At the Wine Garden Inn, we take great pride in our estate-grown wine grapes and the meticulous care we pour into cultivating them. From the moment the first bud breaks in spring to the final cork being popped, our winemaking journey is one of patience, diligence, and a deep reverence for the land. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story behind our estate-grown wine grapes and the sustainable practices that bring them from seed to sip.
The Estate-Grown Wine Grapes
The foundation of our winemaking endeavor lies in the verdant vineyards that stretch across our 356-acre estate. Nestled along the 45th parallel, our vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate that perfectly suits the array of grape varietals we nurture, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Syrah, and Viognier.
Vineyard Cultivation
The diverse soil composition of our estate – a tapestry of sandy loam, volcanic ash, and glacial deposits – provides the ideal canvas for our grapes to thrive. Each parcel of land has been meticulously mapped and divided into eight distinct microclimates, allowing us to carefully match grape varietals to the specific terroir that will coax out their most captivating characteristics.
Factors like elevation, sun exposure, and air flow play a crucial role in the development of our grapes. Our vineyards, which range from 225 to 510 feet above sea level, bask in the gentle warmth of the Willamette Valley sun, while the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean helps to preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and vibrant flavors.
Harvest and Winemaking
When the grapes reach their peak maturity, our team of experienced vintners springs into action, carefully monitoring the Brix levels and pH to determine the optimal harvest time. The grapes are then hand-picked with the utmost care, ensuring that each cluster arrives at the winery in pristine condition.
In the winery, our winemaking process is a delicate dance of tradition and innovation. We employ a combination of stainless steel fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and oak barrel aging to coax out the unique personalities of our estate-grown grapes. The resulting wines are then bottled with the utmost attention to detail, reflecting the terroir, the vintage, and the passion of our team.
The Winemaking Journey
Grape Sourcing
While the majority of our wines are crafted from our estate-grown grapes, we also collaborate with a select group of local growers who share our commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly viticulture. By forging these partnerships, we are able to source additional high-quality fruit that seamlessly integrates with the character of our estate-grown wines.
Our unwavering dedication to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our winemaking journey. We are proud to be LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon Safe certified, ensuring that our farming practices protect the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. From cover cropping and minimal tilling to the use of renewable energy sources, we strive to be responsible stewards of the land.
Wine Tasting Notes
Sipping on our estate-grown wines is a true sensory experience, with each varietal offering a unique journey of aromas and flavors. Our Pinot Noir boasts a captivating interplay of red fruit, earthy undertones, and a silky, well-structured mouthfeel, making it an ideal companion to a wide range of culinary delights. The Pinot Gris, on the other hand, delights with its crisp, refreshing profile, featuring notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a delicate minerality that pairs beautifully with light fare and seafood.
Explore the full range of our estate-grown wines at the Wine Garden Inn, where you can indulge in thoughtful food-and-wine pairings that showcase the synergy between our exceptional produce and the nuanced flavors of our wines.
Sustainability Efforts
At the core of our winemaking ethos is a deep commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. We believe that by nurturing the land with care and respect, we can create wines that not only delight the palate but also reflect the health and vitality of our environment.
Organic Farming
Our vineyards are managed using organic and biodynamic principles, with a focus on maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystem. We employ cover cropping, composting, and minimal tilling to enrich the soil, while also encouraging the presence of beneficial insects and wildlife. By minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, we ensure that our grapes are grown without compromise, allowing the true essence of the terroir to shine through.
Eco-Friendly Operations
Sustainability extends beyond the vineyard and into every aspect of our winery operations. We are proud to be a solar-powered facility, harnessing the abundant sunshine of the Willamette Valley to power our winemaking processes. Water conservation is also a top priority, with measures in place to maximize efficiency and minimize waste throughout the winemaking journey.
The Estate Experience
No visit to the Wine Garden Inn is complete without immersing yourself in the captivating world of our estate-grown wines. From guided tours of the vineyards to educational tastings in our tasting room, we invite you to embark on a journey that celebrates the art, science, and passion behind every bottle.
Vineyard Tours
Explore the rhythms of our vineyards with a guided tour, where you can witness the intricate dance of the seasons and learn about the cultivation techniques that bring our grapes to life. During the growing season, you may even have the opportunity to participate in grape picking, gaining firsthand experience in the art of harvesting.
Tasting Room Events
In our tasting room, you’ll have the chance to delve deeper into the nuances of our estate-grown wines. Join us for wine tastings and food pairings that showcase the harmonious relationship between our exceptional produce and our thoughtfully crafted wines. Our educational seminars offer a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, empowering you to become a more discerning wine enthusiast.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer to the world of wine, the Wine Garden Inn invites you to embark on a journey of discovery. From the vibrant vineyards to the carefully crafted bottles, our estate-grown wine grapes are a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and the art of winemaking.