About Us
It’s rare that a winegrowing region of such untapped promise as the Rogue Valley is discovered. Over thirty years ago Quail Run began pioneering viticulture in our valley and is credited with having introduced many of the grape varieties that are now grown here. How far have we come? In 2016 Wine Enthusiast Magazine named the Rogue Valley one of the world's top ten wine destinations.
Don and Traute Moore
Founders
Don and Traute Moore began farming wine grapes in the Rogue Valley in 1989. At that time no one knew which varieties were well suited to our area, and most of the techniques we now use for growing premium wine grapes were virtually unknown. Over the next two decades they consulted with the world’s finest viticulturists, experimented with growing techniques, and planted dozens of varieties in test blocks throughout the valley to see what grew best and where. Through careful site selection capitalizing on elevations and regional climatic differences they showed that the Rogue Valley could grow, figuratively speaking, a world of wine. These discoveries helped launch our region’s wine industry, and in 2010 Don and Traute were awarded the prestigious Founder’s Award by the Oregon Winegrowers Association for their pioneering work in establishing Southern Oregon’s now-booming wine industry.
Michael Moore
General Manager
In 2008 Michael left a twenty-year documentary filmmaking career to join his family’s farm. After helping launch Quail Run’s tasting room, South Stage Cellars, he turned his attention to the vineyards, which he has managed since 2011. Michael has introduced sweeping changes that have further improved fruit quality. He has continued Quail Run’s tradition of rigorous experimentation, revamping trellis systems, introducing new canopy management protocols, and tailoring controlled deficit irrigation to each individual block. Recently, Michael has overseen Quail Run’s expansion on three stunning new vineyards in the Wagner Creek basin.
Ken Pratt
Operations Manager
Ken is a foundational piece of the vineyards and soul of QRV. He began with Traute and Don in 1992 just as many of the early plantings were on the horizon. What began as a side job supporting his 3 young children at the time, turned into a lifelong commitment to this endeavor as our Operations Manager. Ken lives above the QRV shop at our Pleasant View Ranch where he has arguably one of the best views of the Rogue Valley. He oversees logistics, infrastructure planning, and the literal nuts and bolts of the company. When he comes up with some free time he can be found working on his gardens, numerous vehicle projects, and waxing dearly about his grandchildren and colorful life stories.
Carlos Arredondo
Vineyard Supervisor
Carlos began with QRV in 2005 after being introduced to the ranches while helping install irrigation systems with a local company. He comes from Tacåmbaro, Michoacon and embraces southern Oregon as it reminds him of where he grew up. This was his first foray into vineyard work and he has embraced the position and risen within. Carlos is an earnest and thoughtful supervisor who always leads by example. His favorite varietal to work with is Tempranillo and while not a big wine fan, he likes to snack on the Muscat grape. He oversees our Crater View and Panner Hansen ranches in Jacksonville.
Antonio Muñoz Salinas
Vineyard Supervisor
Antonio began with QRV as his first time working in the vineyards in 2001. He soon excelled as a leader with profound work ethics and a knack for creative problem solving. He is a man of great humility and always gives credit for the quality of work to his crew members. He puts his family first in all things and likes to host bbq's and go fishing in his free time. He is most often joined in the vineyard with his German Shepard, 'Lobo'.
Gabrielle Shaffer
Viticulturist
Gabrielle came to the Rogue Valley and started with QRV in August of 2019 from Napa, CA. There, she wore many hats in the industry, most notably as viticulturist at famed Stagecoach Vineyard and as co-owner to her wine label Gamling & McDuck. She brings a well-rounded experience to our team from the vineyard ground up to the wine bottle and is engaged in overseeing everything from vineyard practice and logistics, new plantings, quality controls, and customer relations. She's excited about the diversity of varietals that do well in this wine region and it's potential for distinction.
Oscar Aldana
Vineyard Supervisor
Oscar came to work at QRV in 1997 after fleeing violence in his home country of Guatemala and receiving asylum here. His two daughters are on his vineyard crew and his two sons usually join the team for harvest season. Oscar is a gentle soul, always quick to flash a smile. He has an extraordinary feel for plants and garners incredible respect from all those who work for him. Oscar oversees our original Quail Run vineyard site as well as Fortmiller, Pleasant View, and Bayliss all in the Wagner Creek Basin of Talent, OR.
Alejandro Muñoz Salinas
Vineyard Supervisor
Alejandro started with QRV in 2005 while also working in the foresting industry. He is now a full time supervisor for our Griffen Creek, Sundown, and Lakeside vineyards in Jacksonville. He enjoys the outdoors with his family when he is not at work. From time to time he even enjoys sipping on Cabernet Sauvignon. Alejandro is smart as a whip and a complete perfectionist with all his work.