An Authentic Glimpse into the Future of Oregon Wine
Some say Oregon was born with a taste for the grape, where the lush, green landscapes of our great state expertly cradle and nurture some of the country’s most delectable wines. As a resident of the rustic Dundee Hills, a region that knows its Pinot Noir as well as a Rainhead knows a damp afternoon, I want to escort you through our vine-twisted trails into the promising future of Oregon wine.
New Varieties Pushing onto the Scene
Today we see emerging grape varieties that weren’t typically on Oregon’s radar. Beyond our beloved Kings and Queens–the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling – grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Grüner Veltliner, Tannat, and Albariño are catching the eyes of creative winemakers.
In the verdant ribbon of the Umpqua Valley, Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards has been leading the charge on these new varieties, producing a stunning quality of Grüner Veltliner that has received international accolades. But don’t forget your raincoat when you visit — the local saying goes, “In Oregon, we don’t tan, we rust.”
Exploring New Regions
Yet, while we’re trying out new flavors, we’re also exploring new terroirs. There was a time when the mere thought of growing grapes east of the Cascades was enough to make you the laughingstock of the Greyhound Tavern’s Friday evening crowd. But, as the old lumberjack wisdom goes, “great oaks from little acorns grow.” Thus, the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater managed to plant its vines firmly in Oregon’s wine future.
In this unique region, stones tinder the soil with a structural quality and depth of flavors rarely seen elsewhere. Sleight of Hand Cellars, despite its slightly cheeky name, is producing Syrahs here that would make a wine snob swoon with their mineral density and sublime balance. Take the journey out east and taste for yourself — and while you’re there, enjoy the lack of Portland traffic and soak up the ample Oregon sun.
Keeping It Sustainable
One of the many things to love about Oregon is our commitment to sustainability. Many wineries are quietly switching to more organic and biodynamic winemaking practices. The LIVE certification, incorporating environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing, continues to gain traction across the state.
An excellent example is Maysara Winery, nestled snugly in McMinnville, who abides strictly by biodynamic farming regulations. As their winemaker states, they “holistically farm in harmony with Mother Nature to ensure vineyards remain healthy for future generations.” It’s just one more way Oregon’s vintners are making wine matter more.
Innovations in Winemaking
Lastly, Oregon is no stranger to innovation. Just ask the adoring fans lining the counter at Union Wine Co. down in Tualatin Valley, where they serve wine in a can. While it shook the traditionalists, it did put a new spin on “grabbing a cold one with the boys.”
But it’s not just packaging. Wineries, such as A to Z Wineworks, are experimenting with new fermentation methods, like concrete eggs and clay amphorae, breathing new life into traditional varietals. While these methods might seem as out of place in Oregon as a sunny day in January, they’re giving our wines a texture and depth that are worth every flutter of the umbrella.
Future Full of Promises
As we stare longingly into the horizon from Misty Meadows Winery’s panoramic deck in Roseburg, it’s hard not to wrap our hopes around the burgeoning industry rooted in our unforgettable terra. Cultivating grapes, like watching a Blazer’s game or enduring the long wet winters, is a labor of love that this Ducks-loving state understands deeply.
Despite our natural bent towards humility, Oregon has staged itself as a leading force in the nation’s wine scene. With new varieties, regions, sustainable practices, and innovations on the horizon, just imagine what the coming decades will uncork for our special part of the Pacific Northwest.
From the Cascades breath-taking heights to the Columbia’s rolling waters, let’s raise a glass to the future of Oregon wine. After all, what’s more Oregonian than a toast to the fruitful splendors of our gorgeous, quirky state? And remember, fellow Oregonians, when life pours you some wine, savor it — just like the breathtaking view of Mt. Hood on a clear, blue day.