No matter the season you will fall in love with the views and the wines at Eminent Domaine winery. This family winery, founded in 2006, was given its name because of the owner's experience of being forced to sell an investment property. As it name implies, Eminent Domaine, grew from the owners experience with the legal term, eminent domaine. Fortunately this experience led to their dedication to the Oregon wine industry, and their love of the wines produced in the region. Eminent Domaine provides a window onto Oregon's Ribbon Ridge.
A Window onto Oregon's Ribbon Ridge
Eminent Domaine began with producing 150 cases of Pinot Noir in 2006. Their label steadily grew, such that by 2011 the first estate vintage was produced. They opened a tasting room in 2016; this was followed by a winery and a home next door. In 2018, Jeff, his wife Heather, their children, Finch and Charley, and their dog, Benny moved to the estate. Just two miles south of Eminent Domaine, they have recently added a beautiful property, know as The Little Farm. Fall 2018 they planted almost nine acres of vines there. It is also now home to some very happy pigs, chickens, barn cats, and a large vegetable garden. Nestled within the vines you will find Little Farm Cottage, a charming wine country vacation rental.
That August day when our #WMC21 Wine Media group arrived at the winery we were greeted with a most refreshing Pinot Noir rosé.
Welcome to Eminent Domaine © Spaswinefood
The pizzas were prepared in Eminent Domaine’s outdoor kitchen. While dining we enjoyed those amazing vistas overlooking the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Eminent Domaine is indeed a window onto Oregon's Ribbon Ridge.
Taking in the Views at Eminent Domaine © Spaswinefood
The winery is located in that extra special Ribbon Ridge American Viticultural Area (AVA). This sub-AVA within the Willamette Valley was established July 1, 2005. Since then Oregon's smallest AVA has become one of the most prestigious wine growing regions in the world. Ribbon Ridge, 3.5-mile long by 1.75-mile wide is a ridge that extends from the Chehalem Mountains. This AVA rises from the Chehalem Valley floor, giving it an island-like appearance. Here the growing conditions allow for longer, cooler growing seasons, making it ideal for delicate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay. Ribbon Ridge’s island-like characteristics, and its proximity to surrounding landmasses, help shield and protect this viticultural area from the extremes, affecting other agricultural microclimates in the Willamette Valley.
Put Eminent Domaine on your must visit list of wineries. We were delighted to discover this very special place where both the wines and the views are awesome. While drinking a glass of wine the views will capture your attention. Oregon's North Willamette Valley includes seven appellations: Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, Van Duzer Corridor and Yamhill-Carlton. For wine lovers these seven appellations offer a rich diversity of wines. I invite you to join me in my Oregon wine country travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.
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