Want Something New? Try Oregon Wine!

Although grapes were planted and wine was made as early at 1847 in Oregon, the modern era began in the mid-1960s. Today, because of its climate, Oregon is becoming well known for Burgundian-style wines. By Burgundian style I'm referring to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the major grapes planted in Oregon. Many critics feel the best Pinot Noir grown in the US is from Oregon. Another success in Oregon is Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio), which has recently overtaken Chardonnay as the most widely planted white grape in the state.

The major AVA (American Viticultural Area) is the Willamette Valley, near Portland. About 70 percent of Oregon's wineries are located there. Oregon has over 290 wineries, but here are some of the very best.

Wineries to look for include:

Archery Summit
Argyle
Adelsheim
Beaux Freres
Bergstrom
Bethel Heights
Criston
Domaine Serene 
Erath
Eyrie Vineyards
Ken Wright
King Estate
Criston
Ponzi Vineyards
Rex Hill
Shea
Sokol Blosser
Soter
St. Innocent
Tualatin

Also, the famous Burgundy producer Joseph Drouhin owns a winery in Oregon called Domain Drouhin, producing, not surprisingly, Burgundy-style wines.

Best Bets for Oregon Wines

1999*
2001
2002**
2003
2004*
2005*
2006

*signifies exceptional vintage
**one of the best vintages ever for Pinot Noir

The 2002 and 2004 vintages are Oregon's best ever. Also, one of the great wine festivals in the United States is the International Pinot Noir Celebration, which was started in Oregon in 1987.

The above post appears in the 2009 edition of the Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly, available in bookstores now. Look for the 25th anniversary edition in Fall of 2009. The Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is the world's best-selling, most highly praised wine book.