McMinnville, OR (May 28, 2018) – Elizabeth Chambers Cellar has hired a new Head Winemaker. Drew Voit assumed the role in early May and will head all aspects of winemaking and vineyard relations. Silvan Ridge Winemaker JP Valot, who has worked for the Chambers family since 2005, was instrumental in this transition and served as winemaker for both brands in the 2017 vintage. The addition of Voit will allow Valot to resume his full-time winemaking role at Silvan Ridge Winery in Eugene.
As winemaker for the boutique, up-and-coming winery, Voit will be working to establish Elizabeth Chambers Cellar as one of the valley’s most coveted brands. The hiring of Voit is full-circle for both the Chambers family, and for Drew himself. In 1998, Liz Chambers hired him as the Assistant Winemaker for Silvan Ridge Winery, her family’s winery in Eugene, where he worked for six years before the desire to make Pinot Noir led him to the Dundee Hills. For the next eight years, Voit honed his craft working for two of the valley’s most iconic brands. From 2004 to 2008 he served as Associate Winemaker for Domaine Serene, and from 2008 to 2012 was Head Winemaker for Shea Wine Cellars. He is currently Owner and Proprietor of Harper Voit, a small, ultra-premium producer of Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, as well as owner of DHV Wine Company, providing custom crush services to small producers.
“I’m delighted to reunite with the Chambers family and help Elizabeth Chambers Cellar to craft a lineup of terroir-driven single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from some of the best vineyards in the Willamette Valley,” Voit said.
Elizabeth Chambers Cellar was founded in 2013 by Liz Chambers, whose family has deep ties in the Oregon wine industry. Her boutique winery is in one of McMinnville’s most historic buildings, which has been part of Oregon winemaking history for more than 20 years. Although Liz passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, her family remains committed to continuing the legacy she began. Liz’s wishes were for her estate to be equally divided between her two daughters, and her oldest daughter Julia Chambers- Stiltner and son-in-law Andrew Stiltner will be overseeing operations going forward. “We are thrilled to have Drew join our team. His experience and knowledge in the industry are second to none,” said Andrew, “we believe that he will greatly enhance the wines and culture at Elizabeth Chambers Cellar.”
Julia, when asked about the future of Elizabeth Chambers Cellar said, “While my mother is no longer with us, I know how brightly she’d be smiling down right now. Her fondness for Drew was undeniable. Mom always wanted her winery to be recognized among the best wineries in Oregon, and I know that Drew is the perfect fit to help us get there.”
