Instilled with the dreams of its owners, Celestial Hill is an organic boutique vineyard in Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley, where Chris and Melissa Thomas hand-cultivate pinot noir and chardonnay grapes to produce small-batch wines in the Burgundian style. They maintain a close connection to the earth, making their home on the 52-acre property and committing themselves fully to giving the grapes and vines the attention they deserve.
The Celestial Story
Living in the Vines
Chris & Melissa Thomas sitting under their pergola with young Rosie! Summer 2020.
With the belief that fine wine starts with the soil, Celestial Hill is a certified organic estate that takes sustainable farming practices to heart. The product is a wine that becomes a natural extension of the vineyard itself: approachable, welcoming, and authentic. The moment you step foot on Celestial Hill soil, and sample our world-class, high-quality wines, you’ll understand why we’re unapologetically true to the land.
Under the Stars, On the Hill
A Truly Special Place
Celestial Hill is one of the westernmost vineyards in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range in the Willamette Valley, where vineyards enjoy the hot, dry summers favored by pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. But it’s Celestial Hill’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean that’s responsible for the cool evening breezes that allow the grapes to remain on the vine longer. Four distinct vineyards spread across 15 acres produce purposefully low yields, marrying volcanic and oceanic sedimentary soil with subtle elevation changes to create exceptional terroir-based wines with a true sense of place.
The Celestial Team
Our winemaker
Florent-Pierre Merlier
Florent in the Celestial Hill barrel cave. 2026.
Florent grew up in a small village in North Burgundy, France: the Grand Auxerrois, near Chablis, a place where winemaking dates back to Roman times. Although his early studies and career were centered in the film industry, Florent was eventually beckoned to the land, to study winemaking at the University of Dijon.
After gaining experience in Burgundy, and then the challenging Swiss wine industry, Florent made a pivotal move in 2009, relocating himself and his family to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Now, for nearly 20 years, he has crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the style of his homeland, blending Old World heritage with New World innovation.
When not among the vines, tending to the cellar, or creating blends, Florent enjoys mountain biking (especially on the rainy PNW days), skiing snowy slopes, or foraging mushrooms in the coastal mountain range.
director of hospitality,
club and events
Nicki Pelone
Nicki at the Celestial Hill 3rd St. Tasting Room
Nicki was born and raised in North Carolina, where her appreciation for hospitality and genuine connection first took root. Her upbringing instilled a natural warmth and attentiveness that continues to shape how she engages with both people and place.
She began her journey in the wine industry in 2011 in Sonoma County, California, where she developed a deep respect for the craft and culture of wine country.
A strong understanding of how environment, storytelling, and human connection create memorable guest experiences, ultimately leading her to the Willamette Valley, where she continues to deepen that connection within the McMinnville community.
With a background in hospitality, executive leadership support, and creative media, Nicki brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to her work, balancing structure with creativity.
At Celestial Hill Vineyard, she helps shape the guest experience and brand voice, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming, intentional, and distinctly memorable.
Walk with Us
Private Tours
Book a private tour of Celestial Hill Vineyard to learn more about our terroir-based wines and the passion we pour into every bottle! Stroll the vineyard, or enjoy a flight in our 3rd street tasting room.
Visit Our Estate Vineyard & Winery
Make an appointment to visit our vines and experience the authentic vineyard lifestyle through the eyes of Chris and Melissa Thomas. Our McMinnville 3rd Street tasting room offers tastings by appointment or by chance.
