North America | Oregon

Shea Vineyards in Oregon, Pacific Northwest of America

Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest of America and is regarded as one of the world's most promising wine regions. The state has a wet, maritime climate and has long been noted for the quality of its Pinot Noir red wines which often display deep cherry-red colour and aromas of spiced black cherries, stewed strawberries and fresh-cut field mushrooms.

Relatively unheard-of 50 years ago, Oregon Pinot Noirs (particularly those from the Willamette Valley and its tiny Dundee Hills sub-region) now rank among the very finest American wines and the best examples are often compared to their Burgundy counterparts.

The potential Oregon has to offer has led a number of Burgundian wine icons to set up operations in the state. The most notable of which was Maison Joseph Drouhin in the late 1980s, when he established Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Dundee Hills – right next door to David Lett at his Eyrie Vineyard. In 2013 and 2014, prestigious names such as Louis Jadot, Liger-Belair and Meo-Camuzet joined the list, confirming beyond doubt that there really is something 'Burgundian' about Oregon.

Whilst Oregon is renowned for the quality of its Pinot Noir there is also high regard for the quality of Pinot Gris produced in the state which is the second most widely planted grape variety ahead of the white varieties Chardonnay and Riesling.