For more than a half-century, Oregon has hung its hat on Pinot Noir. The noble red grape of Burgundy found a comfortable home on the edge of viticultural viability in the Willamette Valley when a few hardy pioneers decided to try putting grapes in the ground. It is here, where a low coastal range is all that separates the vineyards from the Pacific Ocean, that Pinot Noir … [Read more...] about Oregon Pinot Noir shines when it struggles
Featured wines
Pinot Gris with spring cuisine
At a national level, it would seem that wine experts - critics and sommeliers - seem to have a difficult time "figuring out" Pinot Gris. But here in the Pacific Northwest, we have the white grape famous in France's Alsace region figured out. Whether it's from Washington, Oregon or British Columbia, Pinot Gris is a bright, crisp wine that is loaded with aromas and flavors of … [Read more...] about Pinot Gris with spring cuisine
Spring into Northwest Riesling
As temperatures warm, we start to think more about crisp, bracing wines to pair with summer fare. In North America, the Pacific Northwest excels with the noble Riesling - and this is from all corners of our region. They come in all styles, from steely, minerally, dry styles to ultra-sweet dessert wines. A few of our favorite Riesling food pairings … [Read more...] about Spring into Northwest Riesling
Is it time for Syrah to be cool again?
It hasn't been that many years since Syrah was the hot variety in the Pacific Northwest. It just seems like it. The first Syrah in the Northwest was planted at Red Willow Vineyard in Washington's Yakima Valley in 1986. After the 1996 freeze and what little Syrah was planted came through OK, the floodgates opened for Syrah plantings not only in Washington, but also throughout … [Read more...] about Is it time for Syrah to be cool again?
Pacific Northwest’s Chardonnay renaissance
It has been a half-century since Chardonnay was planted in Washington and Oregon. Today, Chardonnay thrives throughout the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, it is the No. 2 grape after Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is the No. 2 white grape in Oregon after Pinot Gris. Northwest winemakers have moved beyond the California-style oak bombs and are exploring many different … [Read more...] about Pacific Northwest’s Chardonnay renaissance