Ranch Manager Joel Sokoloff brings a passion for regenerative agriculture, animal husbandry, vineyard management, and climate responsibility to the Willamette Valley’s renowned 240-acre biodynamic ranch and winery
June 7th – Joel Sokoloff has been tapped to lead the farm and vineyard management team for Soter Vineyards as of 2022. As Ranch Manager, Sokoloff continues farming and environmental traditions inherent to the winery’s legacy, while identifying avenues of growth towards Soter’s mission of climate resiliency, social equity, and the pursuit of true expressions of Oregon wine.
Operations at Soter Vineyards that fall within Sokoloff’s leadership include farming all estate vineyards which are spread across the Northern Willamette Valley, farming the diverse fruit and vegetable plots, and leading the animal-rearing program all of which supplies the chef-driven Provisions Tasting Experience at Mineral Springs Ranch. Adherence to biodynamic farming, biodiversity, and respect for the land are paramount for Mr. Sokoloff and his ranch team. Caring for woodlots, bringing more oak habitat to bear, and increasing pollinator refuge are all priorities for the team, as is working tightly with the rest of the winegrowing team, led by Chris Fladwood in the winery and Antonio Verduzco on the ranch.
Sokoloff’s unique skill set has been cultivated from years of study and experience at institutions throughout key growing regions of the West Coast. Originally hailing from Illinois, Sokoloff adopted the Pacific Northwest as his home when he began studies at the University of Oregon. What began as a political science degree quickly turned towards the calling of growing food, which later progressed to include wine. Sokoloff earned his AAAS in enology and viticulture from Walla Walla’s College Cellars program and has been taking part in growing and producing wine since 2013.
He spent over seven years at Horsepower Vineyards as their Equine and Vineyard Manager, utilizing horses for cultivation and farming grapes for sought-after wines from Cayuse Vineyards. His talents working within organic agriculture systems, and his love for farming vegetables and working with animals, make him uniquely qualified to oversee farm and vineyard operations at Soter Vineyards.
The move to Soter allows Sokoloff to facilitate even greater environmental impacts from ground to glass. “The way we treat the land now is directly impactful on its health today, tomorrow, and for future generations. We seek to cultivate our vines with the lowest inputs possible with hopes they’ll bear truth in the glass. We grow our animals with an eye to proper pasture management and humane treatment, so our guests have peace of mind their food had the best life possible.”
“Joel’s innate ability to envision and enact steps towards our long-term goals, while managing the day-to-day details of the diverse ecosystem of projects we have here at Soter makes him a key asset to our agricultural leadership,” says Hallie Whyte, Managing Director of Soter Vineyards.
About Soter Vineyards
From vineyard to cellar, Soter Vineyards is committed to organic farming practices and light-handed cellar techniques to craft true expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. The winery and tasting room are located on the CCOF and Demeter Certified 240-acre Mineral Springs Ranch, which Soter farms using a system focused on biodiversity, integration of plants and animals, and soil health. Demeter USA is the only certifier for Biodynamic farms and products in America. Guests at Mineral Springs Ranch partake in an elevated, authentic hospitality experience driven by a creative and nourishing culinary program that matches the ethos of Soter’s farming practices.
