The individual who first planted pinot noir grapes in the Willamette Valley was David Lett, a pioneer in the Oregon wine industry. In 1965, Lett made the bold decision to grow pinot noir in an area that was relatively unexplored for viticulture at the time. Despite skepticism from others in the industry who believed the region was too cool for pinot noir grapes to thrive, Lett was determined to prove them wrong.
Lett and his wife Diana purchased a piece of land in the Dundee Hills and named it The Eyrie Vineyard. They planted their first pinot noir vines in 1966, becoming the first to do so in the Willamette Valley. The climate and soil conditions in the region turned out to be ideal for pinot noir, with cool temperatures and volcanic soil contributing to the grape's success.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Lett faced numerous obstacles, including early frost, mildew, and a lack of experience in winemaking. Despite these setbacks, Lett persevered and continued to experiment and learn from his mistakes. His determination and passion for pinot noir eventually paid off, as he produced the first commercially successful pinot noir wine in Oregon.
Lett's success with pinot noir helped to put the Willamette Valley on the map as a premier wine-growing region. Other winemakers soon followed in Lett's footsteps, recognizing the potential of the region for producing high-quality pinot noir. As more vineyards were established and the reputation of Willamette Valley wines grew, the area became known for its exceptional pinot noir, rivaling other famous pinot noir regions such as Burgundy, France.
Today, the Willamette Valley is home to over 17,000 acres of grapes planted across 647 vineyards, with pinot noir being the dominant varietal. The region's unique terroir, characterized by a cool climate, diverse soil types, and the influence of the Pacific Ocean, continues to contribute to the exceptional quality of pinot noir produced in the area.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the privilege of tasting and experiencing the evolution of pinot noir in the Willamette Valley. I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion of the winemakers in the region, who continue to push the boundaries and explore new techniques to enhance the expression of pinot noir. The wines produced here are a true reflection of the land and the people behind them, capturing the essence of the Willamette Valley.
David Lett was the visionary who first planted pinot noir grapes in the Willamette Valley. His pioneering spirit and determination paved the way for the growth and success of the region's wine industry. Today, the Willamette Valley is renowned for its exceptional pinot noir, thanks to Lett's audacity and belief in the potential of this unique corner of the wine world.