Portland Business Journal recognizes Gary Mortensen for the second time, highlighting his leadership among top executives across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
November 10, 2026 (Dayton, OR) — Stoller Wine Group’s President Gary Mortensen has been named one of the Portland Business Journal’s 2027 Executives of the Year for his continued leadership, strategic vision and contributions to Oregon’s business community. He was previously honored in 2022.
Since joining Stoller Wine Group in 2012, Gary has helped transform the family-owned company into one of Oregon’s most dynamic wine businesses. His leadership philosophy, rooted in empowering people and recognizing opportunity, has guided the company’s growth through periods of significant industry change.
As the broader wine industry navigates shifting consumer preferences, distribution challenges, and economic uncertainty, Stoller Wine Group continues to invest in its future. As highlighted in a recent Portland Business Journal feature, Gary has driven the company’s growth through the acquisition of Elouan, expansion of its vineyard holdings to more than 819 acres across 1,250 acres of farmland, and opening of the Stoller Wine Bar | Bend and Newberg, Chehalem Estate Tasting Room, and the Stoller Experience Center. Recent investments also include the purchase of the neighboring Pamplin property, which will become Chehalem’s new winemaking facility in 2027.
“The wine industry is navigating a period of significant change, but I’ve always believed that moments like these create opportunities for those willing to think differently,” says Gary Mortensen, president of Stoller Wine Group. “Bill Stoller’s vision to build a 200-year company has always been the foundation for our growth. That long-term perspective continues to guide how we invest in our people, brands and future.”
Drawing on a decade of startup experience, Gary has fostered an entrepreneurial culture, empowering employees to think and act as presidents of their own departments. His approach encourages independent thinking, accountability, and a sense of ownership at every level of the organization. In 2026, Stoller Wine Group was the only winery named to The Oregonian’s Top Workplaces list for the fourth consecutive year, ranking No. 18 among midsize employers.
Beyond the wine industry, Gary is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and passionate historian with a commitment to preserving history and bringing untold stories to life. His work reflects a broader belief in the importance of honoring the past while creating opportunities for future generations.
To learn more about Stoller Wine Group, its portfolio of Oregon wine brands, and its commitment to building a lasting legacy, visit www.stollerwinegroup.com.
About Stoller Wine Group
The Stoller Wine Group has earned a reputation as one of Oregon’s most dynamic family of wineries by thinking and acting differently than our peers. Our success begins with a bold vision to build a company that will last for 200 years, set by our late founder and Dayton, Oregon native, Bill Stoller.
Founded in 1993, our collection of family-owned brands includes Stoller Family Estate, Chehalem Wines, Chemistry, Stoller Swing, History, Elouan, and Canned Oregon. We take pride in our B Corp, LIVE, and Salmon-Safe certifications, knowing that we back our values with actions when it comes to our commitment to our land, wines, and community. With every step forward, we are building a lasting impact on the wine industry and the world. Home to the world’s first LEED Gold-certified winery, our dedication has led us to be perennially honored as one of Oregon’s most admired companies by the Portland Business Journal, 10Best Tasting Rooms by USA Today Readers’ Choice, and a Top Workplace recipient by The Oregonian.
For more information and our commitment to crafting world-class wines sustainably, please visit our website at www.stollerwinegroup.com.
