According to a recent article from the Portland Business Journals, Kristof Farms is expanding with the adoption of Kristof Wines.
“We’ve been sharing our cider for a bit now. Although the wines will be shipped out on March 1st, the team is planning to make them available for sale as early as December. Our primary sales channel will be our website, where you can explore our offerings,” Nick Kristof, the owner of Kristof Farms and Kristof Wines, told What Now Portland.
While Kristof Wines has piqued the interest of some high-end restaurants, their primary focus, at least for now, is on direct-to-consumer sales through their website. They also recently launched a cider club, offering members two shipments a year and engaging in online conversations over cider.
“This venture is deeply rooted in my family and history. The story begins on a family farm where I grew up. My father, a World War II refugee, arrived in Oregon in 1951 and eventually acquired the farm in 1971. Over the years, we cultivated cherry trees, producing cherries for pies. However, in 2018, we found ourselves contemplating what else to cultivate. During this time, my wife and I were authoring a book addressing the loss of working-class jobs in the region. With that, we were eager to find a way to contribute positively to our community.”
Nick stated that after careful consideration, they decided to plant wine grapes and cider apples, with the goal of nurturing a vibrant hard cider community. Both Nick and his wife currently have “day jobs,” but they receive invaluable assistance from experts in the wine and cider industry, helping them create exceptional cider and wine.
Kristof Wines and Kristof Farm are truly a family-oriented business. Nick and his wife co-own the venture, with Nick’s mother serving as the matriarch of the family. Even their three children, scattered across various locations, contribute to the business.
For Nick, this endeavor serves as an artistic outlet. Crafting excellent cider and wine is akin to an art form and a testament to his talent. It offers him the opportunity to view the world through the unique prism of a small business. This perspective has enabled him to develop new skills and see the world from a fresh angle, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.
