About Us
Friends with a Shared Vision
The Story
Rocky Pond Hospitality Ventures, an affiliate of Rocky Pond Estate, is a partnership between three families. The Dufenhorsts, the Johnsons, and the Oppenheimers all share a love for fine wine, travel, and the Pacific Northwest. United by a conviction that the Columbia River is one of the world’s great undiscovered destinations, they have planned a luxury retreat like no other.
The Dufenhorsts
David and Michelle Dufenhorst founded Rocky Pond Estate Winery after visiting the world’s great viticultural regions for wine and wellness vacations. Realizing that outstanding vineyard land existed right at their own doorstep, in Washington State, the Dufenhorsts planted vineyards, began making wine, and drove the movement to establish the Rocky Reach American Viticultural Area. Inspired by the serene beauty of this majestic place, David—a real estate investor and developer—began to dream of creating a world-class destination resort here.
Left to right: John & Deanna Oppenheimer, Rocky Pond Estate architects Kyle and Shannon Gaffney, Kevin & June Johnson, and David & Michelle Dufenhorst.
The Johnsons & the Oppenheimers
The Dufenhorsts are lucky to count the Johnsons and the Oppenheimers among a small group of friends and traveling companions. John Oppenheimer, founder and CEO at Columbia Hospitality—along with his team of talented professionals—has driven the operational foundation of Rocky Pond Inn & Spa. Deanna Oppenheimer, who is Chair of both IHG Hotels & Resorts and Hargreaves Lansdown, and a Director at Thomson Reuters and Slalom LLC, has been an invaluable strategic partner. And Kevin Johnson, former president and CEO of Starbucks and current Goldman Sachs board member, has been integral to this project as an advisor, an investor, and a friend. Together, we are proud to present Rocky Pond Estate to you. It’s a place where we love to be together.
Left to right: the Johnsons, the Oppenheimers, and the Dufenhorsts. Back: the Gaffneys (Rocky Pond Estate architects).
Our Commitment
Sustainability Matters
Our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility extends beyond our vineyards and winery to our tasting rooms, concert venue and world-class hotel.