The Novel Nose of Oregon Wine
If there’s one thing we Oregonians agree on, it’s that our home is a downright cornucopia of nature’s gifts. From the resplendent beauty of Mt. Hood to the subtly agitated waters of the Pacific Ocean, we’re surrounded by wonders. Coming to these wonders, we’re quietly but steadily creating a name in the world of wine. Pour a splash of something Oregonian, and get ready to sip into a much-anticipated chapter – The Future of Oregon Wine.
An Emerging Tapestry of Flavors
Of course, the fabled Willamette Valley, occupying a precious ribbon of terrain between Portland and Eugene, has long been known for its exquisite Pinot Noir. Wine lovers around the world raise a toast to Oregon’s Pinot. But it’s not just the Pinot that’s etching Oregon on the vino map. The Willamette Valley, with its surprisingly Burgundian-like climate, is also producing stellar Chardonnays. You’d be surprised by the minerally Chablis-like Chards springing from vineyards that stretch from the quirky hipster heart of Portland down to the homey and historic Eugene neighborhoods.
The future’s looking bright – and delightfully multifaceted. Southern Oregon isn’t just about Crater Lake and quirky Shakespearean performances anymore. Regions like the Rogue Valley and the Umpqua Valley have longer, warmer growing seasons. Here, grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah are gaining traction. Wine-savvy folks are talking about the bracing Tempranillo, a Spanish varietal, from Abacela Winery, while Rogue Valley’s Quady North winery is earning kudos for their take on the French white varietal, Viognier.
A Toast to the Eastern Vines
Let’s not forget about Eastern Oregon. Wine fanatics visiting the Beaver State might typically point their compass west, but a detour east of the Cascades is increasingly worth considering. There lies the relatively unknown but rapidly rising AVA (American Viticultural Area), the Walla Walla Valley. This region, straddling Oregon and Washington, is a place where Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon all thrive amidst an inspiring panorama of rolling hills and quaint farmsteads. This place really makes the saying “Keep Portland Weird” sing a different tune – “Keep Oregon Wines Varied.”
Embrace the Uniqueness of The State
Oregon, with its oft-changeable weather – sometimes mirroring a mood-swinging teenager, offers an opportunity for an array of wine grape varieties. How many places do you know where locals whimsically joke, “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes”? Well, that’s just Oregon being Oregon. Just ask a viticulturist at Illahe Vineyards in Dallas or a cellar master down at Eola-Amity Hills, they’ll tell you the same. A testy temper of Mother Nature often results in smaller harvests, but also grapes that are chock-full with character. It’s that unique terroir that makes even the likes of Italian varietals such as Arneis, gracing the vine canopies of Ponzi Vineyards, a thrillingly new prospect in the wine scene.
Evolution is the Secret Ingredient
Wine is a paradox that we Oregonians savor. It’s both steeped in tradition and yet ceaselessly evolving. That’s why our lion-hearted vintners and vineyard pioneers are forever pushing at the margins, looking to introduce something new and exciting to the discerning palate. Wine, here, isn’t just about what fills the glass. It’s about the people, the places – like picking an elusive spot for a Gris-grape vine just west of Rose Garden, or that small, lesser-known vineyard hugging the slopes of Chehalem Mountains.
Sip and Savor the Future
So, what’s on the horizon for Oregon wines? Yes, it’s stepping outside the Pinot Noir silhouette, expanding and embracing a variety of new and exciting grapes aptly suited to our landscape. It’s a journey that requires resilience, whimsy, and an emboldened spirit, much like our famed Oregon Trail ancestors. For the sake of your palate, take a stroll, hike, or bike down the Mckenzie River Trail, make a pit-stop at an artisan bakery in Bend, or take a leisurely drive down the coast. And along the way, stop off at a winery or two, savor that diversely Oregonian wine, and raise a glass to a future bursting with flavor. Bask in the mutating hues of Oregon sunset, and whisper under your breath, “Yes, this is why I love Oregon.”