Eryie Vineyards has arrived.

In January 1965, after earning a degree in viticulture and enology from UC/Davis, and research in Europe, 25-year old David Lett AKA "Papa Pinot" moved to Oregon “with 3,000 grape cuttings and a theory”. He planted the cuttings in a rented nursery plot, and went looking for the perfect vineyard site. It was the first planting of Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and related varieties in the Willamette Valley, and the first Pinot gris in America.

The Eyrie Vineyards, founded by David and Diana Lett in 1966, is located in the Red Hills of Dundee, about 30 miles SW of Portland. It was named for the red-tailed hawks who make their home (EYE-ree) in the fir trees at the top of the first vineyard plantings. The winery is in nearby McMinnville. In 1975, The Eyrie Vineyards produced the first American Pinot noir to compete successfully with the renowned Pinot noirs of Burgundy. (Paris, 1979; Beaune, 1980). Total annual production is around 10,000 cases. All wines are estate-grown and produced.

In addition to handcrafted Pinot noir, Pinot gris and Chardonnay, the Eyrie Vineyards also makes limited bottlings of Pinot blanc, Pinot Meunier and Muscat Ottonel. In 2005, Jason Lett took over from his father as winemaker and vineyard manager at The Eyrie Vineyards, and continues his family’s pioneering legacy.

The Wines:

Pinot Noir Estate - 2008- 92 Points "The medium ruby red 2008 Pinot Noir Estate offers up a lovely perfume of cherry blossom, cinnamon, incense, cranberry, and raspberry. Elegant on the palate with plenty of spicy red fruit, lively acidity, and enough structure to evolve for several years, it will be at its best from 2013 to 2023." -Jay Miller, Wine Advocate, Oct 2010

Pinot Gris Estate - 2008- 91 Points "The 2008 Pinot Gris Estate has an alluring nose of melon, mineral, and floral notes leading to a creamy-textured, rich, concentrated wine. The price is a steal."-Jay Miller, Wine Advocate, Oct 2010

Pinot Blanc- 2009 - A lively Pinot Blanc that has hints of spice, with the fruit taste of apple and pear.

Chardonnay- 2009 - Like the Reserve, grapes for this wine also come from Eyrie’s original plantings. Jason selected this cuvée for suppleness and more approachability in its youth than the Original Vines Reserve.