28 | EDIBLE PORTLAND SUMMER 2025 Soter Vineyards is Leading By Example BY LUKE WYLDE | PHOTOS BY ROSS MALOOF On April 10th, I had the pleasure of sitting with founder Tony Soter and Director of Consumer Sales and Marketing, Julia Bandy, for the Soter Vineyards tasting experience at Mineral Springs Ranch (MSR). The property is nestled in the heart of Oregon's Yamhill-Carlton AVA atop a hill outside Carlton, Oregon. Ever since I first moved to Oregon in 2011, this site has reminded me of the famous line from the Sermon on the Mount, "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." Nothing about MSR is elegiac; instead, it serves as a joyous celebration of sustainable farming, innovative winemaking, and a deep respect for nature and the people who work on the property. Founded by Oregon born Tony and Michelle Soter in 2001, the ranch has evolved into a beacon of biodynamic viticulture and community engagement. Even after Michelle’s passing in 2019, Tony continues to celebrate her life’s work and influence on the mission of the land they developed together, in a way that demonstrates precisely the power she had in the lives of so many.
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