The Distinguished Vineyards Portfolio: Excellence Rooted in Sustainability

Distinguished Vineyards

Formed in 2008, Distinguished Vineyards includes a collection of iconic wineries from some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. Farming and crafting consistently excellent wines with uncompromising quality is the essence of the company’s relentless pursuit. Distinguished Vineyards includes more than 1,000 acres of sustainably certified estate vineyards and has assembled a portfolio of highly acclaimed producers that are recognized as benchmarks for their appellations. Many of Distinguished Vineyard Partners are accredited, certified sustainable and organic wine growers.

Argyle

DUNDEE HILLS / EOLA-AMITY HILLS / WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON

Argyle has been a pioneer in méthode champenoise sparkling wine since 1987. Their legacy of innovation and craftsmanship spans acclaimed Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Rieslings—all grown with intention and integrity. They are uniquely recognized as the only winery to be named to Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for sparkling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. 

Argyle emphasizes crafting wines that are not only high in quality but also possess the structure and balance to age gracefully. The winery is dedicated to sustainable viticulture and winemaking. They were among the first in Oregon to earn LIVE certification (Low Input Viticulture & Enology), signifying their commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Their vineyards are also Salmon-Safe certified, ensuring the protection of salmon habitats. 

Argyle’s winemaking is deeply rooted in the belief that the unique environment of their vineyards significantly influences the character of their wines. They farm four estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley (Knudsen, Lone Star, Spirit Hill, and Giving Tree), each with distinct characteristics that contribute to the diversity of their wines.

Dough

CALIFORNIA’S NORTH COAST AND OREGON

Dough Wines is proudly the first ever wine collaboration with the James Beard Foundation, in support of equality in the kitchen, food sustainability and restaurant recovery. This partnership focuses on driving positive systemic changes in the culinary arts and beverages professions.

The wines are designed to be “food friendly & future friendly”, meaning they are crafted to pair well with food and contribute to a more equitable and food sustainable future. Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen is recognized as one of the few female head winemakers in California and brings a strong scientific background to her winemaking. Dough Wines offer a variety of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

LYLO

MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

LYLO is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc, crafted in the renowned Marlborough region. The wines are vibrant, emphasizing refreshing citrus and tropical fruit flavors and capturing the spirit of summer. The brand targets modern palates and stands out with its contemporary packaging and focus on quality. LYLO emphasizes the use of sustainably farmed grapes from their estate vineyards, which are Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) certified.

MacRostie

SONOMA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards is a Sonoma Coast winery known for its bright, balanced, and age-worthy Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Founder Steve MacRostie is considered a pioneer of the region, embracing the cool, foggy climate. Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen now leads the winemaking process. The winery collaborates with top Sonoma Coast growers like Dutton Ranch and Sangiacomo Vineyard, as well as their own Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, to source a wide variety of high-quality fruit. They use many small fermentations to preserve the unique characteristics of each vineyard, which contributes to the complexity and distinct sense of place in their wines.

Markham

NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Since 1980, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have been the heart and soul of Markham’s winemaking legacy. The winery is led by a women-led team, including Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls, who has been with Markham for over 30 years. They actively support organizations that promote women’s equity in the wine, culinary, and hospitality industries. Markham’s 260 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards span diverse areas of Napa Valley, from Calistoga to Oak Knoll, allowing the winemakers to capture the unique characteristics of each site in their wines. 

The winery is Napa Green Certified and employ practices like herbicide-free farming, no-till farming, cover crops, and utilizing renewable power. Markham believes in “partnering with purpose,” and gives back to non-profit organizations committed to women’s equity in the wine, culinary and hospitality industries.

TEXTBOOK

NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

TEXTBOOK wines, founded by the Pey Family, are inspired by the food-friendly wines of Europe combined with the power of Napa Valley. The name “Textbook” originated when an early vintage was described as a “classic Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon - so textbook like.” The winery partners with high-caliber growers and producers to consistently deliver quality and complexity. 

The wines are known for being bold yet balanced, rooted in classical winemaking techniques. Winemaker Abigail Estrada aims to capture the “soul of the varietal,” expressing the unique qualities of the fruit, soil, and climate. The winery is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is crafted using grapes from various Napa Valley AVAs, including Rutherford, Calistoga, Carneros, and Oakville.

Wither Hills

MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

Wither Hills, established in 1994, is a top Marlborough, New Zealand producer of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Committed to both innovation and tradition, Wither Hills crafts wines that reflect the character of Marlborough and their “Tūrangawaewae” (Māori for “place where we stand”). The winery is certified by
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand and uses practices like organic vineyard production, composting, and solar panels, while also supporting local conservation efforts.