What to Buy
'07 Blue Moon Riesling Ripe apples, apricot nectar, grapefruit, aromas of honeysuckle $8.95
'07 Blue Moon Pinot Gris Fresh, vibrant fruit, melon, pear, touch of citrus $10.95
'07 Blue Moon Pinot Noir Fresh, ripe fruit flavors, black cherry, raspberry $19.95
'06 Cabernet Merlot Ripe black cherry, plum, red raspberry, vanillin finish $9.95
Getting There
From the US-199, take Caves Hwy/OR-46 to Holland Loop Dr.
|
When Lelo and Bob Kerivan started Bridgeview Vineyard and Winery on a ten-acre property in sunny Southern Oregon back in 1979, they were convinced that the area had a remarkable potential for growing European varietals. Lelo, who is from Germany, was so certain of this that she arranged for her son, René Eichmann, to join them from Germany and help them realize their dream.
With René came many European winegrowing practices that were considered somewhat un-orthodox in Oregon's emerging wine industry. For one thing, the family planted their first 75-acre vineyard in narrow rows that were just six feet apart—twice as close together as what was then the average American vineyard. They limited crop load considerably, pruning the vines to allow a mere 20 buds to flourish as opposed to the American standard of 60 to 80. This practice allowed for smaller trunks with more efficient root flow, which maximized the quality of the grapes.
The small, family-run winery grew quickly and today it is one of the largest wineries in Oregon with a capacity to produce more than 100,000 cases of wine annually. Bridgeview now farms nearly 300 acres of estate vineyards, but it maintains its friendly, approachable personality. "We're a working winery, not a showplace winery," René says.
|
| Currently Bridgeview Vineyard and Winery's portfolio consists of 26 different wines, including an impressive list of award-winning Premium and Reserve European varietals and blends. Its most distinctive label is Blue Moon, a series of six different varietals bottled in blue glass. "In Europe, colored glass is not such a rare thing for wine bottles," René explains. "We decided to try it here, first with our Pinot Gris—then a Riesling." That Riesling, a limited edition of 900 cases, sold so quickly that Blue Moon promptly became a mainstay at Bridgeview. René is fast to point out that the wine's popularity is due to more than its bottle. "The package is attractive, but the key to its continued success is the consistency of style in the wine," he says. "The first bottle might be an impulse buy. The second bottle is the taste." René describes the Blue Moon Riesling as having a spicy edge to it, pairing well with Asian-style cuisine, cheese, crackers, lighter meats, and fresh fruit. "It's very diverse," René says. "And affordable." In fact, it is Bridgeview's goal to make moderately priced, gracious wines.
The winery is still very much a family-run operation, with Lelo and Bob at the helm and René serving as both winemaker and vice president. And as for their farming and winemaking practices, which once may have seemed renegade, the Kerivans have the respect of their colleagues. Bob Kerivan, in fact, was recently presented a Founders Award at the 2009 Oregon Wine Industry Symposium.
Bridgeview Vineyard and Winery is an idyllic place to visit. There are gardens, picnic spots, and even the winery's own small lake offering pristine views. Those who would like to spend the night can stay at the winery's nearby bed and breakfast lodge featuring five wine-themed suites. It's a friendly family place that believes in creating gracious, affordable wines, and being a gracious host to all who visit and enjoy Bridgeview.
|
|
){kind=link}