Z'IVO Wines

John and Katherine Zelco settled in Oregon in 1983 and became enamored with Willamette Valley wines. They spent several years working at wineries to learn the basics of winemaking and began planting their vineyard in 1996 at the northern tip of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Their five clones of Pinot Noir and one clone of Pinot Blanc occupy 25 acres overlooking the valley. Their first commercial vintage was released in 2000, but was not sold widely.

The name celebrates Zelko's Slovak heritage and means "Z's wine." Zelko is a Portland surgeon.

In addition to Pinot Noir, Z'IVO makes white blends and white varietals with grapes purchased from neighbors in Oregon and eastern Washington. The wines are crafted in consultation with Miguel Lopez.

Z'IVO wines are available on the website and at the winery at Walnut City Wineworks, a consortium winery in the Pinot Quarter at 475 NE 17th Avenue in McMinnville (open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30-4:30 and by appointment - 503-472-3215). There is some retail distribution.