A Love of Wine is Born

As a young man, David Adelsheim would have laughed at the notion that he would go on to create world-renowned wines and, along the way, become known as one of the founders of Oregon’s wine industry. It all started one summer in Europe, when his eyes were opened to a world where fine wines and good food were not just consumed but cherished. He fell in love with the idea of making great wine.

After returning to Oregon, David discovered Newberg, where he was entranced by the beautiful scenery and mild growing climate. Reading everything he could about wine and making numerous trips to Northern California, David immersed himself in the world of winemaking. Soon he knew it was time to act on the knowledge he had acquired, and, together with his wife Ginny, embarked on a journey that would forever change their lives. 

The year was 1971. Oregon’s wine industry was just starting to take root as a few young, determined and idealistic individuals were doing what others had never considered: transforming the land of the Willamette Valley into a great wine producing region. They were young and naïve, but excited and intrigued to start something so new and radical.

For a number of years, David held down other jobs to make a living, commuting from Newberg to Portland until he finally had wine to sell.  Each crop, storm, drought and deluge provided a learning experience and challenge that made David and Ginny work harder to accomplish their dream. It wasn’t until 1978 that their first harvest took place. Three years later, David committed himself completely to his vineyard and winery.

A Band of Merry Winemakers
These early days helped establish Adelsheim Vineyard and a handful of other Oregon wineries as producers of very high quality wines.  In addition to Adelsheim, this group included Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser (Sokol Blosser Winery), Dick Erath (Erath Vineyards), David Lett (The Eyrie Vineyards),  Dick and Nancy Ponzi (Ponzi Vineyards), Myron Redford (Amity Vineyards) and other trailblazers.  They all started with little more than a dream of creating great wine and a love for the land that made up the Willamette Valley.  The bonds they established remain strong today, and David credits his fellow vintners with his success and regards them as his best friends.  Their friendship is not one based on formality but on mutual respect and shared hopes for success.

This unique collaboration and friendship among the winemakers is just part of what makes the Willamette Valley wine industry so unique.  David believes this adds to the mystique that people associate with Oregon and especially with the Willamette Valley. People truly care about the environment, the land, the beauty and -- more importantly -- about one another. The idealism that began in the early days of Oregon wine can still be seen today as these pioneers continue to challenge one another to better their industry, share their stories and stay committed to creating only the highest quality wines.

This Year’s Crush
David sees the Willamette Valley as a fun, laid-back place to visit because Oregon doesn’t take itself too seriously. You won’t have to fight crowds or wait in long lines, and you will always discover something new. You’ll also be surprised by how approachable and welcoming the Willamette Valley winemakers are as they enjoy conversing with fellow wine lovers. These are just a few of the many reasons that visitors fall in love with the Willamette Valley.

If you’re planning to visit Oregon Wine Country this fall, expect to find a large harvest that could produce some very fine wines at Adelsheim Vineyard, including its intense, highly sought-after, single vineyard Pinot noirs. Adelsheim Vineyard is known for its Pinot noir and Pinot gris, but David has a special love for the winery’s “Wacky Whites.” These unique whites wines, made from varieties often exclusive to Adelsheim, are created using an approach which emphasizes the unique climate of the Willamette Valley. One of Adelsheim’s more distinctive varieties is Auxerrois, a sister variety to Chardonnay.  Auxerrois is so rare that fewer than 500 acres survive in the entire world.

The Dream Lives On
Having already witnessed significant changes during his 35-year wine career, David looks to the years ahead with great idealism. He believes that wine connoisseurs will continue to investigate and explore the different varieties produced in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and be excited by what they find.

Calling the Willamette Valley “one of the most scenic and romantic places a person can live,” David foresees more people discovering the magic and beauty of Oregon Wine Country.  Whether you come for a visit or stay for good, he’s sure you’ll soon develop a crush of your own.