Yamhill County Wine

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Yamhill County is situated in the topmost part of the Willamette Valley region in Oregon. Though there is a history of wine-making in the region dating back to the 1850s with the first immigrant settlers, it wasn’t until long after the Repeal of the Prohibition that things began to take shape wine-wise.

In the 1960s, oenologists from UC Davis saw the potential for wine production in the area, even though from a temperature perspective, the region’s climate was deemed to cool for quality production. Still, David Lett, Dick Erath and Charles Coury insisted on following up on their independent research and established their own vineyards within Yamhill County (Eyrie Vineyards, Erath Winery and David Hill Vineyard respectively). The varietals they chose to grow, Pinot Noir among them, were carefully selected according to what their research found suited to the terroir and climate. At Eyrie Vineyards in the Dundee Hills, David Lett is credited with planting the first Pinot Gris in the United States. By the 1970s, he entered his Pinot Noir into the “Wine Olympics” blind tastings in France, scoring well among notable producers. In 1980, his 1975 Pinot Noir won second place against Robert Drouhin’s 1959 Chambolle-Musigny, solidifying Oregon’s place on the wine map. Today, its close proximity to Portland makes its wineries a favorite tour destination.

Yamhill County has a range of microclimates and terroirs. Generally, the region is considered cool climate, with mild summers and autumns that can be susceptible to heavy rainfall. The gem of the region is its Pinot Noir, with many comparisons to the illustrious wines from Burgundy. Other popular grape varietals grown in the valley are Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. Late harvest dessert wines are often produced from Muscat Blanc (a.k.a. Muscat Cannelli).

The subregions of Yamhill County are:

Dundee Hills
McMinnville
Yamhill-Carlton District

~Amanda Schuster

– Description from Amanda Schuster (hide)

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Varietals Produced in Yamhill County View all

Pinot Blanc

History of the grape: Pinot Blanc was first grown in Burgundy and Champagne, France, and can be traced by some source...
Dolcetto

History of the grape: The name means “little sweet one” in Italian. Dolcetto, along with Barbera and Nebbiolo is one ...
Chardonnay

British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, C...
Pinot Noir

“With so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, they make the blood run hot,” Joel Fleischman, wine columnist at Van...

Subregions of Yamhill County

Dundee Hills

Popular Wineries in Yamhill County View all

de Ponte Cellars

De Ponte Cellars is the site of one of the oldest vineyards in the Willamette Valley. This sceni...
Vista Hills Vineyard & Winery

As the sun stirs awake behind a snow-capped Mt. Hood, John and Nancy McClintock stare at their fo...

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Yamhill County on Snooth

September 2015

Four Graces Pinot Noir Reserve Dundee Hills 2012

Snoothrank:

Tasted 2013 at the winery. Beautiful, classic grounds with an all-star wine offering. This was the standout taste. Read More

Wine review by jillpickle
July 2015

Remy Wines Sangiovese Kiona Vineyard 2012

Snoothrank:

Nice enough sangiovese from Remy of McMinnville, Oregon. Fairly fruit forward and a bit tart on the tongue. Loads of bright red cherry, a hint of lime and mouth watering acidity. There isn't a lot of body here and the tannins are fairly light weight but this is a fun mid-week drinker, might be a bit on the pricey side. Read More

Wine review by vin0vin0
July 2015

Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2014

Snoothrank:

Floral aromas are touched by orange blossom, peach nectar, honey and a light tropical note as well. Silky and smooth in the mouth, with an excellent approach of peach and ripe apple and a creamy note on the long finish that is just tart enough to contrast against the creaminess. Read More

Wine review by Snooth Editorial
June 2015

If you've not been to these before (or even if you have), they'd make the top of my list (but not be its entirety):Shea Wine Cellar & Vineyard in Yamhill (a little more than 10 miles away)Soter Vineyards in Carlton (approx 12 miles away)Domaine Drouhin in Dayton (approx 8 miles away)Have been to all three, had very rewarding visits, and they all... Read More

Forum post in the topic Wineries to visit in Newberg, OR
May 2015

Winter's Hill Dry Rose Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Oregon 2014

Snoothrank:

Light, bright and cheery, this wine has inviting candied cherries and quince paste aromas. In the mouth it's full yet juicy and fresh, with maraschino cherry and strawberry flavors, a splash of tangerine and a touch of lemon acidity to brighten up the palate. Read More

Wine review by Snooth Editorial
April 2015

Domaine Drouhin Edition Rose of Pinot Noir 2013

Snoothrank:

Really nice Rose of Pinot Noir from Domaine Drouhin. Crisp bright red cherry, a touch of melon, some not too ripe strawberry, a good hit of acidity and a medium finish. Last of all of our 2013 rose, good way to end the vintage. Read More

Wine review by vin0vin0
April 2015

Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyards Ribbon Ridge Oregon Gruner Veltliner 2014

Snoothrank:

Cream Soda, peach, bright acid, fresh cut grass, citrus, hints of lemon grass and sage. Really well balanced. Favorite vintage yet Read More

Wine review by anchca
December 2014

Eyrie Vineyards Dundee Hills Pinot Gris 2012

Snoothrank:

Just a fantastic Willamette pinot gris! First hint is of apricot which is quickly followed by not so ripe peach. Nice acidity carries some lemon lime to the mid and back of the tongue. Fairly complex for a pinot gris, one of the all time QPR leaders. Read More

Wine review by vin0vin0
October 2014

Stoller Vineyards Sv Estate Pinot Noir Stoller Family Estate 2009

Snoothrank:

A terrific Pinot Noir. A bit more body (a plus!) than most. Read More

Wine review by Chrisbike7
October 2014

Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay 2012

Snoothrank:

One of the best chardonnay's in the mid $30 ($35 at the winery) range we've had. Creamy lemon pith, a slight touch of oak, a bit of minerality, wonderful smooth tongue coating mouthfeel, decent amount of acidity and a medium to long finish. Read More

Wine review by vin0vin0

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