Bill Stoller, the founder and proprietor of Stoller Wine Group, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the night of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to a press release from the company.
Stoller, who founded Stoller Family Estate in 1993, was a pivotal figure in the Oregon wine industry. While the estate itself was established in 1943 in Dundee Hills, Oregon, it wasn’t until Stoller took over that vines were planted in the early 1990s. Under his guidance, the estate’s vineyards focused primarily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, varieties that would go on to shape the legacy of the winery.
Born and raised in Oregon, Stoller initially pursued a career in human resources, earning a degree from Pacific University and an MBA from Portland State University. He co-founded Express Employment Professionals in 1983 and later founded Xenium, a human resources outsourcing company, in 2001. These ventures helped fund his eventual foray into the wine business.
In 1993, Stoller launched Stoller Wine Group, which today includes not only Stoller Family Estate but also Chehalem Winery, History, Chemistry, Stoller Swing, and Canned Oregon. The company also operates two wine bars, located in Newberg and Bend, and is a certified B Corporation, demonstrating a commitment to high social and environmental performance standards.
Stoller was known for his early advocacy of Chardonnay, planting four hectares of the then-unpopular variety in 1995 at a time when many Oregon producers were removing it from their vineyards. His pioneering efforts were part of a broader commitment to sustainable winemaking. Stoller was instrumental in the construction of the Stoller Family Estate wine production facility, which made history in 2006 by becoming the world’s first winery to receive a gold rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
Throughout his career, Stoller remained focused on building a lasting legacy. He famously stated his goal was “to build a business that can last for 200 years.”
Stoller’s contributions to the industry were recognized in 2024 when he received the Diploma of Honour from the Fédération Internationale des Confréries Bachiques, an accolade given to only 26 individuals in history. In February of 2025, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Oregon Wine Board. Reflecting on this honor, Stoller said, “Being a part of the Oregon wine story has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Every time I pour a bottle of our wine, I share a piece of my home. I am grateful for the opportunity to help build our industry, making this honor all the more meaningful.”
Gary Mortensen, president of Stoller Wine Group and director of the Oregon Wine Board, expressed deep sorrow at Stoller’s passing, calling him a “remarkable entrepreneur” who was also a “generous mentor, a steadfast friend, and a passionate advocate for connecting people with opportunity.” Mortensen emphasized Stoller’s lasting influence on the Oregon wine industry, stating, “His bold 200-year vision and unwavering belief in the potential of the Oregon wine industry is the cornerstone of everything we do at the Stoller Wine Group. He would want us to continue pushing forward to realize his dream.”
Stoller’s impact on Oregon’s wine industry is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to shape the sector for years to come.
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