The Oregon Wine Journey
For those of us lucky enough to call Oregon home, we know all too well the beauty that unfolds from the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean. Our stunning landscapes are as varied as the state’s weather patterns. We may enjoy a good bout of rain to keep things green, but when the sun makes its grand appearance igniting our fertile valleys, you know it’s time to enjoy Oregon’s signature wine, Pinot Noir.
However, the thrilling tale of Oregon wine doesn’t end there. As our soil cultivates a myriad of grape varieties, the future of Oregon wine lies in its emerging varieties and up-and-coming regions. The diverse climate, from Columbia River Gorge’s blustery winds to the sun-drenched days in Southern Oregon, offers a fantastic grape-growing canvas that vintners can’t resist exploring.
Exploring Beyond Pinot Noir
Don’t get it twisted – as morbid as ever, we’ll always have a soft spot for our Pinot Noir, akin to how we revere Powell’s City of Books in Portland, or gorge at Voodoo Doughnut after a night of live shows at Dante’s. Yet, as adventurous Oregonians, we thrive on discovery. Winemakers in our beloved state are tapping into the viticultural treasure that is Oregon and coming up with more than Pinot to please our palates.
Innovative vintners in the Willamette Valley, a region Ernest Hemingway would’ve undoubtedly called “a moveable feast,” have started to plant varieties like Melon de Bourgogne and Gamay, creating refreshing wines with a unique twist.
Southern Oregon, an area known as much for Crater Lake’s mesmerizing blue waters as for its vineyard-laden lands, is seeing a rise in the cultivation of Tempranillo and Vermentino grapes. These full-bodied, flavorful wines from local wineries such as Quady North and Abacela are quickly becoming coveted acquisitions for any Oregon wine lover.
New Exciting Regions
As Oregonians, we have a keen knack for turning the overlooked into the celebrated – just look at Portland’s “Keep Portland Weird” philosophy or Bend’s booming craft beer scene. The same can be said for our emerging wine regions.
Astoria, also known as the ‘Little San Francisco of the Pacific Northwest,’ might be known for the legendary Goonies house, but in recent years has seen an emergence in up-and-coming wineries like Flying Dutchman and Shallon Winery, crafting wines that capture the briny, coastal notes of the Pacific Northwest.
The Columbia River Gorge, famous for its iconic Multnomah Falls, is not just a haven for windsurfing and hiking enthusiasts. Oregon wine pioneers are harnessing the gusty winds and diverse microclimate to cultivate lesser-known varieties like Gruner Veltliner and Zinfandel. Idyllic wineries like Analemma and Syncline are just ripe for Oregon wine enthusiasts and with reason – the gorge-ous wines these vineyards produce!
The Allure of Oregon Wines
In Oregon, we don’t do things by halves – whether it’s cheering on our beloved Trail Blazers or enjoying a brew at Deschutes Brewery with friends. Authenticity and passion permeate everything we do here, from catching chinook on the Deschutes River to sipping a perfectly balanced Chardonnay at the acclaimed Domaine Serene Winery.
The future of Oregon wines lies not just in the countless grape varieties that could potentially make a home in our varied regions but also in the dare-to-be-different spirit of Oregon vintners. While we’d never shy away from the moody charm of an Oregon Pinot Noir, we’re eager to taste the future that our diverse landscape and innovative winemakers have in store for us.
So, grab a glass and join us on this grape journey through Oregon – from the sun-dappled vineyards of Southern Oregon to the Columbia River Gorge’s windswept slopes. Our state might be known for its misty mornings, but the future of Oregon wine is looking bright. Let’s venture forth and taste that future together!