This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
4210 Holland Loop Rd, Cave Junction, OR 97523
Wine Club Rating
Price Range For Tasting
When Lelo and Bob Kerivan decided to retire to Southern Oregon in 1979, their plan was simple: enjoy excellent fishing and a peaceful life. But Lelo, who grew up in Germany surrounded by vineyards, had a bigger vision. What started as a small hobby vineyard in their backyard quickly grew into a full-fledged winery when the couple purchased 75 acres in the Illinois Valley.
Their decision to plant dense rows of vines just six feet apart—half the typical spacing used in American vineyards—was met with skepticism. “You’re crazy!” other growers told them, convinced the Kerivans were setting themselves up for failure. Undeterred, Lelo and Bob stuck to their European-inspired methods, pruning each vine to allow just 20 buds rather than the usual 60 to 80. It turns out they knew exactly what they were doing.
Bridgeview’s unconventional approach paid off, and the winery quickly made a name for itself in the Oregon wine scene. Today, Bridgeview is one of the largest wineries in the state, with a production capacity of over 100,000 cases annually. From Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Gewürztraminer and their well-loved Riesling, Bridgeview offers a variety of wines that reflect both the region’s potential and the Kerivans’ unique approach to winemaking.
René Kerivan, Lelo’s son, arrived from Germany in 1980 to help his parents turn their dream into reality. With a hands-on approach and a deep respect for European winemaking traditions, René has become the face of Bridgeview Vineyard & Winery. His influence is clear in the wines produced here, especially the Riesling, which stands out as one of the winery’s best offerings.
René’s commitment to quality winemaking is balanced by a casual, welcoming vibe that permeates the entire winery. It’s clear that for René and his family, making wine isn’t just a business—it’s a passion project. And with the next generation already stepping up to learn the ropes, it seems Bridgeview’s future is in good hands.
René’s older son, Andi, works in the vineyard, while René Jr. is involved in the winery operations alongside his father. Rick Kerivan, Bob’s grandson, has also played a key role in expanding Bridgeview’s vineyards, managing 100 acres in the nearby Applegate Valley. Even Rick’s son, Andrew, is starting to get involved, showing interest in the sales and business side of the winery.
Located on Holland Loop Road in Cave Junction, Bridgeview Vineyard & Winery offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The property features beautifully landscaped gardens, pristine lakes, and stunning mountain views that provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting.
One of the highlights of visiting Bridgeview is the opportunity to sit on the deck with a glass of wine and watch the sunset behind the mountains. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, so whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to sip your wine or a sunny spot to enjoy a picnic, you’ll find it here.
The setting is undeniably beautiful, making it easy to lose track of time as you take in the views and sample the winery’s offerings. It’s not a place that tries too hard to impress—instead, it lets its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere do the talking.
Bridgeview’s wine club offers a straightforward membership for those who want to enjoy their wines regularly. With a rating of 3 out of 5, it’s a decent option for casual wine drinkers who appreciate the convenience of having wines delivered to their door but aren’t looking for anything too fancy.
Members receive regular shipments of Bridgeview wines, including selections from their popular Blue Moon line and occasional reserve bottles. While the wine club might not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-end memberships, it does provide good value, especially for fans of Bridgeview’s Riesling and other varietals.
The club also offers discounts on wine purchases and invites to special events at the winery, giving members a chance to stay connected to the Bridgeview community. It’s a solid choice for those who enjoy approachable wines and want to support a family-run winery without breaking the bank.
A visit to Bridgeview Vineyard & Winery wouldn’t be complete without a tasting. For $20, you can sample a selection of their wines while taking in the scenic views. Reservations aren’t required, so you can stop by whenever the mood strikes—perfect for spontaneous wine adventures.
The tasting room offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can try a variety of wines, from their popular Blue Moon Riesling to their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Most of the wines are in the 80-point range, making them pleasant and approachable, with the Riesling standing out as a particular highlight, often scoring between 85 and 88 points.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just someone looking for a nice way to spend an hour, the tasting experience at Bridgeview is casual and enjoyable. It’s not about swirling, sniffing, and analyzing every sip—it’s about kicking back, enjoying the moment, and maybe discovering a new favorite wine along the way.
Bridgeview Vineyard & Winery isn’t trying to be the most prestigious winery in Oregon, and that’s exactly what makes it charming. With its beautiful setting, friendly atmosphere, and easygoing approach to winemaking, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine, especially if you’re passing through on your way down the Oregon coast to California.
While most of the wines are solidly average to good, the Riesling stands out as a clear winner. With no need for reservations, affordable tasting options, and plenty of scenic spots to relax, Bridgeview offers a pleasant and approachable wine experience worth visiting.
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