by Hayley Lucich
May 1st 2025
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Warrior's Rest Vineyard at Bellingar Estates. Photo credit James Wilson '17
The Willamette Valley has become a top wine destination in the country. More than 700 wineries are in the region, and many are owned by or affiliated with Portland State alumni. PSU alumni are making their mark in this ever-growing industry and here are four alumni-owned wineries and winemakers.
Becky Kramer '11 and her sister, Kim Kramer. Photo credit James Wilson '17
Kramer Vineyards
Kramer Vineyards is a family-owned winery with over four decades of experience crafting exceptional wines in the heart of Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton viticultural area. PSU alumna Becky Kramer ‘11 is the general manager overseeing operations, shipping and distribution. Becky joined the family business in 2017, bringing her experience and PSU degree in Business and Human Resource Management.
Karl Mecklem '16. Photo credit James Wilson '17
Eagles Nest Reserve Vineyard & Winery
Eagles Nest Reserve sits on a 160-acre estate of vineyards, wetlands, forests and fields in the Tualatin Hills. Lead winemaker and head viticulturist, PSU alumnus Karl Mecklem ’16 runs the viticulture and enology programs. To the family business he brings his sustainability focus and passion for proper stewardship of the land.
Zane Morris '18. Photo credit Cheryl Juetten
Zē Wines
After graduating from PSU with a Bachelor of Music, Zane Morris ‘18 spent years as a music educator before the pandemic sent him on a new career path in the wine industry. He started his own label, Zē Wines, in 2021 with an ethos of crafting quality, approachable wines for anyone to enjoy. Even the brand name, “Zē”, the gender-neutral pronoun, encapsulates the message that these wines are for everyone.
Kim Bellingar MBA '13. Photo credit James Wilson '17
Bellingar Estates
Bellingar Estates is a tiny, family-owned and operated winery and farm in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Kim Bellingar ’13 got her start in the wine industry working closely with fellow alum David Adelsheim ’66 while earning her MBA at PSU. She spent 12 years as COO at Adelsheim Vineyard before joining the family winery full-time, which she founded with her husband Evan.
Want to meet these four alumni and taste their wines? All of them will be featured at the PSU Alumni Association’s Vikings on the Vine Winemaker’s Tasting Event on May 31 at the Stoller Family Estate. Sample wines from ten alumni-owned wineries while enjoying food and live music. Purchase tickets for the event.