Elusive Goose Vineyards

As one of the oldest agricultural products, tracing its history to c. 6000 BC, wine has been an integral part of societies, gathering, and celebration for thousands of years. Traditional winemaking methods require more than a partnership with nature; the winemaker must seek out that elusive space where providence meets artistry; where the artisan brings skill, persistence, and a willingness to work with elements outside of their control, embracing creativity, beauty, and tradition to bring people together in a pursuit of life that is worth celebrating. Only in embracing the providential nature of this pursuit can the artisan achieve such an elusive goal as the “truest expression” of their vision.

To engage this pursuit, Elusive Goose Vineyards brings traditional small-scale winemaking to the Montana grape and wine industry in its pioneering stages, developing sustainable vineyards and producing honest wine from region-appropriate grape varieties.

Vision

Mission

Elusive Goose Vineyards cultivates sustainable vineyards and honest wines that bring people together in a providential pursuit of creativity, beauty, tradition, and a simple celebration of life.

Elusive Goose Vineyards supports a unique wine region in Northwest Montana known around the world for using traditional winemaking practices to produce sustainable wines with a pioneering spirit.

OUR STORY

Celebrate the Pursuit

Wine made in Montana with Montana-grown grapes is currently in the early stages of developing its unique and defining character. Several small wineries exist where few are able to use 100% Montana-grown grapes in their wine production. This is primarily due to the limited number of Montana vineyards which are able to supply grapes for winemaking. While there are many varieties of grapes that grow well in the Montana climate, known for cold winters and short, unpredictable growing seasons, there are a number of idealogical, legislative, and financial challenges that keep farmers from beginning or expanding their grape-growing operations.

Momentum is nevertheless building around the growth of Montana wine. The market is rich with consumer curiosity, support of local vineyards and wineries, as well as interest from the local business, higher education, and political communities. The coming years will be a critical time for the unique region the Montana wine community is working to develop. As local support for a new vineyard operation and winery in Northwest Montana is approaching its apex, Elusive Goose Vineyards seeks to be a contributing element to the defining stages of this development.

With this understanding and awareness in mind, Elusive Goose Vineyards has begun growing grapes and is working to make wines that authentically tell the story of their unique place in our local communities and the distinctive natural environments that surround them.

In the summer of 2023, a land-lease partnership was formed with White Raven Winery that facilitated the planting of three acres of cold-hardy hybrid grapes in the Upper Flathead Valley. In the coming years, the Elk Park Vineyard will be managed using sustainable and organic practices with a goal of producing a first harvest in the fall of 2026.

As 2024 draws to a close, Elusive Goose Vineyards is actively developing partnerships with like-minded individuals that will facilitate the opening of a flagship winery location where wine production and sales will begin in early 2025.

Visit Elusive Goose Vineyards

The Pursuit of Creativity

The desire to create is the beginning of all good endeavors. This is what drives us at Elusive Goose Vineyards.

The Essentiality of Beauty

Because true beauty brings goodness and life to our experience, it is an essential component to all we do at Elusive Goose Vineyards.

The Cultivation of Tradition

Beyond just the passing on of the way things work, the best traditions harbor within them a provision for rich and lasting wisdom and life. To this end, the cultivation of tradition is a defining feature of Elusive Goose Vineyards.

Untamed Providence

Believing there is goodness hidden in the challenges we face, Elusive Goose Vineyards finds joy in navigating the unexpected, while welcoming and partnering with the wild and untamed providence at work shaping our stories.

The Celebration of Life

Life is experienced as a series of stories; there is no life without a story and no story without life. Deep goodness is found in embracing the pursuits that drive our stories, partnering with the providential, and overcoming the challenges along the journey. Therefore Elusive Goose Vineyards will raise a glass to the sharing of stories and the celebration of life.

OUR VALUES

Partner with us.

For those willing to engage the chase, the pursuit of the Wild Goose will include mystery and adventure, requiring courage, commitment, and tenacity.

By building relationships with likeminded people and organizations, we're working to develop partnerships that support our mission and grow our operations.

Discover what it might look like for you to engage the chase with us.

Learn More