ricochet

Ricochet Wine Company is a small-scale, artisan winery based in McMinnville, Oregon, producing over 3,000 cases annually of handcrafted, minimal-intervention wines. Founded by winemaker Erich, the company operates out of a repurposed manufacturing building in McMinnville's emerging industrial wine district, where it has established a collaborative winemaking facility that currently houses six tenant wineries under one roof, along with a wine bar showcasing the collective output of all resident producers.

The winery's portfolio centers on Pinot Noir but extends to a diverse range of varietals well-suited to the Pacific Northwest terroir, including Gamay Noir, Tempranillo, Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and a sparkling Pétillant Naturel (Pet-Nat). Fruit is sourced exclusively from vineyard partners who align with the company's values and philosophy.

Ricochet's winemaking approach is defined by a strict minimal-intervention philosophy. No sulfur is applied to incoming grapes, native-yeast fermentations are prioritized, and the winery avoids synthetic additives, enzymes, and animal proteins. With few exceptions, wines are bottled unfiltered, preserving the inherent character of the fruit and terroir. This natural winemaking ethos positions Ricochet within the growing movement of honest, terroir-driven producers appealing to consumers seeking transparency and authenticity in their wine purchases.

Beyond wine production, Ricochet functions as a community hub under the banner 'Ricochet, Et Al,' providing shared production space designed to lower barriers of entry for emerging and small-scale winemakers who struggle to secure affordable facilities. This collaborative model reflects a deliberate business strategy to support independent winery growth in the region.

The company also operates a tasting room and wine bar on-site, creating a direct-to-consumer retail touchpoint and a gathering space for local wine club members, winery tenants, and the broader community. A wine club membership program is part of its consumer engagement strategy.

A notable aspect of Ricochet's business model is its commitment to donating 5% of wine sales revenue to local and regional non-profit organizations focused on helping individuals recover from hardship — including formerly incarcerated individuals, those experiencing homelessness, and people facing mental health challenges. The company also actively seeks to employ individuals who face barriers to conventional employment, including those with prior criminal records.