Williamette Valley

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is comprised of a number of hillsides framing a series of sloping vineyards, all of which are protected from the influence of the hot interior valley to the east by a north-south running mountain range. Soils here are either volcanic (Jory) or sedimentary (Willakenzie) along with a few loess, or wind-blown examples. Volcanic soils tend to produce Chardonnays with high-toned aromatics and firm structural elements while Chardonnays from the sedimentary soils tend toward more fleshiness and ripeness in general. Either way, Oregon Chardonnay tends towards freshness and vivid acidity.

“It’s really exciting to see Chardonnay winemaking coming full circle and taking on a global personality and being able to speak to so many different consumers and styles.” – Eugenia Keegan, General Manager, Jackson Family Wines Oregon