In the relatively short 40 years that Oregon’s stunning Willamette Valley has been growing winegrapes, it has emerged as one of the nation’s most highly regarded viticultural areas, particularly for its Pinot Noir, broadly described as elegant, cellar worthy, and full of finesse. Recently, we invited a dozen of esteemed vintners who are responsible for this to come together at The Allison Inn & Spa for a toast, and to tell us why they think the Willamette Valley is such a success.
Silvan Ridge Winery’s Juan Pablo “JP” Valot
“The Valley has a mild climate with cool, wet winters and dry, warm summers. Warm temperatures and low sun exposure during the growing season pre- vent sunburn on the thin skin of Pinot Noir. Most of the rainfall occurs at the end or after the harvest season. This provides ideal growing conditions for short cycle ripening grapes such as our signature grape, Pinot Noir.”
Hyland Estates’ Laurent Montalieu
“We are very fortunate that the forefathers of this Oregon wine industry had incredible vision. We’ve also had the incredible luck of having the right combination of soil and climate, not to mention how viticulture, in terms of quality and expertise, has exploded over the past 20 years. I believe that the quality of Willamette Valley wines is exceptional.”
Adelsheim Vineyard’s David Paige
“The coastal mountains are what give us the ideal climate for the varieties we grow. If they were higher mountains, we would be more sheltered from the Pacific, and we would have eastern Washington’s climate. Without any mountains at all, it would be much too cool to ripen Pinot Noir or anything else. All cool climate varieties do well here.”
Soter Vineyard’s Tony Soter
“Thirty to forty years ago, the pioneers of our industry made some stellar wines that got my attention, and the world’s to be sure. But it took another generation, who applied the viticultural discipline, to enhance consistency and concentration of flavor. The next generation knows full well that quality, not quantity, is key for success and survival.”
Ponzi Wines' Luisa Ponzi
“We have focused on only those varietals that are perfectly suited to our cool climate. Pinot Noir, in particular, is extremely difficult to make and is only able to express itself fully when planted in the correct place. The people crafting these wines are passionate and driven solely by the pursuit of creating stunning wines. Our commitment to place shines through in our wines.”
ArborBrook Vineyards’ Dave Hansen
“The Willamette Valley , representing numerous sub-AVAs, possesses ideal growing conditions to produce world-class Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and other cool climate varietals. From excellent growing conditions to unique terroirs, the area produces beautifully nuanced wines,especially accentuating the wonderful flavor range often found in premier Pinot Noir. We have a similar growing season as France’s Burgundy, but very different soils.”
Winderlea Vineyard and Winery’s Bill Sweat
“We are fortunate that the founders chose to plant cool climate varietals and did an exceptional job choosing the right sites. They also established a tradition of cooperation and helped each other learn about viticulture, winemaking, and the wine business. They created laws that protected agricultural land and had a remarkable foresight that has allowed us to become the world-class wine region we are today.”
Lange Estate Winery’s Jesse Lange
“Our reputation is rooted in the fundamentals of growing the right grapes in the right place. Burgundian varieties grow exceptionally well at our 45th parallel latitude. Our long, even growing season, hillside soils, and elevation suits them wonderfully. Also, our community of winegrowers and winemakers are wholly dedicated to the craft of growing and making world-class wines of regional and varietal typicity.”
Le Cadeau’s Tom Mortimer
“Our flagship wine, Pinot Noir, has been recognized for many years, but more recently wine enthusiasts are discovering that our Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris have excellent potential. Add to that easy access to the winemakers and owners of artisanal wineries, along with a beautiful region with many fine dining options and it’s easy to understand Oregon’s growing popularity. It’s a memorable and intimate experience.”
Argyle Winery’s Nate Klostermann
“The Willamette Valley has become such a highly regarded viticultural area due to our continuity and consistency in quality. Due to our cool climate growing region, we also see true year-to-year vintage variations, which bring unique wines each year. Our sub-AVA growing regions also inform our style of winemaking, which emphasize subtlety and nuance, while retain- ing structure for long-term ageability.”