2022 Elton Pinot Noir
Sourced from old vine plantings at our Elton Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills founded in 1983 by Dick and Betty O'Brien, a former schoolteacher and Executive Director of the Santiam Girl Scouts.
On the Nose: Bright ruby in the glass with classic fruit-forward aromas of black cherry, raspberry, cinnamon and red licorice.
On the Palate: The wine imparts flavors of dried herbs, black tea, cranberry and black olive. Fresh tannins, a medium body and balanced acidity lead to a long, lingering finish.
Food Pairing: Pair with grilled meats and savory dishes, including wine-braised beef with mushrooms, herb-roasted pork tenderloin, grilled steelhead and seasonal vegetables.
Our experienced winery Ambassadors are here to assist you! Call the winery at (503) 588-9463 and ask to speak with an Ambassador about delaying the shipment of your order, winery pickup, temperature-controlled shipping during extreme heat or cold and other questions you may have about your order. An adult (age 21+) signature is required for wine deliveries. Owners and Club Members, please log in with the primary email address on your account to access discounts in our online shop.
Willamette Valley Vineyards can be shipped to all U.S. states except IN, MS, NH, NJ, RI, UT and WV; limitations apply to AL, DE, LA and WY.
Elton Vineyard
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Dick and Betty O’Brien married in 1967 and began building a life together on Betty’s family’s farm. Dick served as a middle school teacher and Betty became the Executive Director of the Santiam Girl Scouts. After a trip to Germany in 1980 where they stayed with a family that grew wine grapes, they returned to Oregon inspired and eager to plant a vineyard of their own. Betty’s parents, Elton and Peggy Ingram, turned over five acres of the farm for them to plant grapevines. They planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 1983, the same year that Jim Bernau, Betty's friend and college classmate, planted our Estate Vineyard in the Salem Hills. Their vineyard grew over the years from five acres to more than 60 acres in the east-southeast slopes of the Eola Hills and was named one of Oregon’s top ten vineyards by Wine Press Northwest. The elevation rises from 250-500 feet, and the vineyard soil is primarily Jory and Nekia. Upon the O'Briens' retirement in 2007, the vineyard was contracted under a long-term lease to Willamette Valley Vineyards. Retirement allowed Dick and Betty O'Brien to complete a beautiful 1.5-acre garden on the property.
