Kriselle Cellars

Krisell and Scott Steingraber

Story submitted by People's Bank

Kriselle Cellars: From Hobby to Award-Winning Winery

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Southern Oregon, Kriselle Cellars is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in winemaking. What began as a hobby for Scott and Krisell Steingraber has blossomed into a celebrated winery, producing award-winning wines and fostering a vibrant community of wine enthusiasts.

Scott’s journey into winemaking started while working for a heavy construction company. A transfer to Walnut Creek, California, near the renowned Napa and Sonoma valleys, provided the perfect opportunity for Scott and Krisell to explore the world of wine. Weekend trips to local wineries ignited a passion that would eventually lead to the creation of Kriselle Cellars.

The next chapter took the couple to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Scott made his first wine using grapes from Colorado. Determined to master the craft, he enrolled in weekend classes at UC Davis, one of the premier institutions for viticulture and enology. These classes equipped Scott with the knowledge and skills needed to take his winemaking to the next level.

The move to Gig Harbor, Washington, marked a significant turning point. Scott began sourcing grapes from the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon, investing in essential equipment like a destemmer/crusher and a basket press. His dedication paid off as he started winning awards and collecting accolades. Despite these successes, winemaking remained a hobby, not yet a commercial venture.

The true genesis of Kriselle Cellars came when Krisell’s parents retired and purchased a 200-acre ranch in Southern Oregon. Their vision was to create a commercial vineyard and winery, and they saw Scott as the perfect person to bring this dream to life. Ready to retire from construction, Scott embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. The first vintage of Kriselle Cellars was produced in 2009, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

Over the years, Kriselle Cellars has garnered numerous awards, recognizing the quality and craftsmanship of their wines. Scott’s active involvement in Southern Oregon wine organizations has been instrumental in promoting the region as a world-class wine destination. Today, Kriselle Cellars produces between 4,000 to 7,000 cases per year, distributing their wines statewide. Their wine club boasts members from across the United States, reflecting the widespread appeal of their offerings.

Starting a winery is no small feat, especially considering the capital-intensive nature of the business. Scott and Krisell knew they needed financial support to manage cash flow and grow their vineyard and wine making business. Initially, they approached larger banks but found them uninterested in supporting a small startup. An advisor suggested they try a community bank, leading them to People’s Bank.

At People’s Bank, they met Jason Reno, who, thanks to his own experience with a family farm, understood the unique challenges of an agriculture and wine-based business. Jason recommended a credit line loan guaranteed by the SBA, which provided the necessary funding to support their growth. His guidance and support were invaluable, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when navigating government assistance programs became crucial for survival.

Kriselle Cellars continues to thrive, thanks in no small part to the partnership with People’s Bank and Jason's dedicated support. The winery’s success is a reflection to the power of community and the importance of finding the right partners to achieve business goals. Scott and Krisell’s journey from hobbyists to successful winery owners is an inspiring story of passion, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence.

“For those looking to start their own business, we highly recommend working with People’s Bank and advisors like Jason Reno and Mandy Hurley. Their commitment to supporting clients and understanding their unique needs has been instrumental in the success of Kriselle Cellars.”
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Kriselle Cellars is more than just a winery; it’s a story of dreams realized, challenges overcome, and a community brought together by a shared love of wine. As they continue to expand their footprint and share their exceptional wines with the world, Scott and Krisell remain dedicated to their craft and grateful for the support that has helped them along the way.