A to Z Wineworks

Meteoric – adjective, like a meteor; momentarily dazzling or brilliant, flashing, or swift

Founded in 2002, the A to Z Wineworks is Oregon’s fastest-growing winery, in large part because it produces good wine at great prices. Its tagline, “Aristocratic wines at democratic prices,” says it all. To keep their costs down, the founders of A to Z Wineworks follow that old and revered Burgundian practice in which they blend existing wines into a cuvée, or blended wine. With the right touch (and the requisite palate), these wine négociants exploded out of nowhere to become one of Oregon’s top producers of wine. Exhibit A: Their A to Z pinot noir, which sells for a mere $20, yet wins awards. Exhibit B: Their pinot gris, which goes for only $13.

To understand A to Z Wineworks’ rise to fame is to appreciate the unique skills and experience that jump-started A to Z Wineworks. Bill Hatcher, Debra Hatcher, Sam Tannahill, and Cheryl Francis together brought acquisition, finance, marketing, and blending expertise to the mix. Collectively, they have many years in the Oregon wine industry, and know the best sources for acquiring wines to blend. Other partners with amazing backgrounds more recently have joined the A to Z Wineworks team, including one Gregg Popovich, the head coach of NBA champions the San Antonio Spurs.

I love the fact that the A to Z Wineworks tasting room is understated. It’s in keeping with their philosophy of maintaining low costs to benefit consumers. I suspect that they could open their checkbook and provide a grand French chateau of a tasting room for those who desire such trappings, but they’ve opted not to. That experience can be found at their newly acquired Rex Hill winery in Newberg. There, you can swirl and sniff in a setting of lovely grounds and tasteful art. However, at the A to Z Wineworks tasting room in Dundee, you’re there for the tasting. It’s intimate. It’s fun. And, weather permitting, you can retreat to the outside and enjoy your wine on the patio.

At A to Z Wineworks, you’ll discover the essence of Oregon in a bottle.