Arborbrook Vineyards may have been born out of love at first taste. When wine connoisseur Dave Hansen first started dating his future wife, Mary, it was determined that Mary needed to “learn how to drink wine.” This interest evolved—and so did they—and the couple eventually made their home on 30 acres draped along the southern flank of Yamhill County’s Chehalem Mountain range. In an area widely established as an excellent incubator for Pinot Noir, this family-owned boutique winery produces award-winning wines that deliver sheer elegance.
A blend of gentle elevation; subtle microclimates; and a long, cool growing season places ArborBrook in an ideal terroir for producing a smooth Pinot Noir that lingers on the palate. Unique dry-farming practices promote deeper root growth, yielding wines rich in complexity and structure. Using small-lot fermentation and a meticulous focus on quality, ArborBrook’s wines are handcrafted to accentuate distinct flavor profiles that are lush, expressive, and finessed. As one of the first vineyards in Oregon to utilize French oak rotary fermentors, ArborBrook places destemmed whole grapes directly into oak fermentation vessels, allowing for the capture of bold, superb flavor. Aged 11–12 months in a mixture of medium- to heavy-toast barrels, Arborbrook’s Pinot Noir is classically balanced without ever being over-oaked.
Special Notes
Private tastings by appointment, wine club events, wine club discounts, owners on site, winemaker dinners
Pouring wines that have been esteemed by Wine Spectator to “linger effortlessly” is easily done in an atmosphere full of casual grace. From ArborBrook’s delectably catered events to regular tastings, offered every Wednesday through Monday in Dave and Mary’s converted 100-year-old barn, guests are treated to the Hansens’ personal touch that combines “life with wine.” They can also look forward to tasting the many wines that have earned much praise from Robert Parker and high points from Wine Enthusiast or an unplanned conversational walk through the vineyards with either Dave or Mary. The Hansens’ love of wine and family is apparent at ArborBrook Vineyards.