Nestled in the hills just a 30-minute drive from the University of Oregon campus, Sweet Cheeks Winery has become a popular destination for visitors seeking a picturesque and inviting wine country experience near Eugene.
Originally planted throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the vineyard officially became a winery in 2005 when founder Dan Smith, who had previously worked in refrigeration, decided to share his passion for wine with others. The decision came after the completion of the vineyard in 2001, prompting Smith to create a space where guests could enjoy both the landscape and the winemaking process.
The winery is now overseen by General Manager Jessica Thomas, Smith’s granddaughter. Thomas, who studied event planning at the University of Oregon, began working at the winery while completing her degree, learning the intricacies of hospitality and winemaking alongside her grandfather.
Wine production at Sweet Cheeks is split between the estate vineyard and partner vineyards in Southern Oregon. This blend allows the winery to offer a range of varietals, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The southern grapes, sourced from vineyards such as Quail Run and Pebblestone, introduce varietal diversity to the cooler Willamette Valley region.
According to Thomas, the distinct climate of Lane County—marked by warm days and notably cooler nights—makes it an ideal location for cultivating Pinot Noir. The grape’s thin skin and sensitivity to heat require balanced conditions, which the region consistently provides.
“Wine can be very intimidating to people, and we want to ensure that we can share the art of winemaking in a way that people want to relate to,” said Thomas, emphasizing Sweet Cheeks’ approachable and welcoming atmosphere.
The winery’s scenic views and hospitality have made it a favored venue for events. University of Oregon student Eryk Puzon selected Sweet Cheeks for his fraternity’s Mother’s Day celebration, citing the breathtaking landscape and ease of coordination.
“We chose Sweet Cheeks for their beautiful scenery,” Puzon said. “We will definitely be returning in the future.”
Despite its charm, Sweet Cheeks has faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, regional wildfires, and the passing of founder Dan Smith in 2018. Yet the winery continues to thrive. Thomas named the 2021 reserve Pinot Noir as her favorite vintage, describing it as a reflection of resilience through adversity.
“After a few years in a row of us having to really buckle down and embrace the challenges we were facing, that wine really captures us coming out of so many headwinds,” she said.
Beyond production, the winery also provides educational opportunities for staff, inviting part-time employees to participate in harvest days to gain firsthand experience on the winemaking line. Thomas shared fond memories of showing out-of-town guests—especially those visiting during football season—how the grapes are brought in during harvest.
The sense of family continues in the vineyard, where Thomas’s daughter, Olivia, has already started forming her own traditions. Each harvest, Olivia picks grapes alongside Leo Gabica, the winery’s first employee. She samples the fruit and gives her approval with a signature thumbs-up.
“That’s just a special thing to me because Dan did all this,” Thomas said. “For that to be Olivia and Leo’s tradition is really special.”
Located at 27007 Briggs Hill Road, Sweet Cheeks Winery remains a testament to family legacy, community engagement, and a deep-rooted passion for the craft of winemaking.
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