Willamette Valley Winery Profiles
Located in northwest Oregon, the Willamette Valley is known for producing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling. This region contains the sub-AVAs of Chehalem Mountains, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton District, Dundee Hills, McMinnville and Eola-Amity Hills.
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Adelsheim Vineyard
Amalie Robert Estate
Cameron Winery
Chehalem
Cristom Vineyards
Elk Cove Vineyards
J. Christopher Wines
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars
Raptor Ridge Winery
SineanN
St. Innocent Winery
The Eyrie Vinyards
Willamette Valley Harvest
Adelsheim Vineyard
Oregon wine pioneer David Adelsheim provides insight into the early days in the Willamette Valley, before it was internationally known for its Pinot Noir. You'll learn the history of Adelsheim Vineyards and discover how two young college graduates, with no experience growing grapes and 19 acres of land in Yamhill County, were blended together into an American success story.
Amalie Robert Estate
After leaving the corporate world, Ernie Pink and Dena Drews set their sights on on the Willamette Valley with the goal of making premium Pinot Noir. They did it right. They researched soil types. Planted the right clones in the right place. And nurtured the vines into maturity. They also focused on gently handling those precious grapes once they came into the winery. You'll visit this beautiful vineyard in various seasons and learn how Ernie and Dena craft their quality grapes into nuanced, aromatic wines.
Cameron Winery
"Growing things is probably the dominant theme in my life," cites John Paul of Cameron Winery. After earning his Ph.D. from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a stint in academia, he ended up in the Napa Valley, learning his craft at Carneros Creek Winery. After being invited to a tasting of 1976 Domaine Romanée Conti wines, he was hooked on Pinot Noir. Instinct led him north to Oregon's cool climate and he's never looked back. Learn how he leverages the power of cover crops, patience in the cellar, and a trusted chicken tractor to help him produce some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley.
Chehalem
Harry Peterson-Nedry was driven toward winemaking. With degrees in Chemistry and English, his right- and left-brain tendencies have served him well. Crafting premium Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley, Harry offers insight into his winemaking philosophy and how he strives for both structure and vibrant fruit. He also explains why white wines from this cool climate will age well and have a striking level of complexity.
Cristom Vineyards
Cristom Vineyards is a place where science and tradition intersect. In this video you'll be face-to-face with Cristom's winemaker Steve Doerner, and learn about the old world techniques behind his premium Pinot Noir. Steve also gives a great overview of Cristom's climactic and geographical influences, and explains why wine grapes develop best in marginal climates. This is an opportunity to hear from a star in the Willamette Valley winemaking scene. Five minutes of "Cristom Vineyards" and you will most certainly be sipping smarter.
Elk Cove Vineyards
Adam Godlee Campbell grew up on the property that is now home to Elk Cove Vineyards. Building on the experience of his parents who started the winery, Adam talks about the nuances of his vineyards and the key influences that help him nurture site-specific Pinot Noir. You'll learn about his unique location, clonal selection, cropping levels, and his notable white wines which include Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.
J. Christopher Wines
In the tradition of the Old World, Jay Somers, winemaker and co-owner of J. Christopher Wines, produces Pinot Noir that favors aromatics, texture and complexity. Located in the Willamette Valley's Chehalem Mountains, he also makes white wines marked by a clean, pure acidity, including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Spend a few minutes with Jay as we tour the vineyards and learn more about about his Old World endeavors in this beautiful northwest patch of the New World.
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars
How do you get from the Smithsonian to the vineyard? Find out in this interview with Lynn Penner-Ash of Penner-Ash Wine Cellars as she talks about her path to winemaking, and whether the pursuit is more art or craft. You'll learn about this respected Oregon winemaker's philosophy as she discusses longer cold soaks, native fermentations, and the nuances of Willamette Valley sub-appellations that have played a key role in producing her critically acclaimed Pinot Noir.
Raptor Ridge Winery
Find out how Scott Shull went from home winemaker (two carboys in a sheep shed) to producing elegant, high-quality Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. We'll visit with Scott as he takes us out to the vineyard and gives us a great overview of this cool climate growing season, as well as the importance of creating balance on the vine. He explains his unique blending method, and the intricacies involved in managing about 300 barrels each year to create a portfolio of wines that reflect both the vintage and site.
Sineann
Sineann is a unique fixture in Oregon's Willamette Valley wine region. In this video, winemaker and co-owner, Peter Rosback, discusses his early forays into winemaking, his dedication to creating texture in his wines, and the importance of sourcing grapes from top growers. In addition to Pinot Noir, Sineann's wide range of offerings include Old Vine Zinfandel from the Columbia Gorge, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia and Napa Valleys, and Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
St. Innocent Winery
Mark Vlossak has been thinking about wine for most of his life. The owner and winemaker of St. Innocent Winery began learning about wine with his father at a very young age. Making wine in the Willamette Valley since the 1980s, he views wine as an integral part of a meal, and strives to build a core of flavor through texture. Join us for a dynamic conversation with Mark as he discusses what it takes to grow and craft premium Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley.
The Eyrie Vineyards
Wine growing in Oregon would not be what it is today without David Lett, founder of The Eyrie Vineyards. Come along as we tour the vineyards and hear from his son, Jason Lett, grower and winemaker at this historic Oregon winery. Jason talks about the history of the vineyard, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and his sustainable farming practices as he carries this legacy forward.
Willamette Valley Harvest
Join us for a special early morning visit to Amalie Robert Estate in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. You'll see how these premium clusters are hand-harvested, transported to the winery, and gently processed before fermentation.