Trisaetum

James and Andrea Frey established Trisaetum in 2003 after moving to Oregon to pursue a career in farming and winemaking. The name is a combination of the names of their two children, Tristen and Tatum. James Frey, originally an abstract expressionist painter and photographer, transitioned into the wine industry without formal academic training in viticulture. He received technical guidance from local producer Josh Bergström and Jacques Lardiere of Burgundy. The operation remains family-owned and recently integrated the second generation into its leadership team, with Tristen Frey serving as general manager while Tatum Frey and her husband, Jackson Harloff-Frey, manage production for the winery and the family distillery.

The estate produces wine from three distinct vineyard sites across the Willamette Valley. The Ribbon Ridge Estate serves as the headquarters and is characterized by marine sedimentary soils, specifically Willakenzie. The Coast Range Estate, located in the Yamhill-Carlton appellation, consists of a complex mix of volcanic basalt and sedimentary material. A third site, the Wichmann Estate, is located in the Dundee Hills. Winemaking follows a philosophy of minimal intervention to maintain the specific character of each site and vintage. The winery facility, completed in 2006, includes a 13,000 square foot cellar and a subterranean cave where wines age in French oak for 10 to 22 months. Production utilizes diverse fermentation vessels, including stainless steel, concrete, and French oak open top vats managed by hand punch downs.

Trisaetum is best known for its Pinot Noir and its extensive range of Riesling, which includes as many as ten different bottlings annually, varying from dry to dessert styles. The winery earned significant visibility when its 2014 Estates Reserve Dry Riesling was served at a White House State Dinner in 2016. In 2022, its Ribbon Ridge Riesling and Coast Range Pinot Noir were again selected for service at the White House. The family also produces traditional method sparkling wines under the Pashey brand and Walla Walla Bordeaux blends under 18401 Cellars. The estate integrates art and viticulture through a 1,500 square foot on-site gallery that showcases the paintings and photography of James Frey, which often incorporate vineyard soils and vine matter.