Aramenta Cellars

Named for Darlene Looney’s aunt Ethel Aramenta Evans, Aramenta Cellars is located in Oregon’s smallest appellation, Ribbon Ridge. At only five square miles, the Ribbon Ridge American Viticultural Area is a subappellation of the Willamette Valley AVA. Aramenta Cellars (love that name) is a jewel of a winery, but often gets overlooked with neighbors such as Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, WillaKenzie Estate and Adelsheim Vineyard. However, if you seek a friendly winery devoid of crowds where you can relax with friends and enjoy outstanding wine, Aramenta Cellars fills the bill.

Ed Looney, Darlene’s husband, began growing grapes at Looney Vineyard in 2000. Once a tool-and-die guy at Tektronix, Ed retired and turned full-time dirt guy at the family vineyard. With a long-term lease signed by Archery Summit for his pinot noir, he must have been doing something right. This is what Archery Summit has to say: “Planted in 2000, Looney Vineyard slopes gently to the south and southeast between 360 and 550 feet in elevation. On sedimentary soils, it produces an exciting new addition to our portfolio of Oregon Pinot Noirs.” With these accolades, it is little wonder that Ed creates his own wines under the Aramenta Cellars label.

WineTrail enthusiasts with time on their hands should pack a picnic. Outside the tasting room is a small patio featuring splendid views of a large redwood tree planted in 1905, a springfed trout pond, the picturesque Looney Vineyard, and a grassy field big enough to accommodate tourists who arrive by helicopter (no kidding). Inside the tasting room, Ed greets visitors and pours several estate pinot noirs, chardonnay, as well as a Bordeaux-blend claret for folks who like bigger reds, including myself.

The atmosphere is relaxing and serene, and not designed for drive-by tastings. Here, “linger” is the operative word for experiencing Aramenta Cellars. Immerse yourself in it.