Oregon Sparkling Wine: The Essentials
Pop the cork, wine lovers! We’re diving into Oregon’s sparkling wine scene. I think these Willamette Valley gems are giving Champagne a run for its money, and Wine Enthusiast agrees – the Willamette is “America’s Sparkling Wine Capital.”
Having bubbles on your product list is clearly a draw and many wineries around the valley are jumping on the trend. But where to start?
As part of my job, I’m in the unique position to sample many of the area’s best bubbles. It’s pretty much required homework! I’m always taking notes. So of course I have a list of my favorites.
Ready to explore the fizzy wonders of Willamette? Let’s get to the good stuff!
My 5 Favorite Sparkling Wine Producers From the Willamette Valley
1. Soter Vineyards: Biodynamic Bubbles with an Enthusiastic Following
If you’re into sustainable sipping, Soter Vineyards should be on your radar. Their biodynamic approach to winemaking results in sparklers that are not only delicious but also kind to the planet. Plus, the tasting room (and satellite cabins) are incredibly picturesque. Order a food pairing if you can, everything is made in-house and you can watch the kitchen staff work while you taste.
2. ROCO Winery: Precision in Every Sip
Founded by Rollin Soles, the original winemaker at Argyle, ROCO Winery is all about generosity and balance. His sparkling wines showcase the perfect blend of fruit and acidity, making them top-of-the-list for bubbly aficionados. As I note below, Argyle is fine but if you want to follow the OG Bubbles King then head to ROCO. If you time it right, you might snag a seat at one of their “Art of Dosage” educational tastings.
3. Elk Cove Vineyards: Traditional Method Sparklers with a Twist
One of Oregon’s oldest wineries, Elk Cove has been in the game since 1974. While they’re known for their still wines, their venture into sparkling territory has been strong. Expect traditional method sparklers with distinctly Oregonian terroir. They also have one of my favorite spots in the valley with great views of the coastal range. Ask to hear the inside story of the winery’s beginnings. It involves a trailer, no electricity, several kids, and some elk!
4. Corollary Wines: Innovative, Small-Batch Sparkling Wine Specialists
New kid on the block? Not quite. Corollary Wines might be younger than some, but they’re making waves with their laser focus on small-batch sparkling wines. Their innovative approach and dedication to showcasing Willamette Valley terroir make them a must-try.
5. Gran Moraine: Yamhill-Carlton’s Sparkling Standout
Nestled in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Gran Moraine is making waves with their exceptional sparkling wines. They’re part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio, but don’t hold that against them. Their state-of-the-art winery is dedicated to producing small-lot, high-quality sparkling wines that I really like. I also like the vibe of their branding as well, it’s classy but with a little more flair than the usual Oregon “rustic elegance” that everyone likes to stick with.
Hey Don’t Forget About…
Argyle Winery: The Pioneer of Oregon Sparkling Wines
I have mixed feelings about putting Argyle on the list. Founded in 1987, it’s the best known sparkling house in Oregon. So of course it pops up in any search. But I just don’t really like their current wines that much. I prefer founder Rollin Sole’s newer project much better (see ROCO above). Argyle is a cornerstone of the industry and should be given due respect. But I find the others on this list more intriguing.
Honorable Mentions (Because hey, taste is subjective anyway)
Domaine Divio
Lytle Barnett
Lundeen
Adelsheim
R. Stewart
Sparkling Wines that are Hitting My Table in 2024
Soter Estate Brut Reserve: Crisp, Mineral-Driven Elegance
From what I hear, Soter’s sparkling wines go fast. And for good reason. This non-vintage entry shines with a backbone of green apple, citrus and white flowers. And four years on yeast means they’re serious. Pair it with seafood, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
ROCO RMS Brut: Complex and Age-Worthy
Named after winemaker Rollin Michael Soles, the RMS Brut is a testament to decades of sparkling wine expertise. It’s a complex sipper with layers of citrus, apple, almond, and subtle yeasty notes. While it’s drinking beautifully now, it’s also got the chops to age gracefully.
For a mic-drop encore, grab a bottle of their 2014 Delayed Disgorgement. This is one of the great American sparkling wines, hands-down.
Elk Cove La Bohème Brut Rosé: A Pink-Hued Crowd-Pleaser
Who doesn’t love a good sparkling rosé? Elk Cove’s La Bohème Brut Rosé is summer in a glass, with flavors of wild strawberry, rose petal, and a hint of orange zest. On a hot day, this wine disappears from your glass way too quickly – consider yourself warned! On the flip side, it’s also great for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals.
Corollary Wines Cuvée One: A Unique Blend Showcasing Oregon Terroir
Corollary is like the cool indie band of Willamette Valley sparkling wines. Their Cuvée One is a unique blend that changes slightly each year but always delivers. And it’s a really approachable price for traditional method sparkling.
Gran Moraine Brut Rosé: Elegance in Pink
Gran Moraine’s Brut Rosé is a showstopper that perfectly balances elegance and vibrancy. This salmon-hued beauty offers aromas of wild strawberries, rose petals, and a hint of freshly baked brioche. On the palate, it delivers crisp red fruit flavors with a subtle creaminess and a long, mineral-driven finish. It’s a versatile sparkler that shines as an aperitif but has enough complexity to carry through a meal.
The Rise of Willamette Valley as a Sparkling Wine Powerhouse
Now, you might be wondering, “How did Willamette Valley become such a hotspot for sparkling wine?”
Willamette Valley’s wine story kicked off in the 1960s when a bunch of visionary winemakers realized this cool-climate region could produce some seriously good Pinot Noir. Fast forward a couple of decades, and some of these same pioneers had another lightbulb moment: “Hey, if we can make great Pinot Noir here, why not sparkling wine?”
You see, the same things that make Willamette Valley perfect for Pinot Noir – cool climate, long growing season, and mineral-driven wines – also make it ideal for sparkling wine production. The grapes can hang on the vine longer, developing complex flavors while maintaining the high acidity that’s crucial for good bubbly.
But it’s not just about the climate. Willamette Valley winemakers have been pushing the envelope, experimenting with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques. While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (the classic Champagne grapes) are still the stars, don’t be surprised to find sparklers made from Pinot Blanc, Riesling, or even Grüner Veltliner.
The result? Sparkling wines that are uniquely Oregonian – wines that speak of the place they come from, with a freshness and vibrancy that’s turning heads in the wine world.
Pairing Willamette Valley Sparkling Wines with Local Cuisine
One of the joys of Willamette Valley sparkling wines is how well they play with food, especially local Oregon cuisine. Here are some pairing ideas that get me excited:
1. Oysters and Blanc de Blancs: The minerality in a crisp Blanc de Blancs, like Gran Moraine’s Blanc de Blanc, is a match made in heaven for briny Hama Hama oysters.
2. Sparkling Rosé and Salmon: Our famous wild salmon pairs beautifully with a fruity sparkling rosé. Try Elk Cove’s La Bohème Brut Rosé with grilled salmon and a berry compote.
3. Vintage Brut and Mushroom Dishes: The earthy flavors of Oregon’s wild mushrooms are complemented perfectly by the complexity of a vintage brut, like ROCO’s outstanding 2014 Delayed Disgorgement Brut. I also love these wines with umami-rich aged cheeses!
4. Sparkling Riesling and Spicy Thai: Yes, sparkling Riesling is a thing in Oregon! Its touch of sweetness makes it great with spicy dishes from Portland’s famous food cart scene. See if you can get hold of the Extended Tirage Riesling from Brooks Wines.
5. Blanc de Noirs and Cheese Board: The fuller body of a Blanc de Noirs stands up well to a variety of local cheeses. Include some hazelnuts (another local specialty) for a real treat. Domaine Divio has you covered for a great Blanc de Noirs.
Of course these are just my suggestions. The best part about wine pairing is experimenting to find your own perfect matches. So go ahead, pop some corks and start exploring!
Visiting Willamette Valley: Maximizing Your Experience
Ready to experience Willamette Valley’s sparkling wines firsthand? Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your bubbly adventure:
Planning Tips
1. For the best proximity to the bubs, I recommend staying near the towns of Carlton, Dundee, or Newberg.
2. Designate a driver or book a tour. Safety first, folks!
2. Make reservations, especially for smaller wineries. Bubbles aren’t always on the menu, so call ahead to check.
3. Don’t try to cram too much into one day. 3-4 wineries is plenty. Maybe even 2.
4. Even if you LOVE sparkling, consider mixing it up a little bit. Everything tastes the same after 27 different Bruts.
5. Don’t forget to eat and hydrate between tastings! It’s crazy how many guests forget to do this.
Annual Events
Mark your calendars for these sparkling wine-centric events:
– Bubbles Fest (February): A celebration of all things sparkling, hosted by AnneAmie Winery.
– Best Oregon Bubbles (AKA BOB) Trail (February): Many of the best local producers team up for a month-long promotion of traditional method sparkling wines.
– Thanksgiving Weekend in Wine Country (November): Not really sparkling-specific, but still a great time to taste new releases and stock up for the holidays.
Putting a Cork In It
That should give you a solid place to start, fizz fanatics! Willamette Valley’s sparkling game is strong, offering everything from Rollin’s pioneering pours to Corollary’s innovative cuvées. Oregon bubbles are making their mark and they’re here to stay.
From the cool climate that gives the wines their characteristic freshness to the innovative winemakers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Willamette Valley has all the ingredients for world-class sparkling wine. And let’s not forget the amazing local food scene that provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying these wines.
So, whether you’re popping bottles for a big bash or looking for that extra special dinner wine, grab a glass of Willamette Valley sparkle. Better yet, plan a trip to Oregon and experience the magic firsthand. Visit the tasting rooms, chat with the winemakers, and immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes that make these wines so special.
Now, who’s ready for a toast? Cheers to the effervescent wonders of Willamette Valley!
