Our Story
Apona Vineyards embodies the harmonious relationship between nature and craft. Founded by Afton and Andrew on 100 acres of woodland, farmland, and a working horse barn, Apona honors the land’s equine heritage and its abundance. Inspired by the ancient goddess Epona, symbolizing horses and harvest, the winery blends tradition with innovation. Here, tradition and craftsmanship meet to produce wines that tell a story with every sip, inviting guests to experience not only the beauty of the land but the dedication and artistry that go into every bottle. Apona Winery is a place where every visit and sip contributes to the story.
Our Vineyard
Our vineyard spans 34 acres of meticulously tended vines, thriving in the rich, fertile Veneta loam soil. This vibrant, live-certified vineyard is a true labor of love, carefully cultivated to produce exceptional wines. With eight distinct vineyard blocks, we proudly grow 11 varietals, each offering its own unique expression of the land.
The vines themselves seem to wrap around our tasting room, inviting guests to relax and take in the serene beauty of the surrounding area. From the tasting room, visitors can gaze out over the back patio pond, reflecting the vineyard and surrounding forest. The tranquil setting is the perfect backdrop for savoring our wines and connecting with nature.
In addition to the vines, our property includes a 6-stall horse barn, home to three quarter horses and one draft cross. They roam in a nearby pasture that can be seen from the tasting room.
Whether you’re here for a wine tasting or simply to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, our vineyard offers a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing the best of both viticulture and rural life.
Terroir & Climate
Located in the southern Willamette Valley, our vineyard benefits from a distinctive terroir shaped by ancient marine sedimentary soils. These well-draining soils, rich in mineral complexity, create ideal conditions for vines to develop deep root systems, producing wines with depth and elegance.
The climate here is a blend of cool maritime influences and the moderate temperatures of the Pacific Northwest, offering long growing seasons with warm summer days and cool evenings. This diurnal shift preserves acidity while allowing for slow, even ripening—enhancing the complexity and structure of our wines. While the coastal breezes from the nearby Coastal Range help moderate temperatures across the valley, the conditions in Veneta tend to be slightly warmer, allowing for a unique expression of the region’s character. These conditions, combined with sustainable vineyard practices, enable us to craft wines that embody the elegance, vibrancy, and authenticity of the southern Willamette Valley.
Andrew Head
Founder
Andrew Head is a successful entrepreneur with 30 years of business experience in the construction industry….
Afton Towry
Founder
Afton Towry has spent almost the entirety of her career specializing in hospitality and management…
Chris Graves
Winemaker
Born and raised in California’s vine-covered Sierra Foothills, Graves developed an early fascination with winemaking…
Jeff FInch
Assistant Winemaker
Jeff began in the wine industry by studying Enology and Viticulture while volunteering at wineries…
