Oregon Vineyard Files Suit Over Smoke Exposure Claim

An Oregon vineyard is suing A to Z Wineworks, claiming the winery rejected millions of dollars’ worth of grapes over alleged smoke damage.  But the vineyard argues the chemical compound cited as evidence may have come from nearby cattle, not wildfires.

According to the Portland Business Journal, Sixmile Canyon Vineyards, near Boardman, filed suit in Morrow County, seeking up to $2.5 million in damages.  Sixmile Canyon says the winery rejected grapes in both 2025 and 2026, breaching a contract that runs through 2036.  The lawsuit alleges A to Z was trying to avoid long-term purchase commitments amid declining wine sales and excess supply.  Those claims have not been proven in court.

Photo: Glenn Vaagen

Sixmile says losses from the rejected grapes could exceed $30 million if the contract is abandoned.

Click Here to read Portland Business Journal's entire article.

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