Willamette Valley
Even before we got to our campsite, we knew we were in our milieu: luscious summer veggies and fruits, as well as grapes. We loaded up on tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, and corn, grateful to be back in a climate that has farm stands galore.
The reason for this stop was to allow Pat two days to figure out Willamette Pinot Noirs. We had few hints (other than wineries that are on critic’s lists) from our wine drinking friends. The wineries here are small and apparently have no trouble selling all of their wines – the good and the mediocre. We understand the need for tasting fees to stop abuse (and at $15 it works!) but to not refund it against the purchase price of wines is unfair to the consumer and in essence increases the price of the wine. Some wineries had a simple policy - no refunds, period. Others set a minimum purchase for refund – usually two or three bottles at $50 or $60 per bottle. What is the purpose of a tasting room if not to taste before you buy? In any case, there are so many to choose from, we did not buy when the no-refund policy got in the way. Since we usually only taste a couple of selections at any given winery (with the intention to buy if we like it), this scheme is irritating at best. Some only have tasting by appointment – perhaps the best approach if you don’t need to educate the palate of your ultimate consumers.
We did become more familiar with the different sub-AVAs. Coming from CA, one hears all the time about the classic “earthy style” of Oregon pinots that is different from the fruitier CA version. We tasted earthy, fruity, acidic, thin, bold, and (most deliciously) balanced pinots over our two days. The earthiness is prevalent for sure in many wines, but in some it is too prevalent for our taste. The wines that are from older vines seem to have more of this taste. Our most favorite tasting was at Winderlea in the Dundee Hills. This area is spectacular just to drive through and the tasting rooms all have views to visit for. 2008 was a great year for pinot here – still “wound tight” but lovely. They kid that it was hard to make a bad wine that year. 2009 by contrast is very light in color and aroma (at least so far), very approachable for people who don’t think they like red wine. Given we live between the Santa Rita Hills to the south and Santa Lucia Highlands to the north, trips to Oregon for pinot, while fun, are certainly not essential!
We did become more familiar with the different sub-AVAs. Coming from CA, one hears all the time about the classic “earthy style” of Oregon pinots that is different from the fruitier CA version. We tasted earthy, fruity, acidic, thin, bold, and (most deliciously) balanced pinots over our two days. The earthiness is prevalent for sure in many wines, but in some it is too prevalent for our taste. The wines that are from older vines seem to have more of this taste. Our most favorite tasting was at Winderlea in the Dundee Hills. This area is spectacular just to drive through and the tasting rooms all have views to visit for. 2008 was a great year for pinot here – still “wound tight” but lovely. They kid that it was hard to make a bad wine that year. 2009 by contrast is very light in color and aroma (at least so far), very approachable for people who don’t think they like red wine. Given we live between the Santa Rita Hills to the south and Santa Lucia Highlands to the north, trips to Oregon for pinot, while fun, are certainly not essential!
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