The North Valley Vineyards tasting room is a classic wood cabin ideal for holiday parties and cozy drinks by the fire. However, we visited the winery on a warm 100 degree day and were unable to participate in these cold weather activities. We were greeted upon arrival with a refreshing glass of rosé and made our way into a beautiful entry completed with a large stone fireplace and elegant rustic finishes. The tasting room maintains a cozy, comfortable elegance in every detail one encounters.
North Valley Vineyards is part of the Soter Vineyards Estate but focuses on making pinot noir distinct to each sub-appellation in the Northern Willamette Valley. They strive “to grow and craft certifiably earth-friendly, sustainably-farmed wines that are examples of the northern Willamette Valley at its qualitative best.” The wines are divided into 3 classifications or “classics, origins, and reserves.” The classic series are the winery’s core portfolio, with the Origin series being the small production lots from sub-appellations, and the reserves show the finest wines from each harvest.
Tasting Notes: Tasting fees are $25 per guest. One fee is waived per bottle purchased.
2017 North Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
- This was a wonderful welcome and beginning to the tasting, it had, “a striking salmon color and aromas of watermelon and sour cherry.” YUM!
2015 North Valley Pinot Noir: Origin Ribbon Ridge
- This pinot noir had a distinct darkness to it with, “smoke and mineral accents…allspice and mocha notes.”
2015 North Valley Pinot Noir: Origin Eola-Amity Hills
- “Offering black raspberry, cherry cola, lavender and spice cake flavors…” How could one resist a wine with such a description when it tastes as described?
2015 North Valley Reserve Pinot Noir
- A beautiful representation of the North Valley, with “black raspberry complemented by lavender and star anise.”
2016 North Valley Reserve Chardonnay
- A chardonnay finish with a restorative flavor of, “citrus, golden apple, and summer melon.”
What did we buy?
Two bottles of the 2017 North Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir and one bottle of the 2015 North Valley Pinot Noir, origin Eola-Amity Hills.
Overall experience
We had a fabulous time spending a relaxing afternoon with our welcoming and informative hostess. North Valley Vineyards is a great place to cool down on a sweltering summer day. Also, we imagine it would be a perfectly cozy pit stop on a grey winter day. We highly recommend a visit to North Valley Vineyards next time you’re in Newberg.
Cheers and Auf Wiedersehen!
Emilie and Elena
grapesandgravel.com 