Surprising Oregon Wines

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Who ever thought Oregon would ever rate as one of the ten best wine destinations (Wine Enthusiast)?




The story of Oregon wine no longer begins and ends with Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, as many of the state’s most exciting new offerings hail from Southern Oregon. The region’s six American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) begin at the California border and extend north nearly to Eugene, with many of the 120 wineries clustered around the town of Ashland, famous for its annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Crater Lake, the Oregon Caves, Rogue River rafting and miles of pristine seashore are among southwest Oregon’s plentiful year-round attractions, rounding out a visit for any wine lover. —Paul Gregutt




Generally, I could care less about how Oregon rates. I am just concerned that the wines are good, and reasonably priced. Since I have a particularly liking for sparklings and champagne, I am not a big buyer of Oregon wines. But I do think some of their wines are quite good.




Which ones?




Here are their ten best: Adelsheim Vineyard (syrah), Archery Summit (Pinot), Argyle (sparkling), Chehalem Wines (2014 winery of the year), Domaine Drouhin (Pinot), Domaine Serene (90 point wines), Elk Cove Vineyards (pinot trilogy), Eyrie Vineyards (pinots and chardonnay), Ponzi Vineyards, and King Estate Winery (organic). I am only familiar, obviously, with Argyle, and not for their socks or sweaters.




I like Reverse Wine Snobs website and newsletters. Here are some of their Oregon recommendations (under $20):




Underwood Rose' Bubbles

Scott Kelley Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Left Coast Cellars Cali's Cuvee Pinot Noir

Ransom Reds

Kirkland Signature Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Costco)**

Troon Red Label Zinfandel

Ponzi Pinot Blanc

Ponzi Pinot Gris

Winecrasher Pinot Gris

Ponzi Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

Sokol Blosser Evolution White

Keeper Cabernet Franc

Brooks Willamette Valley Riesling

Brooks Ara Riesling

Seufert Smith Canyon Vineyard Syrah

Abacela Estate Temperanillo

Elk Cove Pinot Blanc

(most were pinots, so I tried to list some others for you)




So, if you are looking for a decently priced wine, or happen to be driving to or through Oregon, I suggest you stop at one of these fine wineries. With Lexi in the car, my stops will be dictated by wineries with an outdoor seating or tasting area.
Please stop by Bread and Wine in downtown Bandon. Nancy is just the best wine expert in the area!!!




**Can you believe Costco sells more than $4.4 billion in alcoholic beverages annually!!!

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