The Willamette Valley has become synonymous with world class wines. Ask experts and fans throughout the world, and Willamette Valley Pinot Noir will be on the top of their list. 2015 is set to be the year where Pinot Noir fans, and fans of Oregon wine, raise a glass to commemorate 50 years of Willamette Valley wines. Wineries throughout the region will be celebrating with special tastings, contests and events throughout the year.
What today encompasses 440 wineries, found its origins from one specific source. History has it that it was on a cold, blistering February morning in 1965 when David Lett (of Eyrie Vineyards) first rooted Pinot Noir cuttings near Corvallis, Oregon. At this time, there were only two vineyards in the Willamette Valley producing wine grapes. What started as a fun research project would evolve into praise and recognition throughout the world, and firmly cement Oregon as a premier place to grow and produce wine.
In the beginning, skepticism regarding the ability to grow grapes in the Willamette Valley was high. But during the 1960’s, a handful of recent college grads saw the potential the Willamette Valley had to produce high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. After many years, and many days spent in the mud, the small group of vineyard pioneers had their proof, with Eyrie Vineyards beating out numerous French wines at the now famous Paris wine tasting of 1979. Recognition was earned, and the now multi-billion-dollar-per-year industry was born.
David Lett’s passion project caught on with his family, with David’s son Jason as the current owner/winemaker of Eyrie Vineyards. The skepticism originally felt in the industry has now become fervor for Willamette Valley wines, with Eyrie Vineyards being only one of 440 wineries in the Valley.
“There are a lot of things that have changed, but also a lot that has stayed the same,” says Jason Lett. “It is, and always has been, the story of a hard working group of people, the comradely between wineries has always been something to be proud of.”
The Willamette Valley will mark the occasion of 50 years with numerous events and tastings throughout the country, highlighting the work of the 440 wineries.
“The story of the Willamette Valley has always been the story of change, as much as it is important for us to innovate, it is also important for us to reflect our founding principles,” says Lett. “It’s one of these perfect places. My hope is as the valley grows, it will always keep its focus on expressing Pinot to the highest level.”
Find out more about the Willamette Valley 50th events and contests at willamettewines.com/50-years/ and more about the Eyrie Vineyard story at eyrievineyards.com
