Oregon’s Willamette Valley: A Glorious Journey
A view from Evening Land
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.
Source: Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s most prolific grape-growing region and is located between the Cascade Mountains on the east and the Coast Region on the West. Cool and wet, this valley gets one hour more of sunlight than California receives. It is responsible for nearly two thirds of all the wine produced in the state.
We recently traveled to Oregon to check out the wineries there. With the valley’s proximity to Portland, wineries are quite accessible. In a short 40 minute drive, one can be in Newberg to taste at such wonderful wineries as Beaux Frères or Patricia Green. Another great winery there is Domain Drouhin, which was founded and is a sister property to Domain Drouhin in Burgundy. They are all excellent wineries that will provide for you the lovely expression of Pinot Noir. With another short drive south to Salem, OR, you will find fabulous wineries such at Lingua Franca and Evening Land.
This post is just a “taste” of our journey. Upcoming posts will focus on the tastings themselves and the richness of the wines. An example of the quality coming out of Oregon is exemplified by this quote from a presentation I recently attended: “Oregon’s share of domestic wine production is only 1%, while Oregon wines were 23% of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines in 2021.” Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful wine country in Oregon.
Enjoy!
