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Nestled in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, the Oregon wine region boasts a landscape of breathtaking beauty and diversity. This enchanting terroir is characterized by rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and a rugged coastline that stretches along the Pacific Ocean. Vineyards dot the landscape, creating a patchwork quilt of green and gold against the backdrop of towering forests and snow-capped mountains.
One of the crown jewels of the Oregon wine region is the Willamette Valley, where Pinot Noir reigns supreme. The valley's undulating hills and cool climate are the ideal canvas for producing world-class Pinot Noir wines. Here, the grapevines thrive in the fertile soil, their delicate clusters soaking up the Oregon sun during the long, sunlit summer days. Within the Willamette Valley is located the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, which specializes in the production of premium wines.
As you venture further south, the landscape transforms, revealing the Umpqua and Rogue Valleys. In these warmer pockets, Syrah finds its home, producing bold and expressive wines that reflect the region's terroir. The undulating vineyards are cradled by the majestic Cascade Range, which not only provides a stunning backdrop but also influences the unique flavors of the wines.
To the north, the Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley regions unfold, offering a diverse array of microclimates and terroirs. Here, Chardonnay reigns supreme, producing wines that span a spectrum of styles, from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and buttery. The Columbia River winds through this landscape, contributing to its unique character.
And then there's Pinot Gris, thriving throughout the state with its versatile and vibrant personality. Whether in the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, or the Columbia Gorge, Pinot Gris vines flourish, delivering refreshing and expressive white wines that capture the essence of Oregon's diverse landscapes.
In this captivating region, the landscape and grape varieties converge to create a symphony of flavors and experiences. It's a place where the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest harmonizes with the artistry of winemaking, resulting in wines that are as varied and enchanting as the Oregon wine region itself.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
The Oregon wine region, a gem in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is renowned for its diverse and picturesque landscapes that contribute significantly to its winemaking prowess. The region primarily stretches along the western part of Oregon, bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean, providing a crucial maritime influence. To the north, it is bounded by the Columbia River, which forms the border with Washington State. The eastern border is defined by the more arid regions of Oregon, transitioning into the high desert, while to the south, it extends towards the California border.
Oregon's wine country is characterized by its varied topography, which includes rolling hills, lush valleys, and rugged mountain ranges. The Cascade Mountains to the east act as a barrier, creating a rain shadow effect that significantly influences the climate of the wine-growing areas. This diverse topography results in a multitude of microclimates and soil types, making Oregon an ideal location for a variety of wine grapes.
The most famous and productive wine region in Oregon is the Willamette Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes of gentle hills lined with vineyards. This valley, nestled between the Coast Range to the west and the Cascades to the east, enjoys a cool climate influenced by oceanic weather patterns. The varied elevations and aspects of the hillsides in the Willamette Valley contribute to the complexity of its wines.
Other notable wine regions in Oregon include the warmer and drier Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley in the south, which feature a mix of mountains, rivers, and valleys, and the Columbia Gorge, which offers a dramatic landscape where the river cuts through the Cascade Mountains. The diversity of these regions, each with its unique landscape and climatic conditions, contributes to the wide range of wine styles and varieties produced in Oregon. This geographic and climatic diversity is a key factor in the state's growing reputation as a premium wine-producing area.
The Oregon wine region boasts a temperate maritime climate shaped by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Cool ocean breezes ensure even temperatures, favoring slow grape ripening for nuanced flavors. Western vineyards enjoy cooler conditions, ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Moving east, a subtle shift toward warmer, drier conditions occurs due to the Cascade Range. Seasonality brings distinct phases: spring for budding, warm summers, crisp autumns for harvest, and mild winters. Precipitation mainly falls in winter, leaving dry summers, crucial for grape quality. Overall, Oregon's climate harmoniously nurtures diverse vineyards, yielding wines with elegance and terroir expression.
The Oregon wine region is known for its varied soils that profoundly impact the wines it produces. Here's a concise look at the key soil types:
These diverse soils, combined with climate and topography, shape Oregon wines, reflecting each location's terroir. Pinot Noir, Syrah, and other varietals thrive in these distinct soil environments, offering a rich tapestry of flavors.
In late 2008, the Oregon wine industry unveiled a pioneering program aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness in winemaking. The Oregon Certified Sustainable Wine® (OCSW) program sets rigorous standards for wineries and vineyards, emphasizing responsible practices and eco-friendly viticulture.
To earn the coveted OCSW logo, wines must meet specific criteria:
While all grapes must be grown within Oregon, the wine can be produced in a certified facility located within an American Viticultural Area (AVA) that extends into the state. Notable AVAs like Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Snake River Valley, and Columbia Gorge all fall within these boundaries.
Participating in this program involves a nominal fee of $.01 for each certified bottle, which is allocated towards essential initiatives such as marketing, public relations, and trademark protection. The program's wordmark and logo are registered in the United States, with pending applications in Canada and future plans for expansion into Hong Kong and China.
Since its inception, the OCSW program has gained momentum, with 20 Oregon producers proudly offering over 200 OCSW-certified wines, amounting to nearly 2 million bottles. This initiative has not only set a new benchmark for sustainability in winemaking but has also garnered considerable attention in the media. As more of these wines enter the market, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the OCSW logo, thanks to the enthusiastic endorsement of sommeliers, wine stewards, and retailers. The 2010 Oregon Pinot Camp marked a significant milestone, where the vision of "Oregreen" sustainability began to take firm root in the world of wine.
Oregon, with its picturesque landscapes and varied climates, is a haven for wine lovers and a playground for vineyards. The state's unique terroir, where the soil whispers to the vines and the climate sings a lullaby of seasons, nurtures a variety of grapes, each with its own story. Among these, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris stand out, each adapting beautifully to Oregon's embrace.
In Oregon, the story of each grape is a narrative woven with the threads of climate, soil, and human touch. From the sensitive Pinot Noir to the adaptable Pinot Gris, each grape variety brings its own flavor to the state's rich wine tapestry. Here, the art of winemaking is a dance with nature, resulting in wines that are as expressive and varied as Oregon itself.
Oregon's wine region, celebrated for its diverse landscapes and microclimates, produces wines that are as varied as they are enchanting. The state's wines typically reflect the cool climate influence, often presenting a lighter body and a more nuanced complexity than those from warmer regions. Visually, Oregon wines range from the delicate, almost ethereal hues of its Pinot Noirs to the deeper, more robust shades of its bolder varieties.
Oregon wines, with their diverse profiles and nuanced flavors, are a testament to the state's rich and varied terroir. From the delicate complexity of Pinot Noir to the bold richness of Syrah, each variety tells a story of the land, the climate, and the meticulous care of its winemakers. These wines not only reflect the character of Oregon's wine region but also stand out on the global stage for their quality and distinctiveness.
Embark on a journey through Oregon's rich wine history, a captivating tale of determination, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of winemaking excellence. Here's a seamless narrative of key milestones that have shaped Oregon's vibrant wine industry:
In 1847, Henderson Luelling, a pioneer on the Oregon Trail, brought with him a variety of fruit plantings, including Oregon's first grape vines.
By 1852, Swiss immigrant Peter Britt had earned the title of the "father of the Southern Oregon fruit industry" with the establishment of Valley View, the Northwest's inaugural winery, nestled in Jacksonville.
In 1889, German immigrant Adam Doerner planted a mix of grape varietals in the Umpqua Valley, nurturing Zinfandel, Riesling, and Sauvignon vines. However, this winemaking came to an abrupt halt during Prohibition.
Fast forward to 1904, and Forest Grove winemaker Ernest Reuter made history by winning silver for his Riesling at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. This marked the first accolade for an Oregon winemaker.
Prohibition took hold in Oregon from 1916 to 1933, years before the nationwide ban was enforced. However, as the nation emerged from this dry period in 1933, a group of pioneers, including John Wood and Ron Honeyman, earned bonded winery status, with Honeywood Winery becoming Oregon's oldest continuously operating winery, bearing the distinguished bonded winery number 26.
In 1961, Richard Sommer ushered in Oregon's modern wine era by planting a range of grape varieties at HillCrest Vineyard in the Umpqua Valley. This move marked the birth of Oregon's oldest estate winery, holding bonded winery certificate number 42.
It was in 1965 that the Pinot Noir era dawned. David Lett planted the first Pinot Noir cuttings near Corvallis, and Charles and Shirley Coury, fresh from studying in Alsace, added their own vines to Lett's nursery, pioneering the way for Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley.
By 1967, Richard Sommer had harvested his "first crop of any consequence," yielding 6,000 gallons of juice. This pivotal moment prompted Sommer to dedicate himself full-time to winemaking, leading to the production of Oregon's first-ever vintage of Pinot Noir.
In 1968, Dick Erath arrived in the Willamette Valley, ready to plant his own wine grapes, a dream that would materialize in the following year.
The year 1969 saw the arrival of Dick and Nancy Ponzi, who began planting their first 20-acre vineyard, while Jim and Loie Maresh ventured into grapevine cultivation at the renowned Maresh Red Hills Vineyard.
By 1970, Susan Sokol Blosser and Bill Blosser were on a mission, purchasing an abandoned prune orchard and embarking on the arduous task of clearing land to make way for grapevines.
In 1971, David and Ginny Adelsheim joined the ranks, securing their original property at Quarter Mile Lane in Newberg, ready to plant an array of grape varieties.
The pivotal year of 1972 brought significant developments. A group led by David Adelsheim and David Lett created maps designating prime vineyard zones in the northern Willamette Valley with the establishment of Oregon Senate Bill 100, an important legislative move to protect these lands from developers.
In 1974, David Adelsheim's journey took him to Burgundy, where he realized the superiority of Burgundian clones. A decade later, these Dijon clones would find their way to Oregon, thanks to David Adelsheim's efforts, beginning in 1984.
Simultaneously, in 1975, The Eyrie Vineyards' South Block Reserve Pinot Noir made waves by placing in the top 10 at a blind tasting in Paris, drawing international attention.
By 1978, the Dundee Hills welcomed its first commercial winery, Knudsen-Erath Winery, marking an important milestone in the region's wine history.
In 1979, the Willamette Valley AVA was officially established, marking Oregon's first American Viticultural Area.
The 1980s witnessed further expansion. Seven Hills Vineyard was founded in the Walla Walla Valley, contributing to the broader regional viticulture landscape.
In 1982, the Knudsen family and Dick Erath came together to form Knudsen-Erath Winery, operating Bonded Winery No. 52, a significant moment in Oregon's wine journey.
1983 brought forth the establishment of the Yamhill County Wineries Association, introducing "Thanksgiving Weekend in Wine Country," a tradition that continues today.
By 1984, David Adelsheim was finally able to import Dijon clones from Burgundy, further enhancing the quality of Oregon's Pinot Noir.
In 1985, a group of wine experts conducted a blind tasting and found it challenging to distinguish between Oregon Pinot Noirs and Burgundies, a testament to the quality of Oregon's wines.
In 1986, Ken Wright established Panther Creek Cellars, starting the trend of vineyard-designate bottlings in Oregon.
In 1987, Oregon hosted the first International Pinot Noir Celebration in McMinnville, drawing Pinot noir producers and enthusiasts from around the world.
In 1988, Véronique Drouhin, a Burgundy-born winemaker, made her first vintage of Willamette Valley wine for the newly launched Domaine Drouhin Oregon label, bringing international acclaim to Oregon's wine scene.
The state's only shareholder-owned and publicly traded winery, Willamette Valley Vineyards, opened its doors in 1989.
Simultaneously, Seven Hills Winery became the first to operate on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley.
The 1990s brought challenges and innovations. Phylloxera, a dreaded vine-root louse, made its appearance in the Willamette Valley in 1990, leading to the costly and labor-intensive process of replanting vines on grafted phylloxera-resistant rootstock.
In 1991, the ¡Salud! program was launched, providing healthcare to migrant laborers, a unique initiative in the nation.
1992 marked the construction of King Estate winery, which would later achieve organic certification.
In 1993, renovations of the former Multnomah County Poor Farm were completed, and McMenamins Edgefield opened its doors, offering a unique experience where visitors could witness winemaking, brewing, and distillation on-site.
In 1994, Chehalem winery was founded, and they brought in Burgundian winemaker Patrice Rion to assist with their startup. Their original fruit source was Ridgecrest Vineyard, planted by Harry Peterson-Nedry in 1982.
In 1995, Abacela winery, founded by Earl and Hilda Jones, planted the first Tempranillo vines in the Pacific Northwest, receiving international acclaim for their Iberian varietals.
1996 was a significant year as Sokol Blosser became the first winery to achieve Salmon-Safe sustainable farming designation.
In 1997, Ted Casteel of Bethel Heights spearheaded the formation of LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), an eco-designation specific to wine grape farming.
By 1999, Bill Holloran embraced the "garagiste" movement by converting his West Linn horse barn into a winery, hiring Jay Somers as the winemaker. Another suburban winery, Cooper Mountain Vineyards in Beaverton, achieved Demeter-Certified Biodynamic status, marking a significant step in sustainable viticulture.
In 2000, the Applegate Valley AVA was established.
In 2001, the burgeoning urban winemaking trend in Portland saw the launch of Hip Chicks Do Wine in an old warehouse.
2002 witnessed significant developments. The eco-built Carlton Winemakers Studio opened, becoming the first multiple-winery facility in the state. Additionally, A to Z Wineworks introduced the negociant model, rapidly growing to become Oregon's largest winery.
In 2003, the NW Wine Company in McMinnville took the "custom crush" business to a new level, offering comprehensive vineyard-to-bottle services.
In 2004, the Columbia Gorge and Southern Oregon AVAs were established, further expanding Oregon's wine regions. The Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton AVAs were also established in the Willamette Valley.
In 2005, at a tasting in New York, a group of wine experts struggled to distinguish Oregon Pinot Noirs from Burgundies costing significantly more, solidifying Oregon's reputation for high-quality wines.
In 2006, Ken Wright ventured beyond Panther Creek Cellars to establish Ken Wright Cellars and Tyrus Evan in Carlton.
In 2007, the inaugural International Pinot Noir Celebration took place in McMinnville, bringing together Pinot Noir producers and enthusiasts from around the globe.
In 2008, Burgundy-educated Véronique Drouhin produced her first vintage of Willamette Valley wine for the Domaine Drouhin Oregon label, garnering international attention.
In 2009, Oregon wineries embraced sustainability with the launch of the Carbon Neutral Challenge, becoming the first wine-industry carbon-reduction program in the United States. Solar panels began to adorn the wine country landscape, and Willamette Valley Vineyards co-founded the world's first cork recycling program, Cork ReHarvest.
Greg Jones, a Southern Oregon University geologist renowned for vineyard climatology, was added to Decanter magazine's "Power List" of the 50 most influential people in the world of wine in 2009.
In 2011, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber proclaimed May as Oregon Wine Month, reviving a long-dormant tradition. In May, the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles introduced the first-in-the-nation Oregon Wine Country license plate. Later in November, Wine Spectator featured Oregon on its cover, heralding it as the home of American Pinot Noir.
In 2013, Elkton Oregon became the state's newest AVA, entirely encompassed within the Umpqua Valley AVA, itself situated within the Southern Oregon AVA.
In 2014, A to Z Wineworks became the first B Corp certified winery in the world.
In 2015, the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA gained official recognition.
In 2016, the Willamette Valley AVA expanded its southern border, encompassing the King Estate vineyards.
In 2019, the Van Duzer Corridor AVA received federal approval, becoming the first new Willamette Valley AVA since 2006. The AVA's unique wind patterns and coastal exposure influence the region's wines.
Finally, during 2020, Oregon boasted a total of 995 wineries and 1,370 vineyards.
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