Welcome to another addition of our popular blog series: the local winery spotlight! Today’s selection is a newer addition to the Willamette Valley, but you’d never know it when you taste their complex and sophisticated wines. Tucked in amongst the Dundee Hills, Late Sky is a place born from serendipity, with its story intertwining friendship, family, and unwavering love for the art of winemaking.
Late Sky began with an unexpected encounter. In 2009, Glenn and Karen Fischer were celebrating their wedding anniversary in Napa Valley when they stumbled upon Fisher Vineyards. The vineyard was closed that day, but the assistant winemaker, Jared Etzel, happened to be on-site. His willingness to open the doors and share his passion for wine sparked a connection that would come full circle years later.
Co-owners Karen & Glenn Fischer have been whole-heartedly invested in every aspect of Late Sky’s development.
Late Sky treats their tasting room like their home, they invite you in to experience their passion, curiosity, and craft with open hearts.
Fast forward to 2015: Jared discovered a stunning parcel of land in the Willamette Valley. Its beaming potential spoke to Jared, and when he recalled the Fischers’ shared enthusiasm for wine, he reached out with a proposition: a collaborative project to create something truly special, and the Fischers didn’t hesitate. Together, they transformed that piece of land into Late Sky Winery, a testament to the unexpected paths that lead to extraordinary places.
The winery itself is a labor of love, infused with the efforts of not just Jared, Glenn, and Karen, but other family members as well. Jared’s wife, Erica, brought her own winemaking expertise to the operation, having honed her skills at Domaine Roy. The couple worked side by side on the early vintages, pouring their energy into the vines and barrels. And every detail—from raising catch wires in the vineyard to planting fruit trees—reflects their hands-on dedication.
In 2024, Late Sky’s story grew even richer as Glenn and Karen’s daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Andy, joined the team. They took the lead in creating a hospitality program, ensuring that every visitor felt the same warmth and connection that first brought the winery to life. At Late Sky, the tasting room isn’t just a place to sip wine—it’s an extension of home, perched high above the valley with views that seem to stretch forever. Some even refer to the tasting room as “the tree-house” of Late Sky. Rain or shine, the atmosphere is one of comfort and curiosity, inviting guests to linger and savor not only the wine but each moment they spend on the property as well.
What makes Late Sky truly unique is its serene and secluded setting. Flanked by thick forest and accessible only by a long, narrow residential road, the estate offers a sense of privacy and tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. “We believe this creates a unique experience: exclusivity without any pretense,” says Stephanie Fischer.
At Late Sky, guests are treated like family, with tastings thoughtfully curated to include four wines selected by the owners. As Stephanie says, “Hosting just one party at a time allows us to truly slow down, get to know folks, and enjoy the wines together.” The tasting room’s cozy yet elegant design offers panoramic views of the vineyard and hills, creating an ambiance that feels otherworldly, whether the skies are sunny and clear or draped in silvery mist.
The curiosity that led to the opening of Late Sky hasn’t dwindled since its opening either. As the winery’s tasting room enters its first spring after a soft launch, the team is eager to welcome more guests and deepen their relationships with the community. “We look forward to continuing to learn about our wines, our guests, and our community,” Stephanie notes, “and to let that dictate what’s next for us.”
One thing is for certain, and that is the appreciation those at Late Sky feel towards the rest of the Willamette Valley community. “We have been so moved by the way other wineries have opened their arms to us and offered support, advice, and encouragement,” Stephanie says. “The community here is truly special, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
The name “Late Sky” holds special significance, with its meaning varying for each owner. For everyone though, it’s a nod to the breathtaking beauty of vivid sunsets giving way to star-filled skies—a fitting tribute to the magic that unfolds on the estate.
We at The Dundee Hotel are proud to spotlight Late Sky Winery, as their blend of artistry, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality captures everything we love about the Willamette Valley. Make Late Sky a part of your next adventure—we look forward to hosting you when you do!