WINEMAG.COM | 694O under 4O I 2019
John House, 38
Owner/Co-winemaker, Ovum Wines • Newberg, OR
Co-owner, Les Caves – A Winery Bar • Portland, OR
Co-owner, La Luz Selections • New York City
Taking on terroir
House’s wife and co-winemaker at Ovum Wines, Ksenija, describes
him as an optimistic and creative visionary, with infectious enthu-
siasm and a deeply felt sense of conviction. These qualities trans-
late dynamically to his work throughout multiple vinous projects.
At Ovum, the goal is to make wines that are a conduit of place and
vintage, with little or no winemaker interference, from their joint
husband-and-wife perspective. At Les Caves, meanwhile, House
aims to create an atmosphere where global wines can inspire local
Pacifi c Northwest production. And across the country, with La Luz,
he manages imports from and communications for Portuguese and
Spanish wineries that share similar philosophies to Ovum.
Ksenija Kostic House, 39
Owner/Co-winemaker, Ovum Wines • Newberg, OR
Assistant Winemaker, Argyle Winery • Dundee, ORIn pursuit of pure Oregon
Husband and co-winemaker John describes her as a meticulous, hard-
working Scorpio who is magnetic, fearless and unwavering. At Ovum, wines
are craft ed to keep the hand of the winemaker(s) invisible and let the fruit,
vintage and place show through. Working with lesser-known vineyards and
varietals in a state dominated by Pinot Noir, House hopes to expand the
reach of Oregon’s terroir. She seeks to make transparent, terroir-driven white
wines sourced from widely separated AVAs. When not at work on her own
wines, she is also assistant winemaker at Dundee-based Argyle Winery.