Our first winery stop after lunch was King Estate, known for its world-class Oregon Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, a diversity of other varietals, and single-vineyard wines. King Estate has 1,033 acres, with 470 acres under vine: 165 acres of Pinot Noir, nearly 300 acres of Pinot Gris, and other grapes. In addition to their estate vineyard, they source from the finest vineyards in the Pacific Northwest - Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley in Oregon; and Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley in Washington. Their approximately 50 vineyard partners grow grapes with distinct characteristics. This diverse geographical selection was carefully chosen to complement their estate wines. I welcomed the opportunity to return to King Estate Winery during the Wine Media Conference's (#WMC21) post-conference excursion to the South Willamette Valley.
Welcome to King Estate Winery
During out visit Justin King, a third-generation family member, and his wine making team introduced us to some very fine King Estate wines. The winery founded in 1991 has grown, and now is one of Oregon’s largest and most successful wineries. It was a growing interest in wine and a simple search for hay that led his father Ed to discover a spectacular piece of land on the outskirts of Eugene. The 600-acre ranch property was a ranch however, Ed envisioned a beautiful vineyard. Ed King and his father, Ed King, Jr. (1921 – 2012), purchased the land and established King Estate Winery.
As we took in the spectacular views, we enjoyed sumptuous small plates of cheese, charcuterie and other bites, prepared by their farm-to-table kitchen.
These are awesome Pinot Noir wines. It was especially exciting to be introduced Justin's special project King Estate Pinot Noir 7 Rows, Willamette Valley 2016. King Estate Winery produces four wine series (King Estate, NxNW, Single Vineyard, and Innovation). The Domaine, Signature and Acrobat series include Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, with NxNW series including wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Riesling. Biodynamic farming is practiced at King Estate, with its estate grapes being sustainably farmed.
King Estate wines get great reviews. King Estate Winery joined seven other Oregon wineries to earn a spot on Wine & Spirits magazine’s prestigious annual Top 100 Wineries list. This is the 14th time in King Estate’s 30-year history that it has made the list. Wineries on the list are selected based on “their performance in the magazine’s two-step blind-tasting process and celebrated for their exceptional wines,” according to the magazine’s website. Among the wines that helped King Estate win this distinction were the 2019 King Estate Backbone Pinot Gris, earning 92 points; 2019 King Estate Paradox Pinot Gris, 91 points; and 2016 King Estate Brut Cuvée, 91 points. Six other wines garnered 90 points each.
“As I reflect on being named among the world’s best once again, I find myself filled with gratitude,” says King Estate CEO Ed King. “I am humbled by what we have accomplished, honored to work among the industry’s best, and energized to keep going and keep getting better. Despite everything the world threw at us this year, we stayed the course, stayed true to our purpose to make great Oregon wine and share it with the world. And the world noticed.”
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| King Estate Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
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| Dining at King Estate Winery, 2012 © Spaswinefood |
I have been in Oregon, but this is a different view. The place, people and wines look charming!
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