Our Story

Neil & Sue Shay moved to the Willamette Valley in 2010 and, after almost a year of searching for a home out in the country, found a six-acre homestead nestled into the southwest Coastal foothills of the Willamette Valley in the Village of Alpine, west of Monroe, Oregon. Before moving in, it was suspected the lawn and pasture areas on the property might be a suitable habitat for bluebirds. As a pleasant introduction to their new residence, they were greeted by several families of bluebirds the very day they unloaded the moving van and moved into the house. As a well-known symbol for happiness, Neil & Sue welcomed and acknowledged their bluebird neighbors by naming the property “Bluebird Hill.” Daily, they are greeted by their bluebirds and the other friendly birds that frequent their feeders.

Inheriting an overgrown Christmas tree farm, it took three years to fully clear the land, and they began planting grapevines as cleared land became available. Only once the trees started to go could they truly appreciate the full potential of their property. Aside from the long-distance view that Neil & Sue enjoy, the site is absolutely perfect for growing grapes: a warm hilltop that enjoys gentle summer breezes with southeastern- and western-facing slopes to capture the sun’s energy.

In the early spring of 2013, there was just enough land fully cleared to allow them to plant their first block of vines, a small plot of Pommard clone Pinot noir. Since then, more plantings have followed each year. Presently, Bluebird Hill stands at three acres, planted at a high density, perhaps more typical of France than Oregon. Although Neil & Sue love the Burgundian-style Pinot noirs and have many of their favorite Dijon clones planted along with Pommard and Wädenswil, Bluebird Hill wines strive to tell the story that the Willamette Valley is a unique place that can produce outstanding wine, reflecting its own special terroir. Bluebird Hill wines are small-lot and handcrafted, and always will be, with a commitment to make distinctive wines from exceptional fruit using a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques with a focus on detail.

After over a decade of building Bluebird Hill Cellars and sharing their passion with the community, Neil & Sue have welcomed new owners, Kevin Zhang and Cleo Song, who are honored to carry on the Bluebird Hill tradition. Kevin and Cleo fell in love with the vineyard’s charm, its welcoming spirit, and the legacy Neil & Sue created. With backgrounds rooted in both wine appreciation and community-building, Kevin and Cleo are committed to honoring the Bluebird Hill story while bringing new energy and ideas to the winery. Their vision is to preserve the handcrafted, small-lot winemaking that defines Bluebird Hill, while creating new experiences, events, and offerings that invite friends old and new to share in the joy of this special place.

Today, Neil & Sue look out every morning at exceptional sunrises and, after a good day’s work, enjoy the early evening light falling on their young vineyard. Kevin & Cleo are now excited to join in, welcoming guests and sharing the next chapter of Bluebird Hill’s story. The location offers gorgeous vistas, a quiet place to sit, relax, and taste outstanding wines. Great wine shared with friends and loved ones is one of life’s joys. All of us at Bluebird Hill—Neil, Sue, Kevin, and Cleo—hope you will pay us a visit, taste the wines, enjoy the views, and make Bluebird Hill wines part of your own special occasions.