Olive Hamilton Russell is the founder, owner, and winemaker behind her boutique label, dedicated to expressing the distinct terroirs of Oregon’s Willamette Valley through single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With over twenty years of experience, including leadership roles at prominent South African wineries, her deep connection to the land stems from her upbringing on a long-held family farm near the Swaziland border. After selling that property, she invested in her own wine venture, inspired by a passion for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and the United States. A pivotal moment came at Oregon’s 2015 International Pinot Noir Celebration, where she discovered a style that motivated her move to the region. Her wines, such as the structured Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir and the precise Maple Grove Vineyard Chardonnay, reflect meticulous winemaking and site expression. Launching her Oregon project in 2018 and releasing her first solo vintage in 2023, Olive now oversees all aspects of the business from vineyard partnerships to marketing, working with certified growers and continuing to refine her craft through ongoing study and collaboration.