McMINNVILLE, Ore. — A Burgundy-inspired Pinot Gris from the 2020 vintage by Iris Vineyards in Eugene, Ore., emerged as the best of show at the McMinnville Wine Classic, the first wine competition of 2022 staged in the Northwest. It's fitting for that variety to receive headlines at this judging considering the late David "Papa Pinot" Lett of The Eyrie Vineyards in … [Read more...] about Pinot Gris by Iris Vineyards tops McMinnville Wine Classic judging
Oregon wine
Pinot Noir catches on in Oregon as white wine
The devastating wildfires that hit Oregon’s Willamette Valley in September 2020 made for an unusual vintage. Many winemakers were able to pick their fruit before smoke came pouring in, or long enough after it dissipated that the grapes were unaffected. Those who had ripe grapes during the worst of the fires faced a difficult choice. Should they pick their Pinot Noir … [Read more...] about Pinot Noir catches on in Oregon as white wine
None in the top 10, but nine from Northwest get inside Wine Spectator’s top 60
There are no Pacific Northwest bottlings in Wine Spectator’s Top 10 of 2021, but our region placed nine among the top 60 when the wine world’s leading publication announced its year-end Top 100 list Monday. Leading the way was Alexana Winery in Newberg, Ore., whose 2018 Revana Vineyard Pinot Noir ranked as the publication’s No. 14 overall wine in the world that was released … [Read more...] about None in the top 10, but nine from Northwest get inside Wine Spectator’s top 60
Bob Bertheau joins German icon Loosen at J. Christopher Wines
NEWBERG, Ore. — Fans of Riesling around the world came to know Bob Bertheau and German icon Ernst Loosen as the remarkable team of “Bert & Erni” as they worked the market to promote Eroica Riesling for the better part of two decades. Their run ended in February when Chateau Ste. Michelle parted ways with Bertheau, but now they’ve joined forces in Oregon’s Willamette … [Read more...] about Bob Bertheau joins German icon Loosen at J. Christopher Wines
Bledsoe, McDaniels buy Hope Well Vineyard in Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills
It is not often these days in the Pacific Northwest wine industry when a vineyard of renown is sold to a family-owned winery operated by Northwest natives, but that’s the case when Walla Walla-based Bledsoe Wine Estates purchased Hope Well Vineyard in Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills. The transaction announced Thursday marks the first vineyard purchase in the Willamette Valley for … [Read more...] about Bledsoe, McDaniels buy Hope Well Vineyard in Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills