Meet the People Who Move the Mountain
In January of 2022 we stepped into the next chapter of Arborbrook Vineyards with the intention of telling the story of this historic Oregon place. This is our collective adventure.
Gilles de Domingo, Winemaker
Gilles de Domingo began his winemaking career at his family’s estate in Bordeaux. After receiving a degree in Viticulture he travelled the world in pursuit of fine wine. Gilles worked in wineries in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa before finding Oregon. He’s been part of the Cooper Mountain family since 2004.
Charles Hesson, Director of Hospitality
Charles grew up spending summers on a farm in Texas owned by his maternal great grandparents, where he was fascinated by the process of preserving fruits in a clay vessel. Years later, while working as a server in a restaurant and learning about wine, the bouquets of different wines triggered memories of the aromas from the clay vessel. And the love affair with wine began and Charles set his eyes on becoming a winemaker. However, failing chemistry prevented Charles from pursuing winemaking as a career, so he studied to become a sommelier instead.
After 25 years in the restaurant business, Charles transitioned to working at wineries, where he learned about winemaking from lab staff and winemakers. Additionally, he made a point to spend time with vineyard managers to understand the importance of agriculture in the final product. His love for wine stems from its rich history, agricultural roots, and the artistry and chemistry involved in the winemaking process.
Sam Parra, Tasting Room Manager
Sam also joins us from the Napa Valley region of the world of wine. One trip up north in the late 1990’s and Sam saw opportunity and greatness beyond the rain. Fast forward to 2016 and Sam decided to move his family to the Willamette Valley to begin his own Oregon wine brand named Parra Wine Co. to make boutique wines from rare varietals. As his brand is growing we are thrilled that Sam joined the team at Arborbrook by Cooper Mountain Vineyards to bring his extensive knowledge of wine to our tasting room patrons. Sam is extremely active in the Willamette Valley wine community and in his little spare time is reshaping the world of wine.
Angelina Pike-Fey, Wine Club Manager
Since ArborbrookVineyard’s inception Angelina has been the heart and soul of this place. As a shaper, innovater and pioneer of the Oregon wine story she joins us as Wine Club Manager in her next chapter at Arborbrook. Angelina and husband own and operate Fey Longhorn Farms in neighboring Yamhill, Oregon. Angelina is an avid cook and enjoys creating wine pairings with Arborbrook wines.
Leah Scafe, Marketing & Events
How did Leah end up in the Oregon wine industry from rural British Columbia? It’s a great question with a long and adventurous answer. She promises us someday she will write a book, but until that day arrives make sure to ask her for a few snippets along the way. They are very fun! One thing is very clear however, Leah always seems to make her way back to a farm and to dirt. Most recently Leah was Director of Experience at Portland’s revolutionary Nightwood Society.
Robert and Barbara Gross, Proprietors
Founder Robert Gross and his daughter Barbara Gross are owners and operators of Arborbrook by Cooper Mountain Vineyards. Robert is a retired physican and international pioneer of biodynamic winegrowing and winemaking.
With Oregon pinot noir rooted in her DNA Barbara joined the family business two decades ago and never looked back.
Gilles de Domingo, Winemaker
Gilles de Domingo began his winemaking career at his family’s estate in Bordeaux. After receiving a degree in Viticulture he travelled the world in pursuit of fine wine. Gilles worked in wineries in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa before finding Oregon. He’s been part of the Cooper Mountain family since 2004.
Charles Hesson, Director of Hospitality
Charles grew up spending summers on a farm in Texas owned by his maternal great grandparents, where he was fascinated by the process of preserving fruits in a clay vessel. Years later, while working as a server in a restaurant and learning about wine, the bouquets of different wines triggered memories of the aromas from the clay vessel. And the love affair with wine began and Charles set his eyes on becoming a winemaker. However, failing chemistry prevented Charles from pursuing winemaking as a career, so he studied to become a sommelier instead.
After 25 years in the restaurant business, Charles transitioned to working at wineries, where he learned about winemaking from lab staff and winemakers. Additionally, he made a point to spend time with vineyard managers to understand the importance of agriculture in the final product. His love for wine stems from its rich history, agricultural roots, and the artistry and chemistry involved in the winemaking process.
Sam Parra, Tasting Room Manager
Sam also joins us from the Napa Valley region of the world of wine. One trip up north in the late 1990’s and Sam saw opportunity and greatness beyond the rain. Fast forward to 2016 and Sam decided to move his family to the Willamette Valley to begin his own Oregon wine brand named Parra Wine Co. to make boutique wines from rare varietals. As his brand is growing we are thrilled that Sam joined the team at Arborbrook by Cooper Mountain Vineyards to bring his extensive knowledge of wine to our tasting room patrons. Sam is extremely active in the Willamette Valley wine community and in his little spare time is reshaping the world of wine.
Angelina Pike-Fey, Wine Club Manager
Since ArborbrookVineyard’s inception Angelina has been the heart and soul of this place. As a shaper, innovater and pioneer of the Oregon wine story she joins us as Wine Club Manager in her next chapter at Arborbrook. Angelina and husband own and operate Fey Longhorn Farms in neighboring Yamhill, Oregon. Angelina is an avid cook and enjoys creating wine pairings with Arborbrook wines.
Leah Scafe, Marketing & Events
How did Leah end up in the Oregon wine industry from rural British Columbia? It’s a great question with a long and adventurous answer. She promises us someday she will write a book, but until that day arrives make sure to ask her for a few snippets along the way. They are very fun! One thing is very clear however, Leah always seems to make her way back to a farm and to dirt. Most recently Leah was Director of Experience at Portland’s revolutionary Nightwood Society.
Robert and Barbara Gross, Proprietors
Founder Robert Gross and his daughter Barbara Gross are owners and operators of Arborbrook by Cooper Mountain Vineyards. Robert is a retired physican and international pioneer of biodynamic winegrowing and winemaking.
With Oregon pinot noir rooted in her DNA Barbara joined the family business two decades ago and never looked back.