Our Story
Thirty two years ago, Marcos and Heidi Martins left Brazil to forge a future in America. Together they built a lovely life in the San Francisco Bay Area but a life that didn’t suggest a future other than quiet suburbia. After 37 years of marriage, successful careers, and raising their daughter, Petra, a real dream came to fruition. From wine classes, winery memberships, and Marcos’ involvement with a local chapter of backyard winemakers, they orchestrated the conception, evolution, and final product; Crooked Barn Vineyards.
It’s exactly this determination and fortitude that propelled them from the life they had so meticulously built to a future that promised excitement, creativity, and freedom. When searching for a location, Marcos was aware that soil and climate would uplift his beloved Bordeaux red varietals. Heidi wanted a soil and climate that would allow for an abundant organic vegetable and fruit garden. After much searching, southern Oregon shone like a beacon. And nearly six years later, this choice could not have been more perfect. This is because though location is part of what makes happy vines, community is what makes a location great. Friends and community of the Applegate Valley have welcomed and supported our dream more than they could have ever imagined. Thank you all.
The vision for Crooked Barn Vineyards has always been simple: excellent grapes beget excellent wine. The quality of wine develops years before a bottle is uncorked, and this is why, no matter the time of year, if you look up at the hill behind the Crooked Barn as you drive down Highway 238, you’ll see a lone figure tending to his vines. His attention to detail and care is what distinguishes CBV’s wine.
