Our Land
As keepers of the land for this moment in time, environmental stewardship is a core tenet of our work. Taking thoughtful steps to sustain this place for future generations, we’ve implemented organic practices and planted regenerative cover crops. Our collaboration with local ecologists has created a feast for pollinators, creating a nurturing ecosystem for the vineyards. Our commitment to L.I.V.E. and Salmon Safe certifications ensures this land will continue to thrive with healthy earth and clear water.
Our Community
Believing we are only as strong as the community in which we live, we’re proud to support Ashland and Rogue Valley organizations that help our region thrive. Please share in our love for local culture, arts and philanthropic organizations like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Asante Foundation, Rogue Valley schools, farmers, beekeepers, cheese and chocolate makers.
DOUG IRVINE
Co-Founder
Doug Irvine spent part of his childhood on a ranch in Southern Oregon where his father instilled in him the value of hard work. After graduating from UC Irvine with a degree in economics, Doug set out to develop real estate in Southern California. He met and married Dionne in 1990 and in 1997, the family moved back to Oregon to the beautiful mountain town of Ashland to raise their three daughters. It wasn’t until 2005, after a revelatory experience with Gaja Nebbiolo on a vacation in Italy, that Doug had the idea to return to farming by planting a vineyard. Now, many vintages later, with 44 acres planted of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Doug puts the lessons he learned from his father into practice every day. Doug’s favorite thing about winegrowing is seeing the delight on guests’ faces in the tasting room and his reward for all the hard work is the joy of welcoming each new visitor into his extended family.
DIONNE IRVINE
Co-Founder
Following high school in Brookings, Oregon, Dionne Irvine studied real estate and soon found herself fast-tracked marketing and selling new homes with some of the nation’s largest home builders. After marrying Doug, her keen business sense, love of hospitality, and a growing family set the couple dreaming about creating a winery on their 80-acre ranch in Ashland. Dionne had a vision to create a place of elegance, where the warm style of architecture of the tasting room and winery blends into the environment and a sincere welcome is offered to each and every guest. Her mission is to share the unique interplay of the community with Irvine & Roberts, the commitment to thoughtful, sustainable wine growing, and of course pouring dynamic wines that testify to the special nature of this place.
Brian Gruber
Winemaker & Vineyard Manager
Winemaker and Vineyard Manager Brian Gruber began making wines from the estate vineyards in 2015, coming to Irvine & Roberts with rich experience in crafting world-class wines. Prior to joining Irvine & Roberts, Brian managed and made wines for several heralded brands and founded Swallow Hill Vineyard in Ashland. Brian’s route to winemaking has been exceptionally diverse. Following an 11-year career with the U.S. Air Force, he decided to pursue a Masters of Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. It was while doing a stint in banking after grad school that Brian realized his heart’s calling was as a grower, maker and, most recently, a steward of this special place.
Greg Paneitz
General Manager
Greg Paneitz is a dynamic entrepreneur and winemaker with extensive experience in both the wine and biotech industries. Over the course of his career, Greg has successfully managed and grown multiple companies, from founding and running a successful direct-to-consumer winery to designing, implementing, and managing a million-gallon wine production facility. Greg has a Certificate of Oenology from Fresno State and attended the prestigious Institute Agro Montpellier in France. In addition to his expertise in winemaking, Greg also brings a strong background in chemistry, microbiology, and physics to his work. Greg has devoted himself to supporting local schools, young winemakers, and special places like Irvine & Roberts to continue the tradition of excellence and community for years to come.
Scott Hillier
After graduating from Southern Oregon University, Scott Hillier joined Lithia Motors Inc. in 1986. Scott developed a reputation for identifying talent, building teams, and helping foster the value of taking personal ownership for performance. Over his 38-year career, his mentoring and leadership led to his many promotions including Vice President of Sales and Finance, Vice President of Human Development, and finishing as a Regional President of Operations. After retiring, Scott focuses on Partake, his hospitality center in Grants Pass that includes a wine and cheese shop, lounge, and fine dining restaurant. His desire to share in the stewardship of Irvine & Roberts is a true honor.
Patti Hillier
Patti Hillier graduated from SOU while participating in the US Bank scholarship program. Following graduation, she advanced through the departments at the Medford Branch of US Bank, finishing up with the Bancorp division. After shifting to family and raising their 3 sons, Patti organized and directed a learning center at New Hope Christian School for advanced and assisted learning needs of the students through all grades. She retired after 22 years of service to turn her focus on the business accounting of their enterprises and refocus on their expanding family additions with their six grandchildren. Patti’s commitment to nurturing family and community carries through as a steward of the Irvine & Roberts legacy.
Brian Cathcart
Brian Cathcart became a CPA in the State of Colorado in 1997. In 2020, he relocated to Bend, Oregon, where he holds a CPA license in the State of Oregon. His ability to decode the language of numbers and provide strategic financial guidance has been instrumental in helping organizations achieve their goals. Brian values family, lifestyle, and finds nature to be therapy for all of us. He loves almost everything outdoors, is passionate about habitat conservation, and supports pretty much anything that reduces the beat down of the planet. Brian embraces being a dedicated steward of the Irvine & Roberts legacy.
Carolyne Liberty
Carolyne Liberty is an Ashland local who grew up on the beautiful property below the vineyard. A talented singer-songwriter and performer, her music has been featured in dozens of TV shows, advertisements, and trailers. She met her husband, Max Liberty, while living in LA, and they made the move back to Oregon in 2020. Recently, they welcomed their son, Maverick. Carolyne is excited to contribute to the vibrant business and community at Irvine & Roberts, bringing her passion for creating and connection to the area she calls home.
