This winery was inspired by the beautiful land and vineyards of Eola-Amity Hills in the Willamette Valley. Lingua Franca means "common language" and is a wish for wine lovers of different cultures and backgrounds to share the joy and excitement they feel through their wine. Lingua Franca was founded in 2015 by Seattle-born Larry Stone, who holds the title of Master Sommelier, the highest rank of sommelier, of which only 236 people in the world (as of 2017) hold this title. Larry, one of the most famous sommeliers in the United States, chose Dominique Lafon, the fourth generation owner of Comtes Lafon, a great producer of Burgundy Meursault and one of the top five white wine producers in the world, as the consulting winemaker for Lingua Franca. Larry and Dominique worked together on a project at Evening Land Vineyards in Oregon, and hit it off with the idea of making wine based on the traditions and spirit of Burgundy in Oregon, which is now famous as the holy land of New World Pinot Noir. The main winemaker who makes Lingua Franca's wines is Thomas Savre, who has worked in cultivation and cellar work at Evening Land in Oregon, Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, and DRC. The synergy between these three people is the source of energy for Lingua Franca's core. Lingua Franca owns approximately 25 hectares of vineyards and will become an estate where everything from cultivation to brewing and bottling will be done on the premises in the future. The magnificent winery, completed in 2016, was designed by renowned Portland-based architect Laurence Ferar, and the estate's vineyards surrounding the building are gradually being planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The vineyards are located in one of Oregon's most prime locations, including Evening Land's Seven Springs and Domaine Serene's Jerusalem Hill, both of which are known for their excellent vineyards. The vineyards are cultivated using sustainable farming methods rooted in biodynamic farming. The 2015 vintage wine is made from purchased grapes. The wines are true to the Oregon terroir and have an elegant style with fruity aromas.