Oregon’s Willamette Valley: A Glorious Journey

Oregon’s wine industry consistently ranks as the fourth largest producer of wine in the United States.  It is believed that the Willamette Valley’s location approximates the latitude of Burgundy’s Cote d’Or AOC, the motherland of Pinot Noir.  It is unfortunately not true, yet it is a fun belief.  What does contribute to the success of Pinot Noir in the valley (which it does share with Burgundy) is the cool, rainy climate with warm summers and mild winters.  Both regions have ancient mineral soils, and they both have very fertile valley floors.  As you might expect, the star grape from the Willamette Valley is Pinot Noir, as it represents 62% of the harvest volume.  Whites from Willamette Valley include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling.