The Dirt
JORY SERIES
Jory soils are named after Jory Hill, in Marion County which itself is named for the Jory family who settled in the area in 1852. In 2011, the Oregon Legislature named Jory the official state soil. Found above 300 feet elevation Jory is a rich, dark reddish-brown, deep silty clay loam. It is between four and six feet deep and provides excellent drainage for superior quality wine grapes.
WILLAKENZIE SERIES
Willakenzie soils are named after two of Oregon’s major rivers: the Willamette and the McKenzie. One of the oldest soil types in the Willamette Valley, Willakenzie is a marine sedimentary soil left by ancient, uplifted seabeds. It consists of moderately deep, well-drained silty clay loam over siltstone and sandstone.