Gilles de Domingo, Winemaker

A guy from Bordeaux making Pinot Noir in Oregon? Thankfully so!

Gilles (pronounced Jeel) began his winemaking career with helping his family crush grapes during harvest at their vineyards & winery. You see, Gilles was born to wine.

After an interesting childhood in private schools (ask him about the famous cheese incident) he attended the best schools to study vineyards practices, soil sciences and winemaking. With many years in the family operation as his practical experience Gilles worked his way around the world making wine in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and many other stops before arriving in Oregon. Here he worked with King Estate and Bridgeview before arriving at Cooper Mountain Vineyards.

We had to ask.....Why here? Gilles, why did you choose Cooper Mountain Vineyards? "Because, this is a small family winery. It is a farm and it represents all those elements one would expects with a small family farm. Cooper Mountain Vineyars believes in taking care of the vineyards, its people and in doing so making the best wine possible. Bob's commitment to organics and biodynamics is just one symbol of this. The focus on innovation is the key. It is how the farm becomes great wine for people to enjoy. "

Gilles inherited the 2003 harvest already in the tank and worked wonders with it. The no-sulfite added Pinot Noir turned out beautifully and a batch of very questionable Chardonnay became one of our favorites. He is a French winemaker to watch as his efforts become complete from the vineyards to the winery. His first full vintage at Cooper Mountain is what looks to be the wonderful 2004 harvest.

Oh, and if anyone knows where he can find a Citroen CX in great shape he'd really like to talk to you. Come on, he's French and a winemaker.

to contact email gilles@coopermountainwine.com