SJR Vineyard
Named for Stuart John Robertson, beloved brother, son, and friend, SJR Vineyard is the soul of Delmas. Planted in 2007 in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, this 13-acre estate vineyard is the source of every Delmas wine. Rhône varieties are sustainably farmed with a focus on stewardship and a commitment to expressing the character of the site.
One Estate, One Growing Philosophy
Built on the foundation of SJR Vineyard, Delmas is dedicated to wines that reflect the character of where they are grown. Located at the southwestern edge of The Rocks District, the estate’s cobbled soils bring structure, freshness, and finesse. Sustainably farmed with a focus on cover cropping, minimal water use, and integrated pest management, SJR Vineyard is cared for with a hands-on approach that responds to the season and keeps farming and winemaking closely connected.
Rhône Varieties at SJR Vineyard
SJR Vineyard was planted in 2007 to Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Viognier. Over time, additional clonal selections and plantings of Cinsault, Grenache Blanc, and Bourboulenc have expanded the estate’s range and broadened the blending possibilities for Delmas. Newer plantings are all on rootstock, while the majority of the older plantings remain own-rooted.
That diversity is part of the vineyard’s strength. Some varieties ripen earlier, others later. Some bring freshness and acidity, while others contribute texture, perfume, or fruit intensity. Together, they give Delmas the flexibility to farm and blend with balance in mind as conditions shift from one vintage to the next.
Both Northern & Southern Rhône wine styles are represented through Delmas, with the purity of a 100% Viognier, to the complexity of blends including all varietals planted at SJR Vineyard.
Mini-Head-Trained Vines
The Walla Walla Valley is a region of extremes, with growing season heat that can rival Northern California and winters that regularly fall below zero. At SJR Vineyard, that reality led to the development of the mini-head-trained system, an approach designed to protect the vines and support the estate's long-term health.
All of the red varieties are grown low to the ground as goblet, head-trained vines in a three-dimensional structure. This improves cluster ripening and allows the vines to be buried after harvest, protecting the trunk, head, and early buds through winter freezes. In spring, the vines are uncovered and pruned for the season ahead.
The result is a farming system tailored to this site and climate, combining vineyard protection with a disciplined approach to crop balance and fruit quality.
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
SJR Vineyard is located in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, a small and distinctive AVA within the Walla Walla Valley. Approved in 2015, it is the only AVA in the United States whose boundaries are defined almost entirely by a single soil series, the Freewater Series, and a single landform, an alluvial fan.
At the southwestern corner of this Oregon AVA, SJR Vineyard is part of a region known for its rocky soils, water availability, excellent drainage, and favorable climate. Together, these conditions have helped bring international recognition to this region, particularly for Syrah.
For Delmas, the significance of The Rocks District extends beyond its reputation. It is a place that rewards careful farming, close attention to the site, and a long-term commitment to the land.