Dave Specter spent a decade as a tax attorney before burnout took its toll. His wife Sara, a freelance marketing consultant and writer, convinced him to leave the profession — and they turned the hobby that brought him joy, winemaking, into his new career. The pair had fallen in love with Newberg and Oregon's Willamette Valley while on vacation in 2008, subsequently moving there in 2012 and establishing Bells Up Winery in 2013. The first wines were released Memorial Day 2015, coinciding with the opening of the estate winery and tasting room. The on-site production facility was built and equipped in time for the 2019 harvest.

Bells Up is a micro-boutique winery that crafts classically styled Pinot Noir, Rosé, Pinot Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes sourced exclusively from its estate and from micro-sites in the Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon. The winery produces approximately 600 cases annually. The name "Bells Up" refers to a dramatic moment in classical music where the composer instructs French horn players to lift the bells of their instruments and project sound with maximum intensity — a nod to Dave's years as a French horn player and a metaphor for this bold new chapter in their lives.


Watch the Big Blend Radio “Getting to Know You” conversation with Dave below or listen/download the episode on Podbean.

Bells Up offers private seated tastings exclusively for one group at a time by reservation, hosted personally by Dave. Relaxed and unhurried, guests experience current wine releases, learn about the vintages and their composition, and tour the barrel room — all while gaining insights into the two decades of life, business, and winemaking lessons that led Dave and Sara to establish an un-domaine winery and vineyard on Chehalem Mountain, with sweeping views of the estate vineyard, Newberg, Dundee Hills, and south to the Eola-Amity Hills. Bells Up wines are available for purchase through the tasting room, by phone or email, and ship throughout the U.S.

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