The Future of Oregon Wine: Emerging Varieties and Regions
Oregon wines have always carried a delightful sense of whimsy and wonder, much like a surprise sunbreak on the wettest of our Pacific Northwest days. Just when you think you understand their essence, these crafty little crusaders bundle up in a cozy flannel, don their best hiking boots, and take off on a bold adventure, leaving you intrigued and thirsty for the next sip.
Prime Picking in Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon
In the lush heart of our beloved Beaver State, the vineyards are stretching out, reaching eagerly towards lesser-known lands where conditions offer promise and potential. These regions are starting to yield some exceptional and unusual varietals that are making us sit up and take notice.
Despite past winemakers gravitating towards the picturesque Willamette Valley, home to internationally lauded Pinot Noir, the teasing sun, craggy lands, and unique microclimates of Southern Oregon have been receiving an increasing share of attention. The blushing slopes of the Rogue Valley, the Applegate, and Umpqua regions are the sources of many of these emerging wines.
The adventurous locals, at the helm of such remarkable wineries as Valley View Winery and Wooldridge Creek Winery, innovate by experimenting with lesser-known grape varieties. With a climate not too dissimilar to Spain or Southern France, Southern Oregon is perfect for growing Albarino, Vermentino, and Tempranillo grapes.
Varieties With a Difference
The stunning Albariños of Rogue Valley, with their citrus tang and saline hint, are as revitalizing as a dip in Crater Lake after a long hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Despite being a relatively new player in Oregon’s wine industry, the exotic Albariño is already gaining quite a reputation.
And then there’s the incredible Tannat. Traditionally from southwest France, Tannat is hefty and full-bodied, kind of like a guy from Bend all suited up for a winter’s day on Mount Bachelor. Southern Oregon’s Tannat has all the power, structure, and intense dark fruit of its Old World counterparts but with a distinctly Oregonian twist.
The East Beckons
Over on the eastern side, beyond the Cascade Range, there’s whispers of vineyards claiming footholds in the high desert terrain. There’s a scrappy spirit in places like the Snake River Valley that truly embodies the Oregon identity – working with the land, not against it.
Rolling with the punches of winter freeze and summer scorch, Idaho’s Snake River Valley, bordering Eastern Oregon, has made quite a name for itself producing true gems. The region predominantly houses Rhone-style wines, and Syrah, in particular, seems to adore the volcanic soils and high desert sunlight, producing wines that are impeccably balanced—much like a veteran logger on a log rolling contest during Pendleton Round-Up.
Meanwhile, the Columbia Gorge, that watery playground where windsurfers gleefully enjoy the fierce Columbia River guts, has a dual identity. While known for its unruly climate, the Columbia Gorge also holds a tamed side, offering diverse microclimates capable of producing a multitude of appealing varietals.
The Pinot’s Place
Let’s not forget our tried and true Pinot Noir. While the international fame of this great grape might have cast a shadow over the state’s ability to produce other varietal wines, a new generation of pioneering winemakers, such as those at Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards and Brick House Vineyards, are proving Oregon can do more than Pinot. They seek to elevate the reputation of the Valley, and indeed the entire state, as a multitalented powerhouse of viticulture.
Taking inspiration from the wine-making culture of Burgundy, they’ve been meticulously experimenting with Chardonnay, showing the world that Oregon’s Chardonnay game is as strong as its Pinot Noir.
To The Future, Hand-in-Hand
In Oregon, we embrace change like a dear old friend. As our motto, “Alis volat propriis” says, “She flies with her own wings.” As new regions and varietals emerge, we adapt and evolve, while always keeping a tasteful nod to tradition. As this thrilling next chapter of Oregon wine unfolds, we extend an invitation, much like a hearty welcome at our famous Saturday Market in Portland, to join us in the exploration and enjoyment of these delicious, emerging wines.
In the Pacific Northwest, where the rain taps gently on our well-worn rooftops and the evergreens whisper wisdom to the valleys below, one thing’s for certain: the future of Oregon wine has never looked so exciting.