"When a child is touched by the hand of nature it is both blessing and curse. The touched child can hear the conversation between land and life, feels the pulse of the very earth beneath bare feet. That touch also opens an eye that can never be closed to unspeakable distress of one most beloved..." - Mimi Casteel, Hope Well 

After graduating with an MS in Forest Ecology from Oregon State, Mimi worked for the National Forest Service as a botanist and developed a strong commitment to environmentalism.  After several years of working in the backcountry of Oregon, the pull to return to Bethel Heights and the vines won out.  Once back at Bethel Heights, Mimi worked tirelessly to innovate farming techniques, compost and viticultural practices to be more sustainable and organic.

Grape: Chardonnay, whole cluster pressed with 20% new French oak 

Soil: Volcanic (Jory) on Terrace, Ancient Marine Sediment on slopes

Viticulture: The Hope Well vineyard is meticulously farmed using 100% natural, organic and biodynamic methods.