Winemaking in Oregon’s Willamette Valley began in the 1960s when a handful of visionary pioneers, including David Lett, Dick Erath, and the Adelsheims, recognized the region’s potential for producing world-class Pinot Noir. Inspired by Burgundy’s cool climate, they planted vineyards in what was then an unproven wine-growing area. Over time, the valley’s unique combination of volcanic and marine sedimentary soils, coupled with its long, moderate growing season, proved ideal for crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines. Today, the Willamette Valley is home to over 700 wineries and is internationally celebrated for its Pinot Noir, along with exceptional Chardonnay and other cool-climate varietals.
These four wineries, Adelsheim Vineyard, Citation Wine, Erath, and Lingua Franca, will be attending VanWineFest 2025. Each winery brings something special to the region’s wine scene. Here’s a look at some of their standout wines. I do not know which wines they will be pouring, but you may want to look out for these wines.
Adelsheim Vineyard
- 2021 Quarter Mile Lane Pinot Noir – Crafted from the oldest vineyard on the estate, originally planted in 1972, this wine offers depth, complexity, and a true sense of place.
- 2021 Ribbon Springs Chardonnay – Awarded 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, this Chardonnay highlights the elegance and precision that Adelsheim brings to the varietal.
Citation Wine
Citation Wine is dedicated to crafting small-lot, age-worthy wines that reflect the unique terroir of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Founded by Howard and Dominique Mozeico, the winery focuses on meticulous vineyard selection and traditional winemaking techniques to create Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with depth and complexity. With a commitment to patience and precision, Citation wines are often released after extended aging, showcasing the full expression of their vineyard sites.
Citation Wine focuses on small-lot, terroir-driven wines from the Willamette Valley. Their flagship vineyard, Erratic Oaks, is known for its unique granite erratics that influence the character of their wines. Expect beautifully structured Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that express the vineyard’s distinctive qualities.
- 2006 Citation Oregon Pinot Noir – From the winery, “Garnet in color, its youthful aromas of black cherry and cinnamon meld with those developed in the bottle, sliced mushroom and forest floor. Mouth-filling flavors of cherry pie and vanilla sit atop the wine’s still-maturing silty tannins as faint echoes of oak linger on the finish.”
- 2015 Citation Oregon Chardonnay – From the winery, “…an exceptional Chardonnay packed with aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, butterscotch and vanilla. The wine is rich and mouth-filling with a touch of toasty oak followed by a hint of baking spices on the lingering finish.”
Erath Winery
Erath Winery is one of Oregon’s founding wineries, established in 1967 by Dick Erath, a true pioneer of Willamette Valley winemaking. Recognizing the region’s potential for Pinot Noir, he planted some of the earliest vineyards and helped shape Oregon’s reputation for producing world-class cool-climate wines. Today, Erath continues to honour its legacy by crafting approachable, fruit-forward Pinot Noir that showcases the vibrant character of the Willamette Valley. A wine of note:
- 2021 Willakia Vineyard Chardonnay – from the winery, “Initial aromas of lemon curd and Japanese pear make way for toasted almond, yeast extract, and whiffs of lavender meadows in the distance. Quenching acidity counters the weight and structure provided by French oak cooperage.”
- 2022 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir – from the winery, “…offering enchanting aromas of forest berries and lichen. Flavors mature from bright cherry to blackberry compote to savory morel mushroom toast. An Oregon original, this wine achieves excellent balance and complexity while retaining a delicate, fruit-forward profile, the hallmarks of classic, cool-climate Pinot Noir.“
Lingua Franca
Lingua Franca was founded in 2015 by Master Sommelier Larry Stone, who partnered with renowned winemaker Dominique Lafon to create wines that capture the essence of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. With a focus on estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the winery embraces organic and biodynamic farming to highlight the purity and complexity of its vineyard sites. In just a short time, Lingua Franca has gained international acclaim for its elegant, terroir-driven wines that bridge the best of Old and New World winemaking. Two highlights include:
- Estate Pinot Noir 2021 – A wine that beautifully captures the terroir of Lingua Franca’s estate vineyards, offering layers of red fruit, earth, and spice.
- Sisters Chardonnay 2019 – A sophisticated and well-balanced Chardonnay that showcases Oregon’s ability to produce wines with both richness and finesse.
Each of these wineries brings something unique to the Oregon wine landscape. Whether you’re seeking classic expressions or innovative new releases, these wines are worth exploring.
