Growing up on a farm near Carlton, I developed a taste for both the outdoors and agriculture and coincidentally, was also exposed to the burgeoning wine industry erupting around me.  Agricultural work entailed many skills, mechanical work among them,  which led me to pursuing a degree in engineering.  

 

Midway through my college career studying to be an engineer at Oregon State University, I took a year off to apprentice at Ken Wright Cellars, where I developed a passion for the art of winemaking from one of the best.  

 

After completing my degree, I pursued an engineering career, but found myself being steadily pulled back to the wine industry.  In 2010 I interrupted my engineering work and traveled to New Zealand to work at Ata Rangi in Martinborough.  This was an incredible experience where I had the opportunity to work with great wines and wonderful people in beautiful surroundings. When I returned to Oregon, I again found work in the construction world but with more immediate intent to start my wine label.  In 2012, Bud’s Bloom was formed,  anticipating the 2013 vintage.

 

Of course, the brand and the very existence of it is originally accredited to my grandfather, Robert “Bud” Van Dyke, who was the first generation of Oregon farmers in our my family lineage.  His Son ,William Van Dyke, and our family also farmed in the Willamette Valley.  One piece of property we farmed was originally owned by Bud and would eventually be planted to what is now Janice Vineyard.   

 

Bud’s Bloom’s first vintage in 2013 was at Laurel Ridge Winery where my Pinot Noir would be produced and cellared for 2014 and 2015 vintages, as well.  This past year I’ve relocated and am now making wine at Day Camp Winery in Dundee, OR, a community winery shared with several winemakers. I like the new digs and and look forward to making great wines here.