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Forbes
20-05-2025
- Forbes
Discover The Most Charming Willamette Valley Vineyard You've Never Heard Of
Rodeo Hills, a seven acre Dundee Hills vineyard. Ethan Gordon Photography While wine is made all over the United States, California's Napa Valley, well known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot and Sonoma County, popular for Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, still hold the gold medals for top wine regions in the country. But there's another region gaining traction as the premier Pinot Noir producing wine region due to its lingering and gentle growing season. The Willamette Valley, Oregon's star wine region, is where wine lovers are flocking of late. Sheltered between the Cascade and Coast Range Mountains, this hilly valley shines for cool climate grape growing. And for wine enthusiasts, there's a posse of new cowboys in town at Rodeo Hills. Jared Etzel grew up in a wine producing family at Beaux Frères Vineyard, yet he wasn't planning on following in his family's footsteps until he took part in a harvest internship in Rioja, Spain's famed wine region known for its red wines made from Tempranillo grapes. 'The family of Artadi were outstanding people,' says Etzel. 'We lived under their roof, ate spectacular food, and drank aged burgundy (we were drinking Armand Rousseau every other week!), Barolo (Guiseppi Rinaldis), and Bordeaux (all the first and second growths).' A world-class tasting room at Rodeo Hills Ethan Gordon Photography Experiencing these flavors gave Etzel a newfangled perspective on wine. 'All of these luxuries allowed us to see the side of wine that we hadn't seen growing up (the sexy side), as our family started from humble beginnings and couldn't yet indulge,' says Etzel. 'We just saw the grit and challenge of the burgeoning Oregon wine industry without any of the true pleasures that often accompany the wine business. Needless to say, after my internship I was fully invigorated and had my mind set that I would produce fine wine where the objective was to make the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that will stand up to the finest burgundy.' In 2016, Etzel dug in and planted, and, alongside his wife, Erica, Rodeo Hills was born. A fresh and sleek tasting room would follow in 2022. And, why the name Rodeo Hills? 'When we were little kids, my dad piled my brothers and I in the backseat of his Volkswagen Beetle and drove us over Worden Hill Road (where Rodeo Hills is located)—the road was gravel back then and the car bucked like a bronco so the request from the kids was, 'Let's go on Rodeo Hill!'', says Etzel. 'The funny thing is I had to labor for a couple years until it so clearly dawned on me that the only name option is Rodeo Hills.' Making organic farming the cornerstone of their efforts, Rodeo Hills believes that vineyard farming is extremely critical to producing vibrant and soulful wine. 'I have been fortunate to visit the benchmark producers around the world and I saw the common denominator to the world's best producers was great terroir and proprietors that are steadfast in enhancing and coaxing the best from those unique terroirs,' says Etzel. '95% of them did so via farming organically and building diverse soil health which created balanced and healthy vines.' Taste delicious wines and enjoy the Willamette Valley. Ethan Gordon Photography Of course, many challenges and joys exist with farming and winemaking, including the ever-changing natural environment and growing seasons. 'Growing a vineyard is in many ways very much like raising a family,' says Etzel. 'The baby vines need much more support and as they mature it is fine tuning, but the foundation is set, and it becomes much easier with every vintage. Some of the most challenging growing seasons yield the most interesting and soulful wines. It seems that the difficulty can give them a beauty mark.' Whether you visit Rodeo Hills for a tasting, or for their 'Long Lunch', which includes a pairing of the wines with a multi-course locally sourced tasting menu, you're sure to have a grand time at Rodeo Hills. The Pacific Northwest, more specifically Oregon, and even more specifically the Dundee Hills AVA, is great for producing delicious wines because, according to Etzel, the wines of Oregon are stylistically in the middle of the ripeness spectrum between Sonoma Coast and Burgundy. 'You get the generous fruit and silky tannin that present in the best wines from the Sonoma Coast, and you also have a lot of the acid retention and lower alcohol that is present in the best burgundy,' says Etzel. 'I am very proud that now Oregon is focused to make and market wines that are specifically Oregon in style and are not trying to emulate other regions. We are super fortunate to be in the Dundee Hills AVA, as I believe we have the phenomenal Jory soil series and a very high elevation vineyard site that ripens slowly and provides the wines an iron like mineralogy with subtle ripe fruit.' The Willamette Valley, a world-renowned wine region and the oldest in Oregon, is an easy one-hour drive south of Portland, past bucolic farmland and rolling hills. Rooms are spacious and stylish at the Tributary Hotel. Wendy Altschuler Rest your head at the luxurious Tributary Hotel in the charming town of McMinnville. This wine country retreat, which opened its doors in 2022, has the best hospitality around, especially given its petite size of only eight rooms. Special amenities abound. Not only will you be located within walking distance to plenty of restaurants, shops, and bakeries, but also, you can indulge in a locally driven four-course tasting menu at ōkta Farm and Kitchen, prepared by culinary masters. Guests can also experience a culinary delight that reflects the local terrain through the multi-course breakfast, complete with ingredients sourced from the Tributary Hotel's regenerative farm and larder, delivered right to your room. Located in a former hardware building, constructed in 1917, this historic building has a subtle sophistication on the outside, yet leaves an indelible impression when it comes to the high quality of service and hospitality. Paying homage to Oregon's rivers and tributaries, each of the well-appointed rooms are named after a river and feature distinctive artwork and locally made trimmings. Should you want to forgo a car rental, transportation to and from the airport, as well as through the valley for wine tastings or day trips, will be provided by the hotel. You'll love riding in the fully electric Rivian or the hybrid Volvo throughout your stay. The state's first member of Relais & Châteaux, Tributary Hotel is an experience like no other and one you're not soon to forget.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Oregon's Best Chardonnay May Be Coming From Yamhill-Carlton
Penner-Ash Chardonnay is made in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Penner-Ash When one thinks of Oregon wine, of course Pinot Noir comes to mind. It was one of the earliest calling cards of the region, and a varietal that is still special from the state. Oregon also hasn't been shy about its uptick in Chardonnay production in recent years. The state, especially the Willamette Valley, has been pumping out some delicious, world-class Chardonnay, even though a lot of producers are more new to the game. In a short time, this grape has shifted the winds for winemakers in the region; and the best Chadonnay may be coming from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. 'The growth seems exponential,' says Kate Ayres, winemaker at Penner-Ash. 'We only entered the Chardonnay game in 2017, but have seen so many vineyards plant Chardonnay or expand since that time, including us with the grafting over of several blocks to Chardonnay in recent years. California has always been at the forefront of the conversation around domestic Chardonnay, so it's great to see Oregon getting so much positive recognition.' Brian O'Donnell, owner of Belle Pente Vineyard & Winery, echoes this sentiment, explaining that Chardonnay has come up pretty quickly in recent years, but Yamhill-Carlton's renditions have already set itself apart from others in the Willamette Valley as well as other American Chardonnay. 'We haven't spent as much time getting really serious and diving deep into Chardonnay as we have Pinot Noir. So it's really only been the last 10 years or so that people are getting serious about it,' he says, What makes Yamhill-Carlton special as an AVA, notes say winemakers, is its position and terroir. Patrick Reuter, winemaker at Domino IV Wines, notes that Yamhill-Carlton has a convex hillside tilting to the Northeast. 'We can capture a lot of morning sunshine when temperatures are low and protect against midday heat,' he says. O'Donnell notes that the soil itself also makes this section of the Valley unique, as it is made up of marine sedimentary soils, like sandstone. This, he explains, gives the wines a hint of salinity and minerality that make them brighter and seemingly a bit more fresh. 'Aromatically, they smell a little bit like a sea breeze,' he adds. The site that Penner-Ash has, Ayres says, is up against the coastal mountains, which causes fluctuations in temperature. 'This translates to steady fruit development, really great acid retention, and slower sugar accumulation, creating a nicely balanced Chardonnay,' she says. Additionally, the warm, dry climate and ability of the valley to hold heat has been one of the key benefits to the area's Chardonnay production, O'Donnell says, making the varietal show up as a bit more rich than other American Chardonnay, and its flavors are a bit more nuanced than those out of other areas. 'We get a little more the tropical characteristics overlaying onto the onto the citrus components,' he adds. 'The thing I love about Yamhill-Carlton is that it strikes a nice balance between freshness and richness.' Adds Ayers, 'The winemakers up here have spent many years fine-tuning clones, areas of development, and winemaking to make world class Chardonnay. I think the intensity, freshness, and purity of the Chardonnay coming from Oregon sets it apart from our counterparts.' However, whether visiting or sipping at home Reuter says that keeping an open mind will result in a surprise that will leave a lasting impression. 'Don't expect anything. Come prepared to open your mind and take in wines that will challenge and delight you. Yamhill-Carlton is just one corner of a magical valley that welcomes visitors with open arms,' he says. Looking to try a bottle of Chardonnay from the region? These showcase the terroir and unique winemaking styles of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Belle Pente Vineyards Estate Chardonnay: Made with a higher percentage of late harvest fruit and newer barrels, this wine has fresh citrus notes, a hint of tropical fruit and a medium structure. It can be opened immediately or aged in an appropriate setting. Penner-Ash 2023 Willamette Valley Chardonnay: At first smell, one may realize this Chardonnay is unique. Starting with aromas of delicate bouquet of white flowers, it opens up to candied ginger and lemon zest on the palate, while sweet oak gifts it texture with a hint of creaminess. A wine that walks the line between sweet and indulgent. Solena Estate Domaine Danielle Laurent Chardonnay: This vintage brought the lemon out to play for this Chardonnay. However, notes of papaya, candied white pineapple and Star Anise bring a depth of flavor to this wine, which spent eight months in 10 percent new Oak barrels. While it is ready to drink now, it can be cellared until 2029, according to the winery. Abbey Road Farm Ab Ovo Chardonnay: Fermented and aged in a concrete egg vessel, this wine has stunning fruit aromas and flavors. These include green apple, lemon rind and honeysuckle and finishes with a gentle minerality. The combination of the creaminess with the acidity makes this a fan favorite. Gran Moraine Chardonnay: A wine with a big mouthfeel, the Gran Moraine Chardonnay packs a punch. Aromas of clover honey, Champagne mango, pineapple, and crème brûlée give way to palate full of kumquat, prickly pear, marzipan, flint and honeysuckle. Complex yet playful, this wine also has a hint of minerality the region is known for. Tendril Wines Child's Play Chardonnay: Designed to be opened immediately, this sipper is bright and playful. Expect lime, pineapple and apple blossom on the nose, while flavors of peaches, pears and bright citrus dance on the palate. Aged for four months in neutral Oak barrels for a touch of structure. Domino IV Tempting Stones To Sing Chardonnay: A wine that walks a fine line between creamy and zesty. This wine's acidity sings alongside its lemon pie and verbena tasting notes; while it is aged in 15 percent new French Oak for roundness. The artwork on the label is designed by Reuter using shape testing; it is his visual interpretation of the wine in the bottle. 'Shape tasting is an attempt to visualize flavors, aromas and sensations of wine without necessarily using words to describe our experience of tasting wine. I use shapes such as circles, arrows, and dots to represent fruit, acidity and texture,' he says.
