-term sustainability of Eola Hills Wine Cellars. With a focus on accountability, strategic planning, and operational clarity, she ensures that the winery’s growth is grounded in sound financial stewardship. Her work supports not only day-to-day operations, but also the continued evolution of Eola Hills as a thriving, independent Oregon winery.
Mark Wong l VP National Sales
Mark Wong leads national sales and distribution for Eola Hills Wine Cellars, overseeing partnerships, market development, and strategic growth initiatives across the country.
Focused on expanding the winery’s reach while strengthening relationships with distributors, retailers, and hospitality partners, Mark plays a central role in bringing Eola Hills wines to new audiences throughout the United States and internationally.
His leadership helps position Eola Hills for continued growth while maintaining the winery’s commitment to authenticity, quality, and long-term partnerships.
Renee Gebauer l Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager
Renee leads the tasting room and wine club experience at Eola Hills, serving as a key connection point between the winery and its guests. With a focus on hospitality, relationship-building, and member engagement, she helps create welcoming, memorable experiences that keep customers coming back—and deepen their connection to Eola Hills wines.
Tracy Broeckel l Events Manager
Tracy oversees events at Eola Hills Wine Cellars, helping bring the winery’s spaces to life through thoughtfully designed guest experiences. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, she works to create events that reflect the character of the winery while fostering meaningful connections between guests, wine, and place.
Plowing Oak Grove, Summer 1983
Tom, Jim and Kylie Huggins, 1984
Oak Grove Vineyard first harvest, 1985. John Wydronek, Tom Huggins, Jim Huggins
Tom Huggins with Brandy, Oak Grove Vineyards, 1985