Embark on the Oregon Trail: A Journey Through Time and Wine
Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the Oregon wine country, tracing the path of pioneers who first planted vines in the 1800s. Our selection of four wines, themed around the Oregon Trail, offers a perfect blend of wine education and enjoyment.
Wines Included:
- Bow & Arrow, Time Machine White MV
- Salem Wine Co, Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021
- Yamhill Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2022
- Freja Cellars, Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2018
Legacy Born in the 1800s
Grapes were first planted in the Willamette Valley in the mid-1800s, but it wasn't until the late 1960s and '70s that Oregon's wine industry truly began to flourish. Pioneers like Richard Sommer and David Lett paved the way, establishing the state as a premier wine region.
Today's Oregon Wine Scene
Now, Oregon boasts 23 distinct AVAs, stretching from the Columbia Gorge to the Snake River Valley and Rogue River, and nearly 1000 wineries. This transformation has cemented Oregon's status as a top-tier destination for high-quality wines. Come explore the Oregon Trail with us and discover the rich history and exceptional wines that make this region so special.
Bow & Arrow, Time Machine White MV
All natural Chenin Blanc, with a little help from some friends, showcasing that Oregon is more
than just Pinot and Chardonnay.
The Chenin really shines through here, with notes of just-ripe orchard fruit, lanolin, wildflower honey, beeswax, and lemon-lime zest. The Sauvignon Blanc adds a bit of aromatic complexity in the form of green peppercorn and fresh herbs, while the Melon rounds out the wine with added minerality and crisp, sunny acidity. This is a truly refreshing, unique take on Oregon white wine!
Salem Wine Co, Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021
Sourced entirely from the iconic Seven Springs Vineyard, this is a fresh, light-touch Chardonnay that punches way above its class.
Serve this classic and classy Chardonnay in a large Burgundy bowl, at a cool 50 degrees or so, and you’ll notice ripe yellow and green apples, hazelnut, lemon zest, white flowers, and a touch of marzipan. The body is medium and has an excellent balance of fruit and acidity, with a finish that is full of classic Oregon minerality. Grab some King crab
legs and go to town!
Yamhill Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2022
Elegant, earthy, old-school, and age-worthy Pinot Noir from a standard-bearer estate that has been a part of the Willamette Valley ascendancy for 40 years.
The brilliant, garnet red hue opens up quickly after decanting, with aromas of ripe cherries, wild strawberries, black currants, dried rose petals, porcini, cocoa powder, earth, and damp pine. The tannins are silky and integrated, though just firm enough that when added to the lovely, bright acidity they suggest that this wine will easily improve for another five to ten years.
Freja Cellars, Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2018
A touch of bottle age adds depth and complexity to this textbook bottle of Pinot from the Chehalem Mountains.
A few years of bottle age have added additional depth and savory complexity to this medium-full bodied Pinot. The nose leads with notes of black raspberry, Morello cherry, and kirsch that is followed by sagebrush, cocoa powder, baking spice, and earthy porcini. The ripe tannins are perfectly integrated, leading to a long, silky finish.
What does it mean to “Drink Like a Somm?” It’s about the enhanced enjoyment that comes with deeper understanding.
