Acclaimed Winemaker Kate Payne Brown Named Head Winemaker for Oregon’s Argyle Winery

DUNDEE, Ore. – March 4, 2025 – Argyle Winery is excited to announce that it has named Kate Payne Brown head winemaker. Building on the legacy of her winemaking predecessors, Founder Rollin Soles and Winemaker Nate Klostermann, Payne Brown becomes only the third winemaker since Argyle was established in 1987. Recognized as one of the leading winemakers in the Pacific Northwest, Payne Brown comes to Argyle after an illustrious 20-year career that includes key roles at Archery Summit, Burgundia Oenologie, Stoller Family Estate and Ambar Estate, as well as her own winery, Dolores Wines, where she earned a reputation for producing some of Oregon’s most exciting sparkling wines. As the head winemaker for Argyle, Payne Brown will guide a winemaking program that is recognized for producing some of the New World’s most sought-after sparkling wines, along with renowned, terroir-driven expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Payne Brown replaces Nate Klostermann who is departing Argyle after celebrating his twentieth harvest at Argyle in 2024. “Nate helped to write an important new chapter in the Argyle story, while quietly earning acclaim for producing some of the finest wines in our 38-year history,” said Argyle Director of Operations Geoff Hall. “He is leaving Argyle better, stronger and poised for even greater success ahead. We are very grateful for Nate’s contributions to Argyle, and we wish him the very best in his endeavors.”

A graduate of the University of Oregon, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Payne Brown went on to earn a Masters In Oenology from the University of Adelaide in Australia, before returning to Oregon to join Archery Summit in 2007. Following seven years as the assistant winemaker at Archery Summit, she gained experience in Burgundy and Champagne as part of the team of famed international consultant Kyriakos Kynigopoulos before joining Stoller Family Estate in 2015. During her nine years at Stoller, Payne Brown built the winery’s in-house sparkling program from the ground up and served as reserve winemaker, while also establishing her own winery, Dolores Wines. Prior to joining Argyle, Payne Brown made critically acclaimed wines for Ambar Estate, which she helped launch, and was the winemaker and a partner at Vinovate Wine Services, Willamette Valley’s premier custom crush facility.

Payne Brown is no stranger to Argyle. Early in her career, Argyle Brut was the wine that kindled her interest in sparkling wine, and she poured the Argyle Blanc de Blancs at her wedding. Payne Brown also spent several years working with Argyle Vineyard Manager Erica Miller during their time at Stoller Family Estate and was in a Champagne tasting group with Nate Klostermann for many years.

“When I reflect on my journey, every road has led me to Argyle,” said Payne Brown. “Along the way there have been countless moments that pointed me in this direction. Argyle is one of the most dynamic and inspiring wineries in Oregon, and stepping into this new chapter as winemaker is an incredible honor. I can’t wait to build on its legacy and help shape the future.”

“Having spent over five years working with Kate, I know that her reputation for excellence is well deserved,” said Vineyard Manager Erica Miller, who guides the farming of Argyle’s 500+ acres of estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley. “Not only is Kate a brilliant and innovative winemaker and a sparkling wine expert, she is also a kind, collaborative and empowering leader who elevates every winery she works with and everyone who works with her. Kate is a superstar and the perfect person to build on Argyle’s legacy for producing benchmark still and sparkling wines in Oregon. We are thrilled to welcome Kate to Argyle.”

About Argyle Winery

Founded in 1987, Argyle is Oregon’s original sparkling wine house. In the years since, what began as a conviction to grow world-class sparkling wine has grown to include an acclaimed portfolio of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Argyle farms nearly 500 acres of estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley, and welcomes guests daily at the Argyle Tasting House, located in the same downtown Dundee space they’ve called home since the beginning. To learn more, visit ArgyleWinery.com.