Torii Mor Vineyard and Winery

As you approach Torii Mor Vineyard and Winery, your eyes drink in the surrounding Olson Estate Vineyard and the Willamette Valley. Planted way back in 1972, Olson Estate Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in Yamhill County. You’re smack dab in the heart of Oregon’s spectacular Dundee Hills viticultural area, and the panorama is breathtaking.

Founded in 1993 by Donald and Margie Olson, Torii Mor’s wine production began as a modest initiative to showcase the fruit from Olson Estate Vineyard. The wine was a hit, and production has been climbing ever since, with Torii Mor Vineyard and Winery releasing 10,000 to 12,000 cases annually. At the center of all this winemaking is Burgundian-born and -trained Jacque Tardy, whose job is to turn fruit into wine — chardonnay, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, and, of course, pinot noir.

Let’s face it, like most visitors here, you’ve come for the pinot noir. Prepare to experience an assortment of vineyard-designated pinots, reserve pinots, and blended pinots. Even if you have a relatively undeveloped wine palate, you will discover the unique taste of pinot noirs made from Dundee Hills grapes. Dundee Hill pinots are lighter and fruitier than their pinot noir cousins in the lower elevations of the Willamette Valley.

As you enter the Torii Mor tasting room, the views of Japanese gardens and Northwest-style architecture come into focus. Next, you’re struck by the friendliness of the tasting-room staff and the relaxed nature of the visitors. You figure that either they’ve just gotten a foot-to-head massage or they are well into a bottle of pinot noir.

Armed with a glass of wine, you saunter outside to the picnic gardens and notice visitors with delectable nibbles to pair with wine. Plates of hummus and pita bread and pulled pork on rolls got my attention. There just might be a lot of toasting and laughter going on.

Now about that name: The Olsons chose the name “Torii” because the elegance of their place conjures images of Japanese garden gateways; “mor” is the ancient Scandinavian term for “earth.” The melded name of “Torii Mor” represents a fusion of East and West. It’s also a fusion of great wine and stellar views.