A Taste of the Lush Pacific Northwest: The Future of Oregon Wine
There are many facets to Oregon that make it a gem to live in and an even better place to visit. From the stunning Crater Lake to the captivating coastal wonders like Haystack Rock, and not forgetting our iconic Powell’s City of Books, Oregon indeed has her ways of keeping you enthralled. But as all locals will tell you, there is one aspect of Oregon life that is near and dear to our hearts, and that is our wine.
Deep within our Emerald State, nestled in the rich soil and nurtured by our famously temperate weather, grows something that rivals our stunning natural landscapes: our vineyards.
Oregon has been long acclaimed for its Pinot Noir, a versatile and charming wine with a global reputation to boot. However, the future of Oregon wine is not just about Pinot Noir anymore. There’s a constellation of other varieties gaining popularity and reshaping the Oregon wine scene that’s “much like a carnival than a symphony” – varied, lively, and full of surprises.
A New Chapter: Emerging Varieties in Oregon
Enthusiasts of Oregon wine: ready your palates. Bring forth your glasses for Albariño and Tempranillo, two new varietals we’ve begun to embrace. True to the Oregon spirit of eclecticism and innovation, these emerging varieties are telling us new stories, introducing us to new flavors, and adding vibrant new hues to Oregon’s viticulture palette.
Albariño, a bright and zesty white wine, is planting its roots in our fertile Willamette Valley soil while the robust red grape, Tempranillo, is carving its niche in the Umpqua and Rogue Valleys. These are wines that compliment Oregon’s catch of the day amply landed by our local fishermen, or the earthy richness of our wild game – a testament to Oregon’s communing with nature.
And time to chat about Chardonnay! Our very own ‘Queen of Oregon’, she’s been causing quite a stir among the locals, and the word is fluttering out even beyond our borders. This resurgence of Chardonnay, championed by vineyards like Eyrie and Stoller, mirrors our Oregonian ethos of persisting and pioneering – always moving forward and striving for better.
New Soil, New Terroir: Emerging Regions
While the Willamette Valley continues to be the heart of the Oregon wine country, pulsating with the lively rhythm of Pinot Noir, there are other locations beginning to warm-up for their day in the sun. Our beloved wine industry is spreading her tendrils towards the East, into the entrancingly diverse soils of the Columbia Gorge, and Southern Oregon.
Known for our ‘liquid sunshine’ in the form of relentless drizzle, the steep hills and variable climates of the Columbia Gorge are proving to be well-suited to multiple grapes varieties. The Columbia Gorge AVA, our very own ‘World of Wine in 40 miles’, has unique microclimates that yield a stunning array of varietals. Expect an endless cascade of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, and more from this emerging region.
As for Southern Oregon, it is no longer just about the stunning Crater Lake or our vibrant Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. It’s gaining a reputation for quality and diversity in its viniculture. From Medford to Roseburg, vineyards are thriving across the region, creating aromatic blends that speak a different dialect of our Oregonian wine language.
Appreciating the Ever-Changing Panorama of Oregon Wines
As we consider the future of Oregon wine, we are, in essence, reflecting on our storied history, our growth, and our endless connection to our land. It is the embodiment of the Oregon spirit – innovative, welcoming, and persistent in the face of unpredictability – just like our weather. We are proud of our wine heritage, optimistic about its future, and as always, deeply in love with the journey.
So, along these lines, for every local and traveler alike – take up an invitation to venture down our road less traveled. Uncover the secrets of Albariño from Abacela Vineyard in Umpqua, a bottle of Syrah from The Pines 1852 in the Columbia Gorge, or an award-winning Tempranillo from RoxyAnn Winery in Medford. Together we raise our glasses and look forward to a vibrant, exciting future for Oregon wine, savoring it all, one sip at a time.