winery

Ovum

United States

Philosophy

Native fermentation in neutral oak, acacia, and concrete egg vessels with extended lees contact of 8–9 months. Minimal intervention philosophy: no additions or subtractions save sulfur dioxide. The house signature is transparent terroir expression through identical cellar discipline applied across cuvées sourced from diverse Oregon vineyard sites.

Reputation

Founded in 2011 by husband-and-wife winemakers Ksenija Kostic and John House in Newberg, Oregon, Ovum emerged from their years apprenticing in the Willamette Valley at Chehalem. The name and philosophy reflect a return to essentialist winemaking—the egg as beginning, the vessel as neutral conduit for terroir.

AllocationOvum distributes primarily through natural wine and small-production networks. Skurnik Wines is confirmed US importer (NorCal, OH/IN/KY regions); additional distribution via Free Run Wine Merchants (VA/DC/MD), Natural Wine Company (nationwide), and Empire Wine (nationwide). Several source vineyards noted as 'certified organic' (e.g., Pink Salt vineyard in Columbia Gorge) while house uses 'practicing organic' label on some releases—indicates working with both certified and practicing organic growers without producer-level organic certification at this time. Big Salt is signature coferment, not a blend. No UK or Japan importers identified in search results. Tasting room operated at Les Caves PDX wine bar in Portland. Production volumes unavailable. Exact vineyard hectarage not published. | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Free Run Wine Merchants (VA/DC/MD)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Natural Wine Company (nationwide)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Empire Wine & Spirits (nationwide)'

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