STORIED HISTORY
Founded In 1997
Founded in 1997, Ransom Wines & Spirits celebrates 25 years of producing hand-crafted wine and spirits! Started by Tad Seestedt. Born and raised on a farm in the NY Finger Lakes, he later tried his hand at New York City living and corporate America and quickly realized that he missed the farm. He ventured on the 2,000 mile journey west finding his way on the Oregon trail to a farm in Sheridan where he laid the foundation for a winery and distillery. Beginning in 1997, Tad started distilling and single-handedly revived the 19th century era ‘Old Tom’ Gin (aged in barrel). In the process, he maxed out his credit cards in order to fund his passion. With the bank holding him ransom to pay back his debt, he thought the name appropriate for his continued pursuit. In 1999, Ransom began the production of a number of small-batch fine wines using a hands-on approach based on human instinct and intuition, with minimal intervention and no robots. The wines exemplify true varietal character and express the individuality of our growers, vineyards, and vintages. Choosing vineyards with a commitment to quality and sustainability is always our first step, but they must also have pure expression of terroir and unique flavors. We seek out old vine, high elevation sites, many in the Eola-Amity Hills, which have the innate nerve and balanced acidity to make evocative, food-friendly wines naturally
Ransom consists of a forty-acre Organic Farm, vineyard and distillery outside of Sheridan, Oregon. Located in the famed Willamette Valley - in the foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range. Barley has been planted since 2008, and the first vines were planted in the spring of 2010. In keeping with Ransom’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship, the farm has been certified Organic since 2011 and the distillery received organic certification in 2021. In 2020 Tad retired, entrusting his vision to The Great Oregon Wine Co. & Distillery based in Dundee, Oregon and his long-time right hand winemaker, and Oregon native, Julia Cattrall.
In keeping with Ransom’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship, the farm has been certified Organic since 2011. The distillery received organic certification in 2021.
In 2020 Tad retired, entrusting his vision to The Great Oregon Wine Co. & Distillery based in Dundee, Oregon.
Our Winemaker
About Winemaker, Julia Cattrall
As part of the fifth generation on her family’s century farm, Julia has deep roots in the Willamette Valley wine industry. Her work in viticulture began at the tender age of seven, learning organic viticulture from her father at the Cattrall Vineyard in the Eola[1]Amity Hills. Julia has been making wine with Ransom since 2007, working her way up from harvest intern to winemaker while also honing her craft at Lumos Wine Company, Dominio IV Wines, and Escarpment Vineyard. She earned a degree in Anthropology from Reed College with a thesis on viticultural practices in Burgundy. Drawing on a career-long emphasis on sustainable and artisan winemaking practices, Julia crafts the wines and vermouths of Ransom and Great Oregon Wine Company. When not working, Julia enjoys exploring Oregon’s forests and rivers, caring for a menagerie of farm animals, and putting the finishing touches on the home she and her sister built with their father on the farm.