Oregon Wine Country: Ribbon Ridge AVA, a Willamette Valley wine island

Some wine regions, such as the Ribbon Ridge American Viticultural Area (AVA), a sub-AVA within the Willamette Valley, are extra special. Why has the Ribbon Ridge AVA, established July 1, 2005, become so special? Oregon's smallest AVA, with only 500 planted acres, is 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 longer, cooler growing seasons, making it ideal for delicate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Ribbon Ridge’s island-like characteristics, and its proximity of surrounding landmasses, help shield and protect this viticultural area from the extremes, which affect the other agricultural microclimates in the Willamette Valley.

Welcome to the Ribbon Ridge, Oregon © Spaswinefood

Ribbon Ridge is one of the most decorated AVA's, with 90+ scores according to Wine Advocate. For example in 1) 2017, 88% of the Ribbon Ridge wines were rated 90+ (89% of those were for Pinot Noir), and 2) 2018, Ribbon Ridge continued to net the highest scores of all AVAs as rated by the Wine Advocate (87% of the wines submitted receiving 90+ scores). Clearly, this motivated me to checkout Ribbon Ridge on a Wine Media pre-conference tour  #WMC21.

Welcome to Oregon's Ribbon Ridge's AVA 

After arriving in Newberg and checking into our hotel, we departed for a driving tour of the Ribbon Ridge AVA to view its geography, and get an overview of the area. We stopped at Domaine Divio Winery for a quick wine tasting with the winemaker, before continuing onto Utopia Vineyard for a quick tour. Then onto dinner at Allison Inn.

Domaine Divio: Let's Take a Peek

Domaine Divio's philosophy is to makes wines with minimal intervention. There is a strong Burgundian influence on the wines produced, given Bruno Corneaux, proprietor and winemaker is a 4th generation Burgundy producer.

Welcome to Domaine Divio © Spawinefood

Bruno Corneaux, Domaine Divio © Spaswinefood

While working on his Master’s Degree in Enology & Viticulture Bruno met his Domaine Divio partner André Weil. In 2012 André and Bruno found the best spot in the Willamette Valley to create a wine estate, It was in 2014 that they established the Clos Gallia Estate on Ribbon Ridge.

We were treated to a tasting of Domaine Divio, Passetoutgrain 2020.

Domaine Divio in the Glass © Spaswinefood

Domaine Divio, Passetoutgrain, Willamette Valley 2020

Domaine Divio, Passetoutgrain, Willamette Valley 2020 © Spaswinefood

After a welcomed tasting at Domaine Divio, along our way to the Allison, we also stopped at Utopia Estate Vineyard for a brief tour. 

Utopia Estate Vineyard: Let's Take a Peek

Utopia Vineyard, Ribbon Ridge with Dan Warnshuis © Spaswinefood

Utopia's hands-on owner Dan Warnshuis is, not only winemaker and vineyard manage, but also a key leader of the Ribbon Ridge AVA. We were most fortunately that Dan was our host for the pre-conference tour. 

Dan Warnshuis, Utopia Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Given that next day we would return for a wine tasting we did a quick tour of the winery.

Winemaker Dinner at the Allison Inn

Next, is was onto a Winemaker's Dinner at the Allison Inn. Dinner included a 3-course meal co-hosted by Taste Newberg and The Allison Inn & Spa. The wines were donated by Ribbon Ridge AVA's Divio and Utopia wineries. The wine pairings were Chardonnay, Pinot Noir with entrée, and Riesling with dessert. Amongst the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines served at dinner were the following:

Time for Chardonnay

Utopia Vineyard, Chardonnay Ribbon Ridge AVA 2017 © Spaswinefood

Domaine Divio, Chardonnay Clos Gallia 2017 © Spaswinefood

Time for Pinot Noir

Utopia Vineyard, Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge AVA 2017 © Spaswinefood

Domaine Divio, Estate Pinot Noir Clos Gallia 2018 © Spaswinefood

After a fabulous dinner with great wines, it was back to the hotel to rest.

Welcome to Ribbon Ridge Wineries 

1. Ribbon Ridge Winery

Next morning, our vine-filled day, began with a visit to the Ribbon Ridge Winery. Here we were introduced to Ribbon Ridge and Ridgecrest Estate wines (Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Grüner Veltliner and Gamay Noir). These estate-grown wines are reflective of the Ribbon Ridge’s reputation as one of the worlds truly special wine regions.

Ribbon Ridge © Spaswinefood

It was a great meeting at Ribbon Ridge Winery. Here we heard the story of the first vines planted on Ribbon Ridge.

Ribbon Ridge Vineyard  © Spaswinefood.

This vineyard is home to the oldest vines in the AVA.

Ribbon Ridge Vines © Spaswinefood

A Close Look at the Old Vines, Ribbon Ridge © Spaswinefood

It was an awesome setting for an introduction to the AVA’s history by Harry Peterson-Nedry. Hearing this history, while we sipped Ridgecrest and Ribbon Ridge wines, was such a delight.

History & Wine Tasting, Ribbon Ridge © Spaswinefood

Hearing about the history of the Ribbon Ridge AVA certainly set the stage for our Ribbon Ridge wine country explorations.

Ribbon Ridge & Ridgecrest Estate Wines © Spaswinefood

What a perfect way to begin our wine country day!

2. Trisaetum Estate Vineyard and Winery

Our next stop was Trisaetum Estate Vineyard and Winery, owned since 2003 by James and Andrea Frey. 

Trisaetum Estate Vineyard and Winery © Spaswinefood

Trisaetum Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

James A Frey, winemaker and artist, and Trisaetum staff did a side by side tasting of wines from their Ribbon Ridge and Coastal vineyards. We also enjoyed appetizers specially designed to pair with the wines we tasted.

Tasting Trisaetum Wines © Spaswinefood

Trisaetum Sparkling Wine © Spaswinefood

Charcuterie with Trisaetum Sparkling Wine © Spaswinefood

Before leaving I could not resist taking a peek at their estate vineyard. 

Trisaetum Estate Vineyard   © Spaswinefood

3. Utopia Estate Vineyard

We headed onto our third stop at Utopia Estate Vineyard. 

Utopia Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Here we enjoyed sushi with a selection of Utopia wines.

Ready for Wine, Utopia Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Sushi Time, Utopia © Spaswinefood

We would conclude our winery visit with a quick stop in the vineyard.

Utopia Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

4. Eminent Domaine

We would next, head up to the top of Ribbon Ridge to Eminent Domaine. 

Welcome to Eminent Domaine © Spaswinefood 

Not only are the wines good here but also the views from Eminent Domaine are spectacular.

Eminent Domaine © Spaswinefood

This winery is the perfect setting to take in views from the ridge.

Taking in the Views, Eminent Domaine © Spaswinefood

Visiting Eminent Domaine © Spaswinefood

While tasting wines, enjoying those amazing vistas overlooking Ribbon Ridge AVA, we were treated awesome pizza prepared by David at Eminent Domaine’s outdoor kitchen.

Pizza by David, Eminent Domaine © Spaswinefood

5. Styring Estate Vineyard and Winery 

For our last stop, we headed a short distance down the hill to Styring Estate Vineyard and Winery for a dessert course paired with Styring wines to top off our day. Styring Estate promises Getting to Styring involves taking the road less traveled. Beautiful fields of green, rolling hills, and these wonderful little paths that make you feel you are going on a mini adventure instead of just tasting wine. It was indeed that at the end of a hot summer's day.

Styring Estate Vineyard and Winery © Spaswinefood

While it was a hot day we so loved the shade of the huge maple tree.

Styring Estate Vineyard and Winery © Spaswinefood

There at day's end we were treated to wines and dessert pairings.

A Styring Estate Vineyard and Winery Welcome  © Spaswinefood

Vine Time, Styring Estate Vineyard and Winery © Spaswinefood

We were royally treated to Ribbon Ridge hospitality at day's end.

Day's End, Styring Estate Vineyard and Winery © Spaswinefood

Dessert and wine at Styring was the perfect ending of a Ribbon Ridge Wine Country Day. After a vine-filled day we returned to our hotel to rest before traveling onto Eugene next day for #WMC2021. 

Special thanks to Dan Warnshuis and his colleagues for our awesome visit to the Ribbon Ridge AVA, a Willamette Valley wine island. Given the Ribbon Ridge AVA unique island-like growing conditions we would highly recommend visiting the above wineries.  Here you will discover some of Oregon's best wines. I invite you to join me in our travels in Oregon Wine Country and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

August 2021

Newberg, Oregon

© Spaswinefood

Ribbon Ridge AVA

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Michigan wine country: MV Mari Vineyards

Our summer 2021 Michigan wine country travels took us to MV Mari Vineyards. After a wine country introduction to Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore AVA (American Viticultural Area). Next, we traveled onto Traverse City. Using Traverse City, as a base, we toured the Old Mission Peninsula AVA, which included a visit to Mari Vineyards. I was excited to discover that this winery is one of Michigan wineries experimenting with new grape varieties not grown in the region.

Michigan's MV Mari Vineyards Wines © Spaswinefood

I was not disappointed because a highlight of our Michigan wine country travels was MV Mari Vineyards.

MV Mari Vineyards, Michigan © Spaswinefood

MV Mari Vineyards, Old Mission Peninsula AVA

Mari Vineyards is located in Old Mission Peninsula AVA, this area, know for its cherries, became an AVA in 1987. The winery, owned by Marty Lagina, planted its first vineyard in 1999, with it first release of their flagship wine, Row 7, in 2006. Tradition meets innovation at Mari where 100% of their grapes are estate grown in their six vineyards (60 acres). The 22 grape varieties grown includes experimental Italian grapes and traditional grown appellation varieties. The vineyards are certified sustainable by Certified Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAED). Moreover, all vineyards are under Mutual Farm Management (MFM), which incorporates organic and biodynamic practices. Six acres of their vineyards planted with red grapes use a Nella Serra (greenhouse) approach. This allows for an extra 4-6 weeks of growth. For sure lots of exciting wine boundaries are being challenged at this winery.

MV Mari Vineyards © Spaswinefood

During my visit I could not resist taking a peek at the vineyards. Next, we enjoyed an inviting tasting menu with the wines.

Cheese & Meat Platter, MV Mari Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Tasting MV Mari Vineyards Wines © Spaswinefood

Mari Vineyards Wines

We had a great tasting experience at MV Mari Vineyards. After the tasting we could not leave without getting some wines to share with friends later.

MV Mari Vineyards Wines © Spaswinefood

Mari Vineyards Wines

Amongst the wines we tasted I will highlight three Mari Vineyards wines in this post:

1. Totus Porcus 2017 (35% Gewürztraminer, 35% Riesling, 30% Pinot Grigio)

The translation “whole hog” is a perfect name for this full-bodied wine that has a little bit of everything. Instead of being harvested and fermented separately before getting blended, the grapes were picked and barreled together to invent a wine that is now ready to be enjoyed “totus porcus.” This is a full bodied wine featuring a fully integrated lees texture and a soft finish. They also note that the time spent aging in the bottle has also allowed this wine to evolve in flavor. Notes of lychee—characteristic of Gewurztraminer, dried apricot, and Thai basil are followed by baking spices, sandalwood, and vanilla from oak contact. Drinkable until 2023.

2. Troglodyte Bianco 2017 (45% Pinot Grigio, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Gruner Veltliner)

A translation for troglodyte is cave dweller. Sean O'Keefe, one of the premier winemakers in Michigan, has crafted this sustainably farmed ode to dry white wine blends. This Michigan Bianco has tasting notes of white flowers, melon, and snap peas. Troglodyte offers a unique fruit forward character with peppery, herbal qualities making it ideal for a variety of typical white food pairings.

3. Troglodyte Rosso 2019 (60% Pinot Noir, 20% Teroldego, 20% Merlot)

Gritty tannins, and mouthwatering acidity from this Teroldego play off of the dominant cherry forward Pinot Noir, soften by the herbal Merlot, making this a perfectly balanced and easy to enjoy wine. Tannins are present but never overpowering. While not an obviously oaked wine, light oak does show on a largely clean finish.

Troglodyte Rosso is a perfect charcuterie board wine. Try Italian meats like mortadella and soft goat cheese. The blend’s fruit driven youth is also a great ballast for savory pad see ew or rustic roasted lamb with potatoes.

Note: Teroldego, a deeply colored red wine grape, is grown mostly in Northern Italy's mountainous Trentino wine region. This dark-skinned variety produces deeply pigmented red wines with an intensely fruity character, a style that has become something of an icon for Trentino's wine industry. It is a soft wine and needs very little aging, usually being drunk within three years of bottling, though it can cellar well for up to 10 years.

For sure, the above three MV Mari Vineyards wines, represent some of the best of Michigan wines. 

Guests on the Patio, MV Mari Vineyards 2021 © Spaswinefood

Our summer 2021 travels through Michigan wine country was a great introduction to Michigan wines.

Summer 2021, MV Mari Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Without a doubt our Mari Vineyards visit in Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula AVA was had a great introduction to the range of Michigan wines. While most wineries have focused on grape varieties that are best suited for Michigan's climate, Mari Vineyards has explored further. Also ,these days in Michigan, various hybrid varieties are being looked at to allow for better grape growing. Clearly, Michigan wine making has had an exciting history, and its future looks promising. Our overland travels through Michigan to rejoin US-2, The Great Northern Route, not only allowed for wine country explorations but also to have a more in-depth overview of the state. I invite you to join me in my travels in Michigan Wine Country and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!

Sharon

Summer 2021

Traverse City, Michigan

MV Mari Vineyards © Spaswinefood

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Put Michigan Wine Country on the list

Since 2022 has arrived and I have time to reflect on our Summer 2021 Michigan wine country travels. I clearly remember that before resuming our overland east to west coast travels along The Great Northern Route we needed to reach Highway 2 (US-2) on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Our first stop on our journey north to US-2, was a state park at Sugar Loaf Lake, in the Waterloo Recreation Area. Here we experienced a tornado watch warning. Next stop, Warren Dune State Park, brought us to wine country on the western shore of the peninsula. It was here we introduced to Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore AVA. From there we traveled onto Traverse City. Using Traverse City, as a base, we toured the Old Mission Peninsula AVA. This was my first introduction to Michigan Wine Country.

On the Michigan Wine Trail © Spaswinefood

While our stay in Michigan was brief I have discovered that Michigan is home to more than 140 wineries. These wineries are scattered across five AVA’s (Fernville, Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Michigan Shore, Old Mission Peninsula, and Tip of the Mitt). In fact throughout the state there are six wine trails (Lake Michigan Shore, Glen Arbor Village, Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula, Thumbs Up, Southwestern Michigan Pioneer, and Petosky). Lake Michigan Shore and Fennville AVAs account for around 40% of the state's wine, while the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula AVAs, account for 55%. Each Michigan AVA has its own unique terroir. For example Lake Michigan Shore AVA enjoys an extended growing season, the approximately four additional weeks for ripening allows this area to  produce big, jammy red varietal wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Leelanau Peninsula's produces white varieties with well-balanced acidity, such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling. Hybrid grape wines, such as Marquette, Frontenac and Vidal Blanc, do well in the vineyards farther inland. Michigan produces ice wine, making if one of the few fortunate winemaking regions, besides Canada and Germany.

Michigan, ranked sixth in the US for wine production, has a rich history of wine making, dating back to 1780's. Michigan wineries specialized in sweet wine and fruit wine well into the 1970s. With the growth in demand, starting in the latter half of the 20th century, for locally grown fine wines, several existing Michigan makers of sweet wine experimented with upgrading their production, and new vintners also entered the scene. A slow growth in the number of wineries, and experimentation with different vinifera varieties continued well into the 2000s. While most wineries have focused on grape varieties that are best suited for Michigan's climate, a few have explored further. These days various hybrid varieties are being looked at to allow for grape growing in the Upper Peninsula. Clearly wine making in Michigan has had an exciting history and its future looks promising.

Michigan's Wine Trail 

While on the Lake Shore Wine Trail we celebrated our friends, Karla and Gary’s anniversary at a winery restaurant. Besides exploring Lake Michigan Shore wine country we got to relax at the Warren Dune State Park.

Warren Dune State Park, Michigan © Spaswinefood

From Warren Dune State Park we then traveled onto Traverse City where we toured the Old Mission Peninsula AVA. This area became an AVA in 1987. While in the area we visited Chateau Chantal and Mari Vineyards. 

Wine Tasting, Chateau Chantal © Spaswinefood

MV Mari Vineyards, Old Mission Peninsula AVA © Spaswinefood

Mari Vineyards Pushing Grape Boundaries

Old Mission Peninsula AVA, an area know for its cherries became an AVA in 1987. Mari Vineyards is owned by Marty Lagina. Their first vineyard was planted in 1999, with the first release of their flagship wine, Row 7, in 2006. Tradition meets innovation at Mari where 100% of their grapes are estate grown in their six vineyards (60 acres). The 22 grape varieties grown includes experimental Italian grapes and traditional grown appellation varieties. The vineyards are certified sustainable by Certified Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAED). Moreover, all vineyards are under Mutual Farm Management (MFM), which incorporates organic and biodynamic practices. Six acres of their vineyards planted with red grapes use a Nella Serra (greenhouse) approach. This allows for an extra 4-6 weeks of growth.  Mari Vineyards is clearly experimenting with new grape varieties for this AVA.

Peninsula Township, Michigan Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Michigan, ranked sixth in the US for wine production, was an exciting wine adventure for me. Put Michigan Wine Country travels on your list. It was fun discovering Michigan's  wine regions (AVA's). Old Mission Peninsula AVA, where both Chateau Chantal and Mari Vineyards are found, provided a great introduction to the possibility of Michigan wines. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Michigan and elsewhere at at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS

Sharon

Reflections on Summer 2021

Michigan Wine Country Travels

Michigan Wines from MV Mari Vineyards © Spaswinefood

MV Mari Vineyards © Spaswinefood

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