Mended Oak Winery built on strength of blended family

On the property of one of North County’s newest wineries stands a 100-year-old oak tree. It is predominantly void of limbs on one side of its trunk, the result of a lightning strike. Yet, it stands steadfast, similar to “The Oak Tree” poem, penned by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr. In this famous composition, the last stanza reads: 

“Until today, I wasn’t sure of just how much I could endure but now I’ve found, with thanks to you I’m stronger than I ever knew.”

Mended Oak Winery in Battle Ground is the culmination of a season not unlike the imperfect oak. When owners Mark and Chelsea Cole came together several years ago, he had three children, she had one and, two years ago, they welcomed their first daughter together. 

“Our story is about hope and believing in yourself and dreaming again. Intermingled in our conversation about wine is the idea that, even though we go through tough times in life, life can be put back together and be stronger than it ever was,” Mark said. 

A 1995 Prairie High School graduate, Mark grew up in Hockinson. Chelsea graduated from Gresham High School and played Division 1 softball for the University of Birmingham. After separate relationships, their journey began eight years ago. According to Mark, they were both passionate about wine and rallied around it. 

Mark has now been making wine for seven years. Apprenticing with several friends in Eastern Washington, Mark learned the ins and outs of wine through six volunteer harvest and crush seasons before going it his own in 2016. Through the process, Chelsea’s interest in winemaking has grown and she recently enrolled in Washington State University’s enology program.

On Father’s Day 2016 the first Mended Oak vineyard was planted at the Cole homestead and a second vineyard was recently planted on the winery and tasting room site in Battle Ground. In total, Mended Oak has two acres of pinot noir vines. Aside from the namesake tree, visitors are greeted by a 110-year-old barn that the Coles have restored. 

Inside the historic barn, a 500 square-foot space has been designated the cozy tasting room. About 10 people can gather at the bar to sip through their portfolio and another 15 to 20 guests can sit around the indoor tables and chairs, with picnic tables and umbrellas set up outside for the summer months. 

All the fruit for Mended Oak’s current releases came from Washington State, sourcing predominantly from the Yakima Valley. Mark shared that Mended Oak anticipates purchasing some grapes this fall from Buckeye Vineyard — another Battle Ground vineyard producing some well-regarded pinot noir right now. 

 Parents to five children and both holding down day jobs — Mark as a City of Portland firefighter and Chelsea as an occupational therapist — their goal is to keep Mended Oak a boutique winery with a 2,000-case production. 

Another side of the business that they’re both looking forward to growing is weddings.  

With Chelsea at the helm as the wedding coordinator, the couple will open up their property to small to medium-sized weddings and planted their vineyard with celebratory events in mind. Mark said the vision is for the bride to walk down the center vineyard row and end up at a picturesque creek that runs through the parcel, where the ceremony will be held. Permitting is still being worked on for this and a 40-foot by 60-foot barrel room that can also double as event space. 

Mark said, “We just love using the winery as a canvas to dream again and inspire other people.”