Light to medium-bodied, Oregon Pinot is more finely boned than California Pinot, and displays a wide, aromatic range of flavors including strawberry, raspberry, delicate floral notes, and earthier notes like mushroom and truffle.

As with other famous regions that produce this Noble grape, Oregon’s Pinot Noir can be as sophisticated and compelling as a fine red Burgundy.

While the wine industry in Oregon is relatively young, world-class wines, especially Pinot Noir have come from this cool climate region for years.

The heart of the Oregon wine industry lies in the Willamette Valley, and has a similar latitude and climate as Burgundy. Pinot Noir first made its way to this picturesque region in 1959, thanks to the man who is widely credited as the father of Oregon Pinot Noir, Richard Sommers. He planted the first vines in Umpqua Valley and later established HillCrest Vineyard in Roseberg, in 1961.

Pinot Noir is challenging to grow, it’s a small vine with tight clusters, and is susceptible to issues like rot and mildew. Known as the “heartbreak grape”, it can be a headache for winemakers and vineyard managers alike, yet is grown all over the world, and can command higher prices than other varieties for this reason.

Oregon Pinot is excellent paired with pork tenderloin, duck, cedar plank salmon, and just about anything with wild mushrooms.