We’re excited to welcome Kylee Johnson to the Blackbird Vineyard Services team as our newest Viticulturist.

Kylee brings a wealth of hands-on experience from vineyards and labs across the globe. Most recently, she completed a harvest with Rock Ferry Wines in Marlborough, New Zealand, where she managed wine sample testing and assisted in cellar operations. Her international perspective is complemented by her deep roots in the Willamette Valley, having previously served as a viticulture intern at both Vitis Terra Vineyard Services and Atlas Vineyard Management, where she supported vineyard scouting, yield estimation, and chemical management across numerous sites.

Kylee holds a strong foundation in plant science, with additional teaching and leadership experience from her time at Michigan State University, where she graduated with honors with a Bachelors of Science in Horticulture.

Her wide-ranging background—from stateside to international harvests, and from data management to hands-in-the-soil viticulture—makes her a valuable addition to the BVS team. Kylee will work alongside Sam Stetser in continuing our mission of bringing precision, integrity, and deep care to vineyards across the Willamette Valley.

Please join us in giving Kylee a warm welcome to Blackbird!

At Blackbird Vineyard Services, we believe vineyard management requires more than expertise—it takes passion, experience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Based in the heart of the Willamette Valley, our team offers a full range of tailored vineyard services designed to meet each client’s unique needs while delivering the highest quality results. Led by Sam Stetser and Jenn Dederich, we bring years of hands-on experience and leadership to help you achieve your vision, from vine to wine.

With 18 years of experience farming wine grapes, Sam has worked with estate vineyards and vineyard management companies. In his position with Vineyard Management, he has overseen a diverse range of sites employing biodynamic, organic, and conventional farming practices.

Sam has spearheaded numerous vineyard development projects, demonstrating expertise in establishing new plantings. His vision for development from site planning, ground prep, and full installation caters to the land and the client.

Sam’s passion for farming has origins on his family’s 140-acre farm in Pennsylvania, but his life is deeply rooted in Oregon, where he makes his home in McMinnville with his wife and two children.

Sam is excited to bring local experience and expertise to both small and large producers looking to partner in growth in the Willamette Valley.

With 20 years of leadership and business experience, Jenn is committed to fostering a sustainable and equitable business that delivers exceptional service. A native of Wisconsin, Jenn spent her weekends and summers on her family’s 5th generation farm. Upon completing her BA from the University of Madison, she served in the US Peace Corps – Dominican Republic as an agroforestry volunteer and then volunteer coordinator. After service, Jenn accepted a University of Arizona Coverdell Fellowship and studied Land Use Planning, focusing on sustainability. She worked as a public sector planner until she relocated to Portland with her family. Once in Portland, Jenn co-founded Portland Pedal Power, a sustainable delivery concierge by bike company. Serving as CEO for 10 years, Jenn scaled and sold the company to Waiter.com – Palo Alto, CA in December of 2019. Since the sale of the company, Jenn has been home raising her two young children while looking for the next business opportunity.

Jenn is excited about co-founding Blackbird Vineyard Service, a locally owned and operated custom farming business.

She is thrilled to co-found Blackbird Vineyard Services – and bring locally owned and operated, custom farming to the Willamette Valley.