A New Dawn for Oregon Wine Country
Oh, don’t we Oregonians truly adore our wine? From the Willamette Valley’s award-winning pinot noirs to the robust merlots of the Columbia Gorge, our famed vineyards stretch far and wide across our great evergreen state. However, as any astute wine lover knows, the delight of winemaking lies in constant evolution, finding that tantalizing new grape or perfect growing location. As such, the future of Oregon wine looks as radiant as a sunrise over Mount Hood, with fresh varieties and emerging regions titillating our collective taste buds.
Oregon’s Emerging Grapes
Just as the Cascade Range is far more diverse than merely Three Sisters, Oregon’s grapes offer a broader spectrum than just pinots and merlots. Enter Albariño and Tempranillo, two varieties that have begun to thrive in our fertile soils.
Albariño, a delicate white grape hailing from northwest Spain, is a relative newbie to our Oregon terroirs. While the Oregon rain might remind you more of its infamous drizzles than the Spanish sun, the maritime climate of certain coastal vineyards—like Brandborg Winery and Anindor Vineyards—provides Albariño an environment similar to its native Riás Baixas. Bright with citrus zest and ocean air, Oregon Albariño brings that refreshing misty coastal breeze to every glass.
Tempranillo—an earthy, full-bodied red from Spain—is another foreigner feeling right at home in the Oregonian soil. Abacela Winery, located in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley, was the pioneer in this storyline, demonstrating that Tempranillo could flourish on this side of the Atlantic. Since then, other vineyards like Quady North and 2Hawk Vineyard & Winery have caught on, turning Southern Oregon into a hotbed for Tempranillo.
New Faces on the Block
As we toast to the rising stars among our grape varieties, let’s also venture off the beaten path to discover burgeoning wine regions outside of our tried-and-true Willamette Valley. Journey with me now to the south and get ready for a surprise left turn.
In the southlands, we find the Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley set on Southern Oregon’s stage—a dramatic landscape with a warmer, dryer climate than their northern neighbors, ideal for growing a diverse range of grape varieties. The combination of long, warm summer days and cool evenings creates an excellent setting for winemaking. Valley View Winery in the Rogue Valley, for example, cultivates an impressive variety, from Merlot to Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon to Oregon’s own Chardonnay.
Now for that left turn: how about some wine from the east? Yes, you read that right. The Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla Valley, stretching across both Oregon and our friendly, apple-loving neighbor Washington, have begun to claim their stake in the world of viniculture. The Columbia Gorge’s unique microclimates produce a variety of high-quality wines, while Walla Walla is becoming known as a refined haven for complex, elegant Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs that love a bit of that high desert sunshine.
From Rain Boots to Wine Glasses
Sure, Oregon might be more famous for rain boots than wine glasses, but the continuing evolution of our vineyards paints a promising future. Whether it’s the Spanish charms of Albariño and Tempranillo growing in formerly unheard-of Oregon regions or our delightful twists on global varieties in our new vinicultural havens, the love felt for our state is mirrored in our commitment to produce world-class wine right here in our backyard. So, friends, grab your favorite stemware, cozy up next to a fireplace at your local Oregon winery, and savor the aromas and flavors of our thriving, transforming wine scene.
As we Oregonians always say, “Cheers…or as we say around here, ‘Here’s mud in your eye!'” And remember, whether it’s Oregon’s rainy days or emerging wines, there’s always more to explore. So why don’t you join me in raising a glass to the future of Oregon wine? Onward to new grapes and growing regions!