DAVE & SARA SPECTER: BELLS UP WINERY
After more than a decade of success as a corporate tax attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dave Specter was emotionally and physically spent. His wife Sara, a freelance marketing consultant and writer, convinced him to leave the profession and they turned the hobby that brought him joy—winemaking—into his new career. The pair had fallen in love with Newberg and Oregon’s Willamette Valley while on vacation in 2008, subsequently moving there in 2012 and establishing Bells Up Winery in 2013. The first wines were released Memorial Day 2015, coinciding with the opening of the estate winery/tasting room. The on-site production facility was built and equipped in time for 2019 harvest.
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ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Enjoy this Winemaker Insider conversation with Dave Specter. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.
Bells Up is a micro-boutique winery that composes handcrafted, classically styled Pinot Noir, Rosé, Pinot Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes sourced exclusively from its estate, and from micro-sites in the Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon. The winery makes ~600 cases annually. The name “Bells Up” refers to a dramatic moment in classical music where the composer instructs French horn players to lift the bells of their instruments up and project sound with maximum intensity. Dave, a former French horn player, says the winery is his “Bells Up” moment.
Bells Up offers seated private tastings exclusively for one group at a time by reservation, hosted by Dave. Relaxed and unhurried, guests experience current wine releases, learn about the vintages and their composition, and tour the winery barrel room. They also gain insights into the two decades of life, business, and winemaking lessons that led Dave and Sara to establish an un-domaine winery and vineyard on Chehalem Mountain—plus enjoy sweeping views of the estate vineyard, Newberg, Dundee Hills and south to the Eola-Amity Hills.
Bells Up wines are available for purchase exclusively through the tasting room. Orders are accepted by phone or email. The winery ships throughout the U.S.
Visit https://bellsupwinery.com/
Check out Dave & Sara on Big Blend Radio & Big Blend Magazines!
