In preparation for the sixth annual trade auction on 5th August winemakers in the Willamette Valley, OR, will share previews of their unique Pinot Noir lots across a series of events.
Formally called the Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction, the 2021 event will feature 85 lots of Pinot Noir and seven lots of Chardonnay, each a one-of-a-kind winemaker’s expression of the 2019 vintage.
In addition to fund-raising, the event intends to highlight that the region wants to be known primarily for its Pinot Noirs.
Taking place live and online from WillaKenzie Estate in Yamhill. There will be walk-around tastings this week for those attending in person and a variety of online tasting events and seminars ahead of the 5th of August.
Open only to the trade and media, licensed trade members interested in participating either in person or by virtual bidding can register at www.willamettewines.auction
Speaking on the event auction co-chair, president and CEO of Adelsheim Rob Alstrin said:
“The 2019 vintage was a return to a classic Willamette Valley growing season, complete with late summer rains that characterise the Pacific Northwest,”
“The vintage is defined by elegant complexity with wines that are built to age,”
According to Emily Petterson of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, the Willamette Valley received formal recognition and protection by the European Union (EU) through Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status approval, just last week.
The only other similarly protected appellation in the United States is Napa Valley. The WVWA has over 230 members representing wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley.
In June, Willamette Valley Vineyards announced its plan to build a new winery in the Dundee Hills. It will be built on 40 acres in the Dundee Hills and located close to its new dedicated sparkling winery at Bernau Estate Vineyard. They have engaged Steve Martin Associates of Sonoma County, California to assist in the planning, design, and development of the forthcoming winemaking facility.
