With sibling Alison Sokol Blosser, represents second generation at helm of family venture.
Sokol Blosser Winery, one of Oregon’s oldest yet most innovative wineries, has entrusted the role of winemaker to Alex Sokol Blosser, son of co-founders Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser. He carries on his family’s vision to produce world-class wines combining quality, craft and appreciation for the land. He takes over the leadership role from Russ Rosner, who retired as winemaker after 15 successful vintages with the family. Alex managed the 2013 harvest and led the blending of the highly anticipated 2012 wines as the official winemaker.
The past 40-plus years have been incredibly fulfilling. We stand today in awe of the winery we’ve built and the industry that has flourished around us, says Susan. This winery has been an integral part of our family and a labor of love. Alex has long shared our passion for creating fine, elegant wines. We’re looking forward to enjoying the exceptional wines he will produce for many years to come.
The iconic Oregon winery, established with the planting of its first vineyards in 1971, is family owned and operated. Growing up among the vines, Alex has nurtured a lifelong appreciation for the land and its expression through the fruits of his family’s labors. He attended college in Texas and returned to Oregon to complete his studies while acquiring more wine industry experience. He worked in neighboring vineyards and with a Portland wine wholesaler before joining the family business full time.
After earning a master’s degree in business from Portland State University, Alex became vice president of sales at Sokol Blosser. He has been active in the winery’s harvests as well as overseeing vineyard activities as vineyard manager since 2006. Most recently, Alex achieved a winemaking certificate from the University of California, Davis.
Since 2008, following a three-year transition, Alex has served as the winery’s co-president with his sister, Alison Sokol Blosser; their eldest brother, Nik Blosser, has been leading as chairman of the board. Together, this second generation is steering the winery into the future while remaining careful stewards of its heritage. The trio is solidifying the winery’s commitment to high-quality wine with a sense of place and has christened a personalized hospitality experience in a new tasting room that is a must-see Oregon destination for food, wine, travel and design enthusiasts.
Taking on the duties of winemaker is a natural step in Alex’s leadership at the winery. The seasoned team that joins him on this journey includes Doug Vuylsteke as senior assistant winemaker and Robin Hawley as assistant winemaker.
I am excited to embark on this next chapter as winemaker. Russ’s tradition of excellence and innovation has taught me a lot over the years, says Alex. With our experienced team, we are committed to producing world-class wines of elegance and balance with the fruit and acidity that express our vineyard.
Alex also continues his parents legacy by taking an active role in shaping Oregon’s wine industry. He spearheaded a project to develop six new American Viticultural Areas in the northern Willamette Valley in 2002. Today, he serves on the board of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association.
About Sokol Blosser Winery
For more than 40 years, before there was an Oregon wine industry, the Sokol Blosser family has been growing grapes and creating exemplary wines. Located on a certified organic 120-acre property in Oregon’s Dundee Hills sub appellation, Sokol Blosser has consistently captured the terroir of the region as expressed through the brilliance of its estate fruit. This resolute quest for excellence is inherent in its environmentally sensitive winemaking techniques, a core value for Sokol Blosser since the planting of its very first vines in 1971. The winery produces pinot gris, pinot noir, and small quantities of single block pinot noirs under its Sokol Blosser brand name, as well as a white blend, red blend and sparkling wine under the Evolution brand name.
Now guided by sister and brother co-presidents, Alison Sokol Blosser and Alex Sokol Blosser, along with brother and chairman of the board Nik Blosser, Sokol Blosser Winery is entering a new millennium of winemaking, hospitality and sustainability. Please visit https://www.sokolblosser.com to shop online, for tasting room hours and for more information about this award-winning vineyard.
