Perched on the top of Illahee Hill, just south of Salem, Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Jim Bernau who bought the original site (now the Estate Vineyard). Using a small tractor he cleared away the old pioneer plum orchard hidden in scotch broom and blackberry vines and planted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, which he then watered with a garden hose. Over the next few years Jim was able to buy parcels of land here and there until he had fifty contiguous acres of vineyard. He was, and remains, passionate in his belief that the cool climate of Oregon can deliver the expression of pure varietal fruit character, subtle layers of flavour, and fine tannins with the acidity he wants.
The estate vineyard is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley appellation with slopes of south and south-west orientation dropping from 750ft in elevation to 500ft, allowing for the best summer sun and air circulation. Yields are low with the estate vineyard limited to 1.75 tons per acre. in 1997 Jim purchased one of Oregon’s most respected vineyards, Tualatin Estate which enabled WVV to increase its production and maintain its high quality.
Willamette Valley Vineyards is very much at the vanguard of the Oregon wine scene, a collaborative effort between a number of people not least Forrest Klaffke, winemaker and Sauk Zaik who designed the distinctive winery. Jim himself is a passionate and committed advocate of Oregon wine, largely instrumental in the establishment of the Oregon Wine Board.
The stylistic emphasis is on pure varietal fruit characters with attention to depth and richness of mouthfeel and balance. The wines are broadly characterised by a generosity of flavour with charm and grace.