Things to do / Travel Guide
Wine regions usually make a lot of noise - or perhaps buzz - of wine lovers, the press, hangers-on, the curious. It's a happy buzz, since the wine makes people's hearts glad.
But if you want something different, the Oregon Cascades and Willamette Valley might be your pot of gold. It's certainly quieter - the wine server might actually be the vintner, and the winery is more likely in a farmhouse, not a palatial edifice to the wine god. But the quality is clear, and there's a good amount of wine lore to drink over. Pinot Noir, as regal a fruit as they come, is Oregon's most popular grape, and almost all of the boutiques in the region make the boast that theirs is best in the state.
Oregon Cascades' Eyrie Vineyards
Lest the fact be skimmed over, it was Oregon's wineries that put North America on the international wine map. Back in the 70s in France, in two decisive competitions, the Eyrie Vineyards' Pinot finished in the top ten and second place, respectively. This was an upset of tremendous proportions, the international press jumped on it, and the rest is history.
David Lett, owner and winemaker at the Eyrie Vineyards, is still perfecting his Pinot. He goes against the grain, aiming for a lighter wine, not dark and heavy as is in style nowadays. The wines, including his others such as the Chardonnays, aren't over-oaked. You taste the fruit, not just the wood.
Oregon Cascades' Sokol Blosser and other Wineries
This being such a Pinot-saturated region, it's only natural that any time spent in Willamette turns into a quest for the holiest of this variety. You can't beat the Eyrie, but don't stop there, as there's quite a bit of variety.
Sokol Blosser is another Pinot maker, and each year has its own texture and taste. Overall they're known for truffle and earth flavors, their tight structure like a well-oiled machine, their fruit for long-term aging and ever-mellowing tannins. The 2004 batch from Dundee Hills exhibits berry flavors and aromas: black cherries and raspberries. Who knows what the future will hold? In terms of Oregonian wineries, that's a poignant question.
Domaine Drouhin, Adelsheim Vineyards, and Amity Vineyards all specialize in Pinot Noir as well, and they've been anchors in the business for almost 40 years. That's amazing.
Brick House Vineyard - This deserves mention also. It isn't as old as the rest of these, but what sets it apart is the sense of village it's created. It's also a leading proponent of retaining the natural look of Willamette and keeping things organic. Taste the Pinots, but don't spurn the licorice-laced Gamay Noir or the mineral-rich Chardonnay.
Oregon's Southern Willamette Valley
Chateau Lorane is probably the most enticing winery in the southern Willamette Valley. They're prolific! In addition to the traditional wines - Pinots, Chardonnay, Merlot. Then there are a number of organically-grown wines too.
Finally, their biggest draw is their unusual wine collection, boasting a number of wines almost not seen anywhere else in the whole of the U.S. Where else but at Chateau Lorane to taste such delicacies as a Tempranillo, or an off-dry German Huxelrabe? The Melon de Bourgogne contains flavors of honeydew, citrus, and honeysuckle, while the Baco Noir displays flavors of tangy berries, and a smoky finish with hints of toast.
So this is Oregon, a goldmine of different wines, lots of Pinot Noirs, with a down-home atmosphere. Enjoy!
Wineries in Portland, Mt. Hood, the Oregon Cascades and Willamette Valley
Wineries
Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards
Willamette Valley Vineyards
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