Oregon

Though wedged between California and Washington, two regions known for their powerfully concentrated wines, Oregon has made its reputation with wines of restraint and elegance. Recognized foremost for the plethora of beautiful Pinot Noirs, the region has shown that it is capable of producing a variety of stunning white wines and even Rhone varieties, all touched with Oregon's signature deftness. Grapes have been planted there since the 1840's, however it wasn't until the 1970's that it became recognized for the quality of the wines being produced. Similar to California's Judgement of Paris breakthrough, in 1975 Eyrie Vineyards placed in the top 10 at the Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiades, and was rated as the top Pinot Noir of the event. Now recognized as one of the finest places to grow world-class Pinot Noir, even producers from Burgundy (Pinot Noir's homeland) have established wineries in the state. It is at once reminiscent of the old world, and yet distinctly of the new. In other words: Balanced.

Subregions