Dauntless Wine Company in Tualatin Valley, Oregon, has a noble mission to support the veteran community and make great wine. Founded by three Iraq war combat veterans, Dauntless hires veterans, teaches veterans how to farm, and contributes to local charities that serve the veteran community. The name itself, Dauntless, means fearlessness and determination.
Upon discharge from the Marine Corps, Ben Martin returned to Oregon and helped launch a pilot non-profit called the Veteran’s Transition Corp. The program sought to help veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI through permaculture. According to the Permaculture Research Institute, permaculture integrates land, resources, people, and the environment through beneficial synergies.
Dauntless Wine Company Launch
Then, during a trip to Walla Walla in February 2014 with fellow Iraq war veterans Ryan Mills and Paul Wambier, Martin says, “The idea of teaching and employing veterans in viticulture sparked the idea for us to launch a winery.” By December 2014, the trio launched Leather Neck Cellars, which evolved into Dauntless Wine Company in 2015.
Dauntless Veteran Foundation
Next, Martin, his wife, and two others launched the Dauntless Veteran Foundation to help and reintegrate veterans through agriculture. The goal is to train and equip veterans to translate their experience from the military to the farm and eventually purchase their own farms. The program is open to veterans and their next of kin.
Since the Foundation began in 2020, it has raised over $150,000 for veterans. Martin says, “While the winery donates regularly to the non-profit, the vast majority of the Foundation’s proceeds are from small donors exposed to it through the winery’s tasting room and social channels. The Foundation has also received some corporate donations from Nike, TARR Oil, Enterprise Car Rental, and Progressive Insurance.” There is a link on the website for those who wish to donate online.
Two Tasting Rooms
In addition to the Foundation, Dauntless has two tasting rooms, one in downtown Forest Grove, Oregon, and the other at Old Highway 47 in Gaston, Oregon. The Dauntless Downtown tasting room features a lively atmosphere and food available from its neighbor, Urban Decanter. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The Old 47 tasting room features rustic charm in its countryside location with breathtaking views of the vineyards and valley. It is open on Fridays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
On the day we visited, owner and winemaker Ben Martin was in the tasting room, greeting customers with his big smile and friendly manner. The military theme extends to the tasting room through its artwork on the walls, the displayed flags, the merchandise for sale, and even the wine labels.
Dauntless Wines
The Lost at Sea Bubbly 2023 Pinot Blanc is Martin’s nod to his one year at sea. At just 10% alcohol, Martin says, “This wine makes a great apéritif, and it’s my best seller.”
The winery’s two Rosés are a tribute to women. The 2023 Rosé Pinot Noir from the Laurelwood District honors World War II icon Rosie the Riveter. The 2023 Aviatrix Bubbly Rosé Pinot Noir, my personal favorite, honors Amelia Earhart, the famous American aviation pioneer who disappeared while trying to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the world. Martin says, “We pressed this in a crémant style with 24 hours on the skin. It’s the darkest Rosé we’ve made.”
The 2021 Sherman Syrah from the Tualatin Hills is a cool-climate Syrah. Its label features a photo of a Sherman tank, the most widely used medium-sized tank by Western Allies in World War II. Martin says, “This wine is produced in a Pinot Noir style that delivers fruity undertones, gentle tannins, and a long finish.”
Dauntless also sells a three-, six-, or twelve-bottle Charity Pack to benefit the Foundation. The tasting fee for a wine flight is $15 per person. The fee is waived with a two-bottle purchase.
Dauntless Wine Company Mission
Martin says about his journey from the Marine Corps to winemaker, “A couple of trips to Walla Walla changed my perspective on wines. Prior to that, I only knew Pinot Noir.” In 2014, in addition to launching a winery with his two partners, Martin went to school in Salem to learn winemaking. Now, he’s in his 10th year and producing a wide range of wines that showcase the fruit in the region. He says, “I really liked the name ‘Dauntless’ for the winery because it fits the military aspect.”
Today, everyone who works for him is a veteran or separated by one degree. So, the next time you visit Oregon’s Tualatin Valley, stop by one of the Dauntless tasting rooms. Whether you visit the eclectic Dauntless downtown tasting room in Forest Grove or the Old 47 countryside tasting room in Gaston, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable wine experience. The vintage military memorabilia will remind you of the winery’s mission, and you’ll leave knowing you tasted great wine for an excellent cause.
