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Owner and Operator of Shallon Winery in Astoria

Paul Van der Veldt 鈥�47

September 22, 2024, in Astoria, Oregon.

Paul Van der Veldt owned and operated Shallon Winery in Astoria. A self-described “egghead” in his youth, his fascination with religion and philosophy led him to Reed, though he ultimately left and attended Cal Poly (and undertook a Buddhist pilgrimage).

During the Korean War, Paul served in the U.S. Navy, finishing his service as a personnelman aboard the USS Ajax (AR-6) in Japan. At Cal Poly, he studied engineering and English, and became enamored with Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Paul had a lifelong interest in and love of Japanese culture and Buddhism. The 1970s brought about a segue from construction to winemaking—and while Paul went out to sea as a cook on tugboats, the study of fermentation took up the bulk of his time.

Upon completion of the remodel of the Wicks Building at 16th and Duane streets, Shallon Winery was opened to the public in July 1980, remaining open every day until 2021. He was known for formulating and perfecting world-class whey wines—and personally received and served some 80,000 guests during his tenure there.

Paul was predeceased by his former wife, Nancy Butterfield.

Appeared in Reed magazine: Spring 2025