Gourmet food, sensational wines and the chance to mingle with winemakers – Fiona Beckett is in heaven at Oregon’s International Pinot Noir Celebration. Read the Oregon travel guide, including the best vineyards to visit, plus top places to stay, eat, shop and relax. Published in the Decanter March 2011 issue.
Oregon: Six top vineyards to visit
☆ Rex Hill/A to Z
Rex Hill, just out of Newberg, pioneered single-vineyard Oregon Pinots, and A to Z (same owners) makes some of Oregon’s best-value wines. The tasting room, set amid old vines, includes an ‘essence table’ of glasses that reflect the aromas of wine. rexhill.com, atozwineworks.com
☆ Trisaetum
This newcomer to Yamhill County is notable for superb Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, but also for owner James Frey’s photos and paintings. The Fermentation Series uses vineyard soil and the Element series uses vine cuttings. trisaetum.com
☆ Carlton Winemakers Studio
This winery incubator, founded by Eric Hamacher and Luisa Ponzi, hosts up to 12 garagistes. In its first decade, the studio launched cult wineries, including Hamacher, Sotor, Scott Paul and Penner Ash. As many as 40 wines are offered by the glass. winemakersstudio.com
☆ Scott Paul/Kelley Fox
This small tasting room in Carlton holds many delights. Owners Scott and Martha Wright and winemaker Kelley Fox are often on site, pouring Scott Paul Pinots, along with limited-production Kelley Fox wines and a selection of Burgundies. scottpaul.com, kelleyfoxwines.com
☆ Domaine Serene/ Domaine Drouhin Oregon
These Dundee neighbours epitomise the two styles of Oregon Pinot. Serene makes rich, ripe wines with lots of new oak; DDO aims for elegance using the family’s Burgundy expertise. domaineserene.com, domainedrouhin.com
☆ Sokol Blosser
South of Dundee, this founding winery of modern Oregon has led the way in sustainable, organic and carbon neutral winemaking. Walking and riding tours are available, along with the tasting room, picnic foods and an outdoor deck for dining. www.sokolblosser.com
