A Journey to the Emerging Wine Region: Unveiling the Charm of Oregon Wine

In the Northwest of the United States, Oregon has emerged as an up-and-coming wine region, offering a diverse and distinctive range of wines. In this blog post, we will explore its history, understand the unique terroir, and explore the delightful varietals that make this state a true gem for wine enthusiasts.

Discovering Oregon’s Wine Regions

Oregon’s wine regions are spread across the state, each contributing to its viticultural scene. The 5 major sub-regions add their uniqueness to the mix.

Willamette Valley – Known for its Pinot Noir, it is the heart of Oregon’s wine country.

Walla Walla Valley – Located in northeast Oregon, the warm growing season and complex soils often result in layered and full-bodied wines.

Umpqua Valley – Known as the “hundred valleys of the Umpqua” enjoys a warmer climate, favouring varieties like Tempranillo, Syrah, and Merlot to thrive here. 

Columbia Gorge – With the extreme variance of climate, the wines from this region tend to have racy acidity, bolder structure and riper fruit notes.

Image credit to vineyards.com

A Sip Through History

The roots of Oregon’s winemaking journey trace back to the 19th century. In 1852, Swiss immigrant Peter Britt planted the seeds of Oregon’s winemaking legacy with Valley View, the Northwest’s inaugural winery in Jacksonville. Fast forward to 1961, and the modern era begins as Richard Sommer plants a diverse array of grape varieties at HillCrest Vineyard, initiating a renaissance in Oregon’s winemaking. David Lett’s pioneering spirit in the 1960s founded The Eyrie Vineyards with the first Pinot Noir plantings in the Willamette Valley, marks a pivotal moment.

The establishment of the Willamette Valley AVA in 1983 further solidified Oregon’s place on the world wine map. Today, the state boasts 995 wineries and 1,370 vineyards across 40,000 acres, with Mount Pisgah in Polk County becoming the 23rd and the newest AVA in 2022.

Unveiling Oregon’s Terroir

Oregon’s wineries are mostly located in the Willamette Valley, where the cool and cloudy conditions help in producing delicate wines. If you move north towards coastal vineyards, the effect of the ocean becomes more prominent, leading to cooler vineyards and more nuanced wines. The autumn rains are a challenge since this is the critical period for grape ripening. Warmer summers are becoming more common, leading to the risk of heat stress and drought.

Despite the variation in vintages, Oregon’s winemakers are dedicated to sustainability. Compared to regions of similar size, Oregon has a higher percentage of organic and biodynamic viticulture. The revered Jory soil, characterised by silty clay loam and rich organic matter, is partially making the terroir of Oregon distinct!

A Symphony of Varietals

With over 100 grape varieties, the experimentation is endless. Pinot Noir takes centre stage as the flagship variety, followed by Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling. The winemakers’ willingness to explore and innovate is what makes Oregon’s wine scene so dynamic.

Image credit to Big Table Farm

If you are new to Oregon’s Pinot Noir,

Try Big Table Farm House Oregon Pinot Noir ,this is a great introduction to their overall style. Soft texture with fine-grained tannins, it is pleasingly balanced, spicy and fruit-forward.

To experience the Oregon Pinot Noir pioneer,

Try The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir 2018, surely one to try for Pinot Noir lovers. This wine is truly exceptional, it showcases the delicate yet intense flavours that Oregon Pinot Noir is known for.

To experience the Oregon Pinot Noir pioneer,

Try The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir 2018, surely one to try for Pinot Noir lovers. This wine is truly exceptional, it showcases the delicate yet intense flavours that Oregon Pinot Noir is known for.

The New Wave of Oregon.

One of the newer voices adding depth to Oregon’s evolving narrative is James Rahn Winery, a name that has steadily gained admiration among natural wine lovers. Based in the Willamette Valley, Rahn takes a low-intervention approach, letting terroir and grape expression take the spotlight. His wines are often elegant yet experimental, and crafted in small quantities. His work with lesser-known varietals like Pinot Meunier, skin-contact Pinot Gris, and Gamay challenges traditional expectations and offers a compelling glimpse into Oregon’s next chapter.

The Essence of Oregon Wine Style

Despite its modest size, Oregon’s wine industry only produces 1% of the country’s wine production volume. Yet, it creates a lot of buzz and gaining an increase in popularity. The emphasis on small-batch winemaking and a familial approach sets Oregon apart.

Winemakers often follow the Burgundian model by growing their grapes and crafting wines with a personal touch. It is not about the quantity but quality and the unique expression of the land.

5 Facts about Oregon Wine

1. Willamette Valley Dominance

Two-thirds of Oregon’s wine production thrives in the Willamette Valley, the state’s largest wine-growing region.

2. Pinot Noir Paradise

Pinot Noir blankets 59% of Oregon’s vine-covered land, showcasing its prominence in the region. The Drouhin family of Beaune set the precedent in 1988 when they made a significant investment in the Willamette Valley, showcasing the undeniable allure and global recognition of Oregon’s Pinot Noir.

3. Chardonnay’s Rising Star

Chardonnay is on the rise in Oregon, increasingly celebrated for its crisp acidity and mineral-driven profile. Winemakers are now focusing on old-vine Chardonnay and cooler microclimates, producing wines that rival the best from Burgundy.

A great example would be Big Table Farm Wild Bee Chardonnay. It starts you off with light citrus & spice notes that combine with apple and exotic fruit that take shape in the glass. Largely aged in used French oak, the palate has wonderful brightness and a silky texture.

4. Tasting Room Haven

With over 500 tasting rooms scattered across the region, Oregon attract many wine lovers to visit every year.

5. May is for Oregon Wine

Every May, Oregon celebrates its Oregon Wine Month, where you can find special offers and events hosted at the restaurant’s patio, tasting room, or dining room to share a glass of Oregon’s finest.

Planning for your next wine trip? Check out Oregon’s wine region travel guide for more inspiration!

6. Sustainability Trailblazer

Oregon leads the way in sustainable wine-growing practices. Over half of the state’s vineyards are certified sustainable, organic, or biodynamic. Organizations like LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and the Oregon Wine Board play an essential role in keeping the state at the forefront of responsible farming.

From the historic vineyards of the 19th century to the modern winemaking renaissance, Oregon has been turning heads in the wine world with its unique terroir, diverse varietals, and a commitment to quality over quantity. Whether it is a classic Pinot Noir or discovering the bold expressions of a new winemaker, there’s no denying that Oregon’s wine story is just getting started.

This Blog post is written by Sharon Wong
Consumer Sales and Marketing Manager of Wanderlust Wine 

Sharon is the the driving force behind our website, wine club, marketing activities, and Wanderlust Wine events. 

Next in our regions & producers series: A Simple Guide to Lebanese Wine