Stewarding Sustainable Vineyards

Elk Park Vineyard

Columbia Falls, MT

The fruit of a land lease partnership with White Raven Winery in 2023, our Elk Park Vineyard is cared for using sustainable methods and is located in the valley just south of Columbia Falls. As our first vineyard project, we planted three acres of 11 different cold-hardy grape varieties as something of an experiment to determine which varieties will thrive in our specific micro-climate. Planning started in March and groundwork began in May. Over the following summer months, a small team of local volunteers, supporters, and enthusiasts worked to plant 2,263 vines, run 2.7 miles of irrigation lines, and install 434 trellis posts with 6.7 miles of trellis wire. It may seem only a small project by New World standards, but our Elk Park vineyard has been nothing short of a significant beginning for us.

Doing wine and planting a vineyard is also a statement of implanting yourself on a very long term. When you plant a vine, I think you’re saying, "I’m here to stay."

Sandro Saadé of Domaine de Bargylus and Chateau Mârsyas, Syria

The first harvest of grapes from the Elk Park Vineyard is expected for the fall of 2026. Plans for wine production are currently being developed while new relationships are being formed in support of Elusive Goose Vineyards’ future growth.

We Need Vineyard Volunteers!

Interested in spending a few hours in the vineyard with a team of like-minded nature and wine lovers? We need volunteers to assist with restoration work, weed management, and grape harvest at our Vineyard Days!

Elusive Goose Vineyard Days include up to four hours of work in either the morning or afternoon followed by a celebration with local food and drink provided by Elusive Goose Vineyards. Click below to reach out for more information about these fun events!

Future Vineyard Days

• August 16

• August 23

Vineyard Installations & Maintenance

Have you ever imagined a vineyard on your property? Did you know there are small vineyards planted in nearly all regions of Montana? In addition to providing beauty and personal enjoyment, even these small projects may supply significant support to the Montana wine industry, yield agricultural revenue, and increase property value.

Consider these facts:

• The average Montana vineyard covers one acre (often less) and can consist of up to 1,452 vines per acre.

• The Made-in-Montana brand image is alive, well, and highly sought after by consumers globally.

• Nearly 3 out of 4 Montana wineries would like to use Montana fruit in their winemaking with the single largest barrier being access to quality fruit.

If you've ever considered installing a vineyard on your property, whether for personal enjoyment or for profit, we'd love to connect. While not all locations are ideally suited for growing grapes in Montana, it might surprise you what is possible.

Whether you just need some help with planning or are looking for full installation and management of your vineyard, we would love to start the conversation!