Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley is one of the USA’S most productive agricultural areas, and its dry hillsides, while unsuited to the grains, fruits, and nuts that grow so well on the valley floor, have proved themselves to be outstanding vineyard sites. Starting in the early sixties, pioneering winemakers began discovering that many such sites could produce unusually good Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

Yamhill Valley Vineyards’ 300 acres are nestled in the foothills of the Coast Range, just north of the Van Duzer corridor. Yamhill Valley’s topography protects it from pacific air and storms that the mountains may allow. The cool climate, moderate rainfall, and excellent summer ripening conditions have been responsible for intensely flavored grapes here. With the recent hiring of vineyard manager Dominick Mondello, extensive improvements of the vineyards have begun, including changes in canopy management and new plantings.