Celebrating A Life of Leadership, Compassion, and Dedication
April 24, 2025, Dayton, Ore. — It is with deep sadness that Founder & Proprietor, Bill Stoller, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night.
Bill was a visionary who tirelessly championed, inspired, and elevated the Oregon wine industry’s standing. His ethos of authenticity, accessibility, and reverence for the land guided his 200-year vision through innovation, sustainable viticulture, and community building. His vision is the cornerstone of everything we do at the Stoller Wine Group. He would want us to continue pushing forward, making world-class wines, delivering welcoming hospitality, and realizing his dream.
“Bill was more than a remarkable entrepreneur—he was a generous mentor, a steadfast friend, and a passionate advocate for connecting people with opportunity,” says President Gary Mortensen. “His bold 200-year vision and unwavering belief in the potential of the Oregon wine industry is the cornerstone of everything we do at the Stoller Wine Group. He would want us to continue pushing forward to realize his dream.”
As a global leader in the wine industry, Stoller was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Oregon Wine Board and, most recently, received the prestigious Diploma of Honor from the Fédération Internationale des Confréries Bachiques. Beyond wine, he was a trailblazer in the staffing industry, co-founding Express Employment Professionals in 1983.
His influence is deeply woven into the fabric of our organization, and his spirit will continue to guide us forward. Bill set the example of leadership, compassion, and dedication, which will inspire us for generations to come. We will do our best to honor that legacy every day.
At this time, our hearts are with his family, and, per Bill’s wishes, our sights are focused on the future.
About Stoller Wine Group
Stoller Wine Group is a family of wine brands from Oregon wine pioneer, Bill Stoller. We take pride in our B Corp certification, knowing that we “walk the walk” when it comes to our goal of building a company that lasts for generations. With our every action, we are active members and supporters in the community, which is why we are proud to be perennially votes as one of Oregon’s most admired companies by the Portland Business Journal. For more information, visit stollerwinegroup.com
