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(Continued from front page) This group of pioneers is unique because most did not start on traditional “wine” paths. They didn’t study viticulture or enology, they weren’t winemakers or vineyard managers; they simply had a deep love and appreciation for great wine. They had already established successful careers in other industries – real estate, technology, communications and pharmaceuticals, to name a few – labored long hours and paid their dues. Yet for these newcomers, there was something missing, a dream that was unfulfilled. Rather than continue on their path or simply ease into retirement, they brought their skills, experience and passion for wine to Oregon's Willamette Valley. The Winemakers It was the purity of the fruit, the rich terroir of the Willamette Valley’s rolling hills and its ideal climate that made Oregon the natural choice for making their dreams come true. The legendary wine would be the initial draw, but once here, visitors would be able to enjoy all that the Willamette Valley had to offer. This vision became a reality that materialized from ideas to actual
structures and production facilities. These were not simply wineries,
but what could only be described as “estates” – the
first of their kind in Oregon. While evoking the Tuscan villas of Italy
and elaborate chateaus of France, these estates retained a feel that was
distinctly Oregon. However, the architectural masterpieces were just the
beginning. Next came visitor centers, music festivals, restaurants, marketplaces
and state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, all with an element of elegance
that had previously been missing. From the moment visitors enter the grounds,
they know they haven’t arrived at the backcountry of Oregon, but
at a world-class winery where one can not only sample award-winning vintages
of Pinot noir, Pinot gris or Chardonnay, but also relax and savor the
entire experience. 
Domaine Serene Ever dream of journeying to Umbria or Chianti to taste the tongue-curling tannins for which Italy is famous ? You can get a taste of Italy on a much smaller scale, and for a fraction of the cost, with a visit to the Willamette Valley. Visitors to Domaine Serene are transported to Mediterranean paradise as they sip the Evenstads’ latest release in a sunny Tuscan-style villa. Views of the scenic Red Hills of Dundee greet visitors to the property. The Evenstads are committed to producing only the highest quality of wine, as is evidenced in every aspect of their winemaking process. Each of Domaine Serene's grapes is handpicked and hand-sorted to remove any imperfections. The grapes then enter a technologically advanced process in which they go through five stages of production, ensuring consistently molto bene wines. Willakenzie Winery After relishing in your Italian-themed wine experience, country-hop to WillaKenzie Estate for a taste of France. Following the example of his grandfather, WillaKenzie founder Bernard Lacroute returned to his Burgundian roots, utilizing a tradition of winemaking practiced by only a few Oregon vintners. Instead of migrating to the legendary French wine industry to open his winery, Lacroute chose land in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. WillaKenzie Estate is located on the rolling hillsides of the Chehalem Mountains, and was named for the Willakenzie soil on which the vineyards are planted. Lacroute’s original goal was simple: “to make insanely good wines.” This remains the guiding philosophy behind WillaKenzie today. The small artisan winery is exactly what Lacroute envisioned, and the team at WillaKenzie is continually striving to find ways to better their best, as they “baby-sit” their vines, carefully select the perfect clones and handcraft their grapes into wine masterpieces. Much has changed in the 15 or so years since Lacroute arrived in Oregon - namely the dramatic increase in wineries in the state, from around 90 to more than 300 and the experience and level of craftsmanship they encompass. Oregon wineries are experimenting and taking more risks. As a result, more and more award-winning vintages are being produced. Lacroute has seen his dream come true - WillaKenzie is an award-winning, wildly popular winery that has stayed true to its craft. He is grateful for the opportunity to taste firsthand the results of his hard labor, and the freedom to walk his vineyards and enjoy a bottle of his own vintage over lunch. After spending an afternoon at WillaKenize Estate and visiting with Lacroute, visitors will find his passion for the craft contagious and truly understand the meaning of c’est la vie. 
King Estate Winery
A legend in Oregon’s wine country, the family-owned King Estate is unmatched in its grandeur and size. Truly an “estate,” the 1,033-acre property overlooks the Lorane Valley, a quiet corner of the Willamette Valley. Putting themselves in their visitors’ shoes, the Kings have created a mutli-faceted experience at their winery. Visitors can roam 400 acres of organic vineyards, orchards, vegetable and flower gardens, stop in at the Visitors Center, or enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the tasting bar. Looking for a rare past vintage? You’ll probably find it in their wine library, known for having options not available elsewhere. King Estate prides itself on the fact that it is sustainable and organic - from the grapes themselves to the winemaking process. The European-style 110,000 square foot winery is an attraction in itself. After touring the wine production facility, visitors can relax on an outdoor patio and enjoy panoramic views during the warm summer months, or they can visit the newly opened King Estate Restaurant for a gourmet dining experience. Specializing in food and wine parings, the restaurant team can recommend the perfect dish to compliment your choice of wine. If you want to try and replicate this gastronomic adventure, pick up a King Estate cookbook or attend one of their cooking demonstrations to learn the tricks of the trade. No matter what time of year you choose to visit King Estate, it will be brimming with activities and alive with festivities. During the summer, the 25 acres of certified organic gardens produce fresh produce and flowers that are available for purchase at the new seasonal outdoor market – the King Estate MarketPlace. Believing in the importance of creating relationships and a sense of place, King Estate provides a plethora of products – everything from honey and jams to mustards and tomatoes – establishing connections in the process. Live music also is a regular feature during the longer days of summer, as local musicians showcase their creations for the enjoyment of the entire family. The Wine Country “It’s not commercialized – it’s not the wine world’s version of Disneyland,” commented Ed King III, “It’s still all about the gorgeous scenery and wonderful food and wine pairings.” Although visitors will definitely enjoy the added sophistication, amenities and beauty of the estate’s structures, most importantly they’ll find winemakers and owners with “one hand in the soil, and the other reaching for the stars,” according to King III. The Evenstands, the Kings and the Lacroutes, along with others like
them, came to Oregon to live their dreams, and in the process, put the
Willamette Valley on the viticultural map. The unparalleled beauty and
truly great wines of the Willamette Valley speak for themselves, but this
small group of winemakers leveraged their past successes and created a
sophisticated, internationally appealing experience that continues to
draw visitors to the heart of Oregon’s wine country. |
