Our Blog

Bud break at Elton Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills AVA

A lady beetle at our Estate Vineyard in the Salem Hills

Spring is here and the vines have woken up from a winter rest.  During the rainy winter season, we saw record-breaking precipitation numbers from a strong El Nino event. From October 2015 to March 2016, the Willamette Valley recorded 39.58 inches of rainfall (1) and in December alone we recorded over 15 inches of rain! Very few days dipped below freezing and it was a warm El Nino winter.

After a mild Oregon winter, the vineyard staff is eager to begin the growing season early, yet again this year. For the 3rd year in a row, bud break is being reported throughout the Willamette Valley starting in late March and continuing through April. Now that the vines are starting to grow, we pay very close attention to the weather forecast for frost or hail events.

As the winter rains have slowed down it has cleared the way for a few warm and sunny days. As soon as the ground was dry enough to work, the vineyard staff began preparing the vines for the growing season. We still have rain occurring weekly, so many of the vineyard activities are done in short windows of opportunity when Mother Nature allows us the chance. Its hectic and busy time of year trying to prepare our existing vineyards for the coming year and prepare prime agriculture land for over 100 acres of new plantings.

Our experienced vineyard staff has pruned all the vines with excellent care, mulched last year’s canes to return organic matter back into the soil, and tilled alternate rows of cover crop to achieve the perfect balance of nutrition and vigor.  We have also begun soil sampling, weed, pest and insect scouting. Some insects like the lady beetle shown below are helpful additions to our Certified Sustainable vineyard program. This little lady bug is munching on mites that overwinter in the bark. 

If the current weather trends continue as forecasted we should be expecting another gorgeous Oregon vintage!

Patio at the Estate Tasting Room

We are honored to be a finalist for the 2016 Sunset Travel Awards recognizing a tasting room or vineyard tour that illuminates viticulture and enology, has fun doing so, and offers guests a chance to sample excellent wines. Thank you Sunset Magazine!

courtesy of Sunset Magazine

Visit our Estate Tasting Room to learn about the incredible story of our winery and the Oregon wine industry as you take in the sweeping vineyard views. The setting is warm and relaxing with cozy fireplaces and seating areas, reclaimed wood floors made from pallets from the Port of Portland, and an expansive patio and courtyard. We offer Daily and Reserve Tasting Flights, a Food Pairings Menu to enjoy with your favorite wines, and a complimentary Daily Tour or Private Tour and Tasting experience. Open Daily 11 am - 6 pm. For more information visit our website.

Founder Jim Bernau accepts the ORVI Award  for his achievements in building the Oregon wine industry.

Our Founder, Jim Bernau, was honored as the recipient of the ORVI Award at the Classic Wines Auction on March 5, 2016.

Each year since 2002, the ORVI Award has been awarded to individuals who have demonstrated significant achievements in building the Oregon wine industry and establishing its worldwide reputation. The ORVI award is presented to individuals that have not only elevated the status of Oregon wines, but have also provided generous support to the Classic Wines Auction. These individuals are leaders in the Oregon wine industry and are recognized and respected for their professionalism and philanthropy.

The Classic Wines Auction has been working in partnership with local charities to raise funds for children and families since 1982. Consistently recognized as one of the top ten charity wine auctions in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, the Classic Wines Auction has raised over $35 million for Portland area charities since its inception.

Jim is honored to be included among the distinguished past ORVI Award recipients.