A Living Terroir
Our Philosophy
Lingua Franca represents a fine tradition of bringing people of different backgrounds to common ground, sharing conversation and enjoyment. Inspired by an extraordinary vineyard site in the Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley and following low-impact, organic, and biodynamic farming principles, we planted our estate vineyard with different combinations of rootstock and budwood to best reflect the varying soil conditions, resulting in fruit of unparalleled purity and elegance.
Widely respected as one of the top winemakers in Burgundy, Dominique Lafon took notice of this exceptional vineyard site and joined Larry Stone, alongside winemaking protégé Thomas Savre, to craft uniquely expressive wines harnessing the unique terroir of Oregon.
A Profound
Sense of Place
Lingua Franca was inspired by an extraordinary vineyard site in the Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley. Our name represents a fine tradition of universal language, bringing people of different backgrounds to common ground – shared conversation, shared enjoyment.
In 2010, Master Sommelier Larry Stone began negotiations for the 150-acre Janzen Farm in the heart of the Eola-Amity Hills. This prized east-facing site enjoys a 300-foot elevation gain, boasts favorable Nekia, Gelderman, and Jory soils, and sits beside some of the most well-respected vineyards in the Willamette Valley, including the Lone Star Vineyard of Argyle, Jerusalem Hill Vineyard of Domaine Serene, and Seven Springs Vineyard of Evening Land.
The Willamette Valley is an ideal location to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its average seasonal temperatures, long daylight hours in the summer months, and total annual rainfall resemble the conditions in Burgundy, where the fruit attains uncontested perfection. All of our work is guided by respect for the environment, encouraging healthy diversity of life around and among us.
Experience Lingua Franca hospitality at our state-of-the-art winery in the Eola-Amity Hills for a seated tasting highlighting the nuance and depth of some of our most special bottlings. Choose from two unique tastings, each designed to showcase the breadth of our portfolio.