That August 2021 morning at Trisaetum Vineyards we were introduced to wines from their Ribbon Ridge and Coast Range estate vineyards. The winery located in Ribbon Ridge is surrounded by its 17 acre Ribbon Ridge Estate Vineyard. Trisaetum's other estate vineyards includes Coastal Range Estate Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and a third vineyard, Wichmann Dundee Estate in the Dundee Hills AVA. All three sustainably farmed vineyards are dedicated to Chardoanny, Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Ribbon Ridge's Uniqueness
Trisaetum, one of the wineries located on the Ribbon Ridge, which is a 3.5-mile long by 1.75-mile wide ridge, extending from the Chehalem Mountains. The ridge rises 683 feet from the Chehalem Valley floor, giving it an island-like appearance. Ribbon Ridge's hillside sites experience earlier starts due to warming, less nighttime temperature drops, and midsummer heat spikes that provide adequate grape ripening. These climatic conditions allow for longer, cooler growing seasons, making the area ideal for delicate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Ribbon Ridge’s island-like characteristics, and its proximity to surrounding landmasses tend to shield and uniquely protect the viticultural area from many of the extremes, affecting other northern Willamette Valley agricultural microclimates.
Ribbon Ridge's History
Ribbon Ridge was named by Colby Carter, an early settler from Missouri, who arrived in 1865. The top of the ridge twists like a ribbon, hence the name. The ridge has been known as a farming district since at least 1888, with its own name and its own mix of crops, ranging from walnuts, prunes, hazelnuts, hay, Christmas trees, timber lots, and cattle has been raised here for more than a century. These days it is known for the wines.
Shortly after the founding of Trisaetum the Ribbon Ridge American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established on July 1, 2005, as a sub-AVA within the Willamette Valley. The early drafters of the AVA were Oregon wine country pioneers, Doug Tunnell, Harry Pederson Nedry and Dewey Kelly who are still members. Ribbon Ridge, the smallest AVA in Oregon, is one of the most prestigious wine growing regions in the world. Ribbon Ridge is the most decorated AVA with 90+ scores according to Wine Advocate. In 2017, 88% (or 29 of 33) of the Ribbon Ridge wines were rated 90+, 89% of which were pinot noir. There are only 500 planted acres in Ribbon Ridge. In 2018, Ribbon Ridge continued to net the highest scores of all AVAs as rated by the Wine Advocate, with 87% of those wines submitted receiving 90+ scores (33 of 38).
Trisaetum Estate Vineyard and Winery
I was happy to return during #WMC21 to Trisaetum Estate Vineyard and Winery. The vineyards are dry farmed, with their farming practices including no till, no synthetic fertilizers, bee friendly viticulture, minimal let pulling and hedging, composting, compost tea sprays, and hand harvesting only. They partner with 1% For The Planet, deep roots, Salud! To our Health, Willamette Partnership, and Beegirl, bee-friendly agriculture.
Triseatum Wine & Press Display © Spaswinefood
Trisaetum produces wines for their Trisaetum, 18401 Cellars, Pashey (Sparkling) and The James Frey Collection brands. During our visit we enjoyed appetizers specially designed to pair with the wines we tasted.
2020 Pashley Coast Range Blanc de Blancs, 2018 Pashley Ribbon Ridge Blanc de Blancs © Spaswinefood
Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir 2018 & Coastal Range Pinot Noir 2020 © Spaswinefood
The patio area overlooking the estate vineyard is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine.
While taking in the scene and later walking the vineyard on that hot August morning I remembered an earlier visit.
Remembering August 2014
I still remember a hot August day in 2014 when Spaswinefood first visited this winery.
 |
| Trisaetum Estate Vineyard, 2021 © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Estate Vineyard, Trisaetum © Spaswinefood |
1. Trisaetum, Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir 2013
 |
| Trisaetum, Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir 2013 © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Trisaetum, Ribbon Ridge Estate Riesling 2013 © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Trisaetum, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Trisaetum, Artist Series No. 19 Pinot Noir 2012 © Spaswinefoof |
 |
| Trisaetum, Coast Range Estate Pinot Noir 2011© Spaswinefood |
 |
| Trisaetum, Estates Reserve Pinot Noir 2011 © Spaswinefood |
More on Trisaetum
Yes, even in early August 2021 the grapes had already started to turn.
Triseatum Estate Vineyard August 2021 © Spaswinefood
 |
Entrance at Trisaetum, 2014 © Spaswinefood |
CHEERS!
Being a lover of this particular fruit of the vine drives him back time and time again to pick through the bushes to find choice beans and present them to me for canning or freezing
ReplyDeletewine tours near me
You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this...