Elizabeth Chambers Cellar Facility

Elizabeth (“Liz”) Chambers has long dreamt of crafting her own delicately balanced yet distinctive Pinot Noir from the very best vineyards of the Willamette Valley. In 2014, that dream took flight.Elizabeth Chambers Cellar is a small, locally owned winery specializing in Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. The winery was founded in 2013 by Liz Chambers, a 3rd generation Oregonian whose family was one of the pioneers of winemaking in the state. Winemaker, Michael Stevenson, has been a part of making top Oregon Pinot Noir for over 20 years. Today, we are building on our past as Panther Creek Cellars — superior quality and elegant style of wines — and creating an even better future with new experiments from Michael, some up-and-coming vineyards, and a renovated tasting room in the historic McMinnville power plant.

The Maker

Michael Stevenson, the winemaker for Elizabeth Chambers Cellar, has worked with the top growers in the Willamette Valley for over 20 years. Michael first moved to Oregon from Asheville, North Carolina in 1993. A job working the harvest near McMinnville developed into entry-level production and operations support at Panther Creek Cellars. In 1994, businessman Ron Kaplan purchased Panther Creek Cellars from Ken Wright and Michael started to take on increasing responsibility in the cellar. By 1999, Michael was fully engaged in learning the craft of winemaking guided by consulting winemaker Mark Vlossak before assuming the role of head winemaker in 2000.

From the outset Michael’s focus has been on making ultra-premium Pinot Noir, and he quickly learned the importance of spending time with local growers to source the best grapes in the area. In 2005, Panther Creek Cellars was purchased by the Chambers family, and in 2013 the Chambers family sold the Panther Creek brand. Liz Chambers personally retained ownership of the former winery and tasting room to launch Elizabeth Chambers Cellar with Michael as head winemaker. Michael believes in finding the best that every vintage has to offer by working with what nature gives him. He has free rein to make wine for “real Pinot lovers,” which he interprets as wines of finesse and elegance that preserve the flavor and character of the vineyard.