Thursday Virtual Happy Hour: Wines From Oregon
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In the Pacific Northwest of the USA, Oregon is rapidly developing into one of the world's most respected Pinot Noir regions. The state first earned a place on the international wine map in the late 1960s and has secured its position steadily ever since.
Unheard-of 50 years ago, Oregon Pinot Noirs now rank among the very finest American wines. Those from the Willamette Valley have attracted particular acclaim with the best examples comparable in quality to their equivalents from Burgundy – a comparison which is no doubt crucial to their continued success. The classic Oregon Pinot has a deep red cherry color, red fruit aromas and a fruit-forward palate with an earthy edge.
Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla Valley are notable winegrowing zones in the north of the state. However, the majority of Oregon vineyards are located in state's western one-fifth, within 80 miles of the Pacific coastline. Here, a broad, shallow valley is formed between the low-lying mountains of the Coast Range and the much larger Cascades to the east.
In a similar way to Burgundy, much smaller AVAs have developed within the broader zones. Thus producers can create quite lengthy portfolios of subregional Pinot Noirs. Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Chehalem Mountains and Eola-Amity Hills are four such appellations in the Willamette Valley. According to the state's industry census of 2020, 60 percent of the vineyard area in Oregon is devoted to Pinot Noir.
Subregional AVAs of note in Southern Oregon include Rogue Valley, Umpqua Valley and Elkton Oregon. They tend to be less exclusively focused on Pinot Noir with the next most widely planted variety here being Pinot Gris. In 2020, 5460 acres (2209ha) were reported. Oregon Pinot Gris, with its rich scent of spiced pears, is held in relatively high regard.
Pinot Gris is followed by two other internationally popular cool-climate, white wine varieties – Chardonnay and Riesling. The supporting cast of red wine grapes is small in scale at present. It is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Tempranillo plus there are also a few higher-profile estates using the more Burgundian Gamay.
We have a choice of videos to watch including:
- https://youtu.be/SFUNAW6rvP0?si=KDSGtVJ5HHjJ9ITF - The Wines of Oregon - Guildsomm International (12:02)
- https://youtu.be/jjDnJBq_Quc?si=MJjs_CogRGwtuTrv - Grapes of Place: How Oregon changed the world of wine - Oregon Public Broadcasting (57:15)
- https://youtu.be/66p2P9eX2b0?si=3ogq5nLtxPtSHgZa - Discover Oregon’s Top Wineries: Willamette Valley Wine Guide 2026 - Chloe & Matthew (16:50)
So, pick up a bottle and watch a couple of videos. Let us know what you’re drinking and eating, and, if possible, the region from which your wine comes. Do you have any comments (positive or negative) about the videos? And, as always, tell us what’s going on in your life - what's happening with you, how you're feeling about things, updates, successes, challenges - as much or as little as you’re willing to disclose. We are in this together. And - thank goodness - we have wine!
Cheers!!