Adelsheim Vineyard

Founded in 1971, Adelsheim Vineyard is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in Oregon. Following a trip to Europe, David and Ginny Adelsheim planted the vineyard in the northern Willamette Valley with the express purpose of growing pinot noir and other cool-weather grapes. Today, they source most of the fruit for their wines from nine separate estate vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains.

Their winery and tasting room offers visitors a chance to experience elegance and lovely wines under one roof — or under the sky on the patio overlooking their Calkins Lane Vineyard. Unbeknownst to tasting-room visitors, constructed caves below their feet are the resting place for barrel upon barrel of aging pinot noir and other varieties, all under the watchful direction of chief winemaker Dave Paige. Speaking of elegance, I’m a sucker for the pen-and-ink drawings adorning the wine labels for their Willamette Valley pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay vintages. I refuse to open my bottle of 2006 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir because I see it as an art piece in my fledging cellar!

Interestingly, Dave Paige works with the usual assortment of Willamette Valley grapes (e.g., pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot blanc, and chardonnay) as well as some unusual varieties, such as Auxerrois and Tocai Friulano. A rare Alsatian variety, Auxerrois is a cross between pinot noir and gouais blanc (say that 10 times) and produces a “bright straw” taste, according to Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar. The white wine Tocai Friulano is from northern Italy and part of the sauvignon family of grapes. Don’t leave the tasting room without tasting these two varieties — you won’t find them at other WineTrail locations.

Approaching its 40th anniversary, Adelsheim Vineyard is not just a founding member of the Oregon wine industry, but a vibrant and leading winery well worth a visit by even the most experienced wine tourist. WineTrail tip: If time permits, take the hour-and-a-half tour of the winemaking facility and get a first-hand look at its “hands-off” winemaking style.