NEWBERG, Ore. - It might have been a sign of optimism in the U.S. economy, but the $476,000 raised by the inaugural Willamette: The Pinot Noir Barrel Auction definitely showed that more than 400 wine collectors are bullish on the 2014 vintage in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. On Saturday at the tony Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, the Willamette Valley staged its inaugural … [Read more...] about Trade auction of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir raises $476,000
Oregon wine
El Niño shows signs of weakening this spring
ASHLAND, Ore. - March may well go out like a lamb, but the warm lion chasing it through Pacific Northwest vineyards has been slowed down by a soggy coat from El Niño. Gregory Jones, the U.S. wine industry’s leading expert on climate research, issued his winter weather update on Friday. For parts of the West, it hasn’t been a typical El Niño. “The last 30 days has seen … [Read more...] about El Niño shows signs of weakening this spring
Leonetti’s Chris Figgins buys land for Toil Oregon Pinot Noir project
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The siren song of Pinot Noir has captured another winemaker's soul. This time, it's the most successful winemaking family in the Walla Walla Valley, perhaps the Northwest. Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar fame has purchased 42 acres of land in Oregon's Chehalem Mountains to plant Pinot Noir and expand his Toil Oregon project. "I'm excited about it," … [Read more...] about Leonetti’s Chris Figgins buys land for Toil Oregon Pinot Noir project
Scott Steingraber set to take Kriselle Cellars to next level
WHITE CITY, Ore. - Perhaps the most important talent of any winemaker is creating a long bridge from entry through midpalate and beyond the finish. In his previous life, Southern Oregon vintner Scott Steingraber of Kriselle Cellars was one of the country's most important bridge builders, the civil engineer who served as senior project manager for the 5,400-foot long Tacoma … [Read more...] about Scott Steingraber set to take Kriselle Cellars to next level
Winemakers redefining Oregon Chardonnay
Oregon Chardonnay is slowly making a comeback. The noble white grape most closely associated with France's Burgundy region has played second chair in Oregon since 2000, when Pinot Gris overtook Chardonnay. While Oregon Chardonnay plantings are not skyrocketing, they are starting to creep up. In 2014 (the most recent year available), Oregon winemakers crushed … [Read more...] about Winemakers redefining Oregon Chardonnay