50th Year of Pinot Noir in Oregon!

A Sparkling Conversation Fifty years ago, David Lett planted the first Pinot noir vine in the Willamette Valley at The Eyrie Vineyards. To mark this historic anniversary, we will be celebrating with a Grand Seminar dedicated to exploring and enjoying Champagne and sparkling wine, moderated by Patrick Comiskey, senior correspondent for Wine & Spirits Magazine. First, take in a visual presentation on how the bubbles get into the bottle. Next, with the guidance of Rollin Soles, taste the three varietals most common to Champagne and the wines made around the world in the Méthode Champenoise: Pinot noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Then, experience a “dosage trial,” and understand how this step transforms texture, balance, and the final expression of the wine. Afterward, savor a hand-selected flight to include: Argyle Winery, Champagne Jean Baillette-Prudhomme,Champagne Billecart-Salmon, Champagne René Geoffroy, Champagne Henri Giraud, J Vineyards & Winery, and Soter Vineyards. Lastly, raise a glass filled with a surprise wine and toast to 50 years of growing Pinot noir in the Willamette Valley!   The IPNC Grand Seminar We are thrilled to announce the Featured Wineries of the 2015 International Pinot Noir Celebration. IPNC guests will celebrate with more than 70 Featured Wineries hailing from Australia, Burgundy, California, Canada, Champagne, Italy, New Zealand, Oregon, and South Africa. To see photos and biographies of this year’s incredible line-up, please click here. "IPNC is one of those rare wine gatherings that works on every level." — Eric Asimov, The New York Times We are anticipating an early sell-out of the full weekend event. Purchase your tickets today to reserve your place at the 2015 IPNC.   Guests chat with winemaker Laurent Montalieu at the Friday alfresco tasting.