Pioneering South Willamette Valley estate marks new era, bridges five decades of history with vision for future generations
April 1, 2026 (Eugene, OR) — In a historic reunion for the South Willamette Valley, Doyle Hinman and his family have reacquired Silvan Ridge Winery, restoring the pioneering estate to its original founders more than 50 years after they planted their first vines. With this homecoming, the business will transition back to the Hinman Vineyards name, reconnecting the site with its earliest story while also honoring every chapter that has carried it forward.
“This valley is woven into the fabric of our family. It’s where we established our lives as vintners and watched our children grow up among the vines,” said Doyle. “Returning is a full-circle moment that brings us both humility and joy. We’re deeply honored to steward this land again and are eager to pour our passion back into the soil while building a future that endures for generations.”
Tucked into the South Willamette Valley near Eugene, Ore., the property has long been known as a welcoming destination where vineyard views and garden paths invite guests to enjoy wines inspired by the setting. When the Hinmans originally built the winery in the 1970s, the Oregon wine industry was still in its infancy. Now, they return to nurture the landmark they founded, preserving what guests have loved from the beginning while strengthening the foundation for the years ahead.
The winery’s legacy continued through to 1993, when it was sold to Carolyn Chambers, who renamed it Silvan Ridge. For more than 30 years, three generations of the Chambers family, including Carolyn, her daughter Elizabeth and granddaughter Julia Stiltner stewarded the estate as a female-led pillar of the community. As Julia and Andrew Stiltner turn their focus to their restaurant, Elizabeth’s, they are entrusting the winery back to its founders in a rare family-to-family transition that ensures the estate remains independent and Willamette Valley-owned.
“This is truly a full circle moment for my family,” said Julia. “My grandmother purchased this property nearly 35 years ago from the Hinmans, which makes this transition back to them feel especially personal. I’m proud of the care my family has given it over the years and look forward to seeing what comes next under their stewardship.”
A Vineyard With Deep South Valley Roots
The South Willamette Valley has always served as home to the Hinmans, but their journey with this land has evolved alongside their family. While Doyle and Sue Ann established their lives as vintners, they were also balancing the relentless demands of a pioneering winery with raising three young children. When the opportunity came in the 1990s to pass the estate to new owners, it felt like the right moment to focus on that next phase of life.
But the property remained their “North Star.” Returning now to the landscape that defined their earliest vintages allows the family to focus on careful vineyard cultivation and a guest experience that remains warm, relaxed and genuine.
While Doyle’s legacy in Oregon wine is historic and enduring, the Hinman wine brand is carried forward by a new era of leadership with women working alongside him at the forefront. Sue Ann Hinman, Doyle’s wife of 40+ years, has been by his side since the beginning, anchoring their existing business ventures, including DW Hinman Cellars, through day-to-day operations and strategy. Their daughter, Chelsea Hinman Miller, has built her own career in wine and recently introduced Tior, a premium brand informed by her 20 years of experience across the industry, as well as her family’s history in the valley.
“Becoming a mother has deepened my understanding of what it means to build something that lasts. I feel deep gratitude for what my parents created and for the life they shaped here,” said Chelsea. “The chance to help restore this estate and pass along that sense of place to my own children is incredibly meaningful. The Willamette Valley is one of the most special regions in the world and I’m proud to be part of what comes next.”
One Family, Three Expressions, One Shared Home
With this transition, the Hinmans will bring three distinct wine expressions together under one shared vision:
- Hinman Vineyards serves as the physical heart of the business and a historic hospitality destination that produces an expansive portfolio ranging from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to varietals such as Malbec and Muscat, with a focus on sustainable, LIVE-certified fruit.
- DW Hinman Cellars acts as the production powerhouse, specializing in finished wine development, custom-crush and private-label services for a broad spectrum of clients.
- Tior represents the modern evolution of the family’s journey. This premium, limited-production label focuses on Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, offering a fresh perspective that complements the broader portfolio.
In the months ahead, the leadership team will guide a careful integration that protects the character of the property, with day-to-day operations expected to continue with care and consistency. The acquisition was managed by Joel Clements at Nebraska Bank of Commerce and, although specific terms of the agreement will remain confidential, more details about timing and future plans will be shared as the winery moves into this next period.
“This vineyard has always been part of our family’s story. It’s where we began our history and built something that became part of the Willamette Valley community,” said Sue Ann. “Returning now brings a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility and we’re committed to honoring its history while ensuring it continues to welcome others and thrive for generations to come.”
About The Hinman Family of Wines
The Hinman family has been part of the Willamette Valley’s wine story for more than five decades, shaped by a belief that great wines begin with care for the land and are best shared with others. With Hinman Vineyards as the family’s home estate and D.W. Hinman and Tior serving as two additional expressions, the Hinman family offers a range of wines and experiences that reflect thoughtful winemaking, genuine hospitality and a deep connection to place. For more information, visit hinmanvineyards.com, dwhinmancellars.com and tiorwines.com.
