Ransom

A small artisan producer of organic wines and spirits from Oregon grapes launched in 1997 by founder Tad Seestedt. Seestedt is a New York transplant who gained winemaking experience at Argyle and Amity. Still wine production began with the 1999 vintage. The producer found a home for its winery in McMinnville's granary district in 2004. In 2008, a 40-acre farm was acquired outside of Sheridan, Oregon, bringing the winery and distillery together for the first time. Vines were planted in the spring of 2010.

The name "Ransom" was chosen to represent the investment necessary to become self-employed. It has since come to represent the amount of debt owed to banks.

The majority of sourced fruit is farmed organically or biodynamically. The second label, "Jigsaw," is a blend of Pinot Noir from organically and conventionally farmed vineyards.

Ransom Pinot Noir is less than $30 and Jigsaw Pinot Noir is less than $20. An eau de vie of Pinot Noir is distilled from wine and aged in French oak. The website does not indicate where the wines may be purchased so call or e-mail Tad and say, "I want my ransom!"

The winery/distillery is not open to the public.