5 Wineries: Small-Batch, Artisan & Exquisite

You can taste the respect for the winemaking craft these 5 wineries demonstrate.
BY TOURING & TASTING

Gary Farrell Winery

What to Buy:
'13 Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir - $70
Cranberries, pomegranate, violet, sweet orange, rosewood

'13 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir - $55
Blackberries, wild mushroom, cedar, cardamom

'13 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay - $45
White peach, nectarine, nutmeg, honey, butterscotch

Tasting Room: Open Daily by Appointment 10:30–4:30

Active before the creation of the Russian River Valley AVA, Gary Farrell Winery produced its first wine in 1982, guided by the careful hands of the winery’s namesake. In the 33 years that have followed, the winery has consistently produced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, forging a legacy of collaboration between the winery and the appellation’s top growers. Although Gary Farrell sold his winery in 2004, his brand, the hilltop facility he built in 2000, and the relationships he established with local vineyards lie in able hands. Theresa Heredia joined Gary Farrell Winery in 2012 and continues to deliver the quality for which the winery has become known, as she slowly expands the production of the brand. The former UC-Davis chemistry Ph.D. candidate brings her sizable experience working both in France and Napa Valley to the Russian River Valley as she carries on Gary Farrell’s passion for meticulously produced single-vineyard, small-lot wines. Visitors to the winery’s hilltop estate are greeted by a gorgeous view of the valley as well as a variety of engaging seated tasting experiences, including tours of the winery’s crush pad and cellar, where curious wine lovers can learn about the journey that the wine takes from fruit to table.
www.garyfarrellwinery.com

Elizabeth Chambers Cellar

What to Buy:
'12 Winemaker’s Cuvée, Willamette Valley - $35
Red cherry, black licorice, sassafras

'12 Pinot Noir, Lazy River - $48
Floral, blackberries, plum, earth

Tasting Room Hours: Open Daily 12pm-5pm

On every Elizabeth Chambers Cellar wine label, one finds a blue butterfly—a tribute to Elizabeth’s mother, who inspired her daughter’s role as a pioneer in Oregon wine. Today, Elizabeth Chambers Cellar is dedicated to the small-lot production of high-quality handcrafted Pinot Noir. Winemaker Michael Stevenson, who has been crafting wine in the Willamette Valley for more than 20 years, has forged strong relationships with many top growers. In an elegant style that avoids unnecessary manipulation in the winery or overuse of new oak, he strives for a clear expression of each wine’s unique terroir. The result is a natural wine style that consistently receives rave reviews. The spacious winery and tasting room are located in a recently renovated historic power plant. Here, guests can sit at the bar or on the patio and watch winemaking in progress while they familiarize themselves with the wines and other fans of exceptional Oregon Pinot Noir.
www.elizabethchamberscellar.com

Silvan Ridge Winery

What to Buy:
'14 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris - $15
Mandarin orange, limeade, herbs, tropical fruit

'13 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - $22
Rhubarb jam, ripe raspberry, Bing cherry, earth, hint of cinnamon

'13 Rogue Valley Malbec - $22
Plum, dark cherry, hints of earth, spice

Tasting Room Hours: Open Daily 12–5

Bordered on one side by alpine forest and on the other by commanding views of grapevines and rolling hills, Silvan Ridge Winery is a slice of Alsace, just 12 miles south of Eugene. Its patio and expansive manicured grounds are a perfect spot for a picnic, complete with fresh fruit from one of the farm stands passed along the way—a magical drive that winds through the iconic Coyote Creek Covered Bridge, pastures, and miles of vineyards. Silvan Ridge Winery has the reputation for producing memorable wines at attractive price points, as well as lively events, dinners, outdoor movies, live music—and on Friday nights, revelers can enjoy their wine with pizzas from a wood-fired oven. The winery produces approximately 20,000 cases annually including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, early Muscat (which has graced the dining table at the White House), Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Malbec. The wines are crafted in an exceptional New World style that demonstrates Old World sensibility and distinctive Willamette Valley terroir.
www.silvanridge.com

Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery

What to Buy:
'13 Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain - $75
Wild raspberries, blackberries, black currants, dried sage

'13 Pinot Noir, Dark Star Hill - $55
Juicy cherry, cola nut, savory herbs, Asian spices

'13 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains - $35
Key lime, guava, honeysuckle, golden apple, vanilla, ripe banana

Tasting Room Hours: Open Daily 10-5

The name Martin Ray resonates deeply with those well-versed in the history of California wine. Winemaker Martin Ray was a pioneer in creating 100 percent varietals in the region and made wines under his namesake label from 1943 through 1972. Nearly 20 years later Courtney Benham made a life-altering discovery when he stumbled on 1,500 cases of Martin Ray wine in a San Jose warehouse. Recognizing his good fortune, Courtney purchased the brand and since 1990, he has been dedicated to the production of exceptional artisanal wines worthy of the Martin Ray name. Today, Martin Ray wines uphold their original founder’s legacy with the same 100 percent varietal style. Replanted in 2011 in the heart of the Russian River Valley, the estate vineyard grows a variety of Pinot Noir clones, most notably Clone 37, which was brought to the region by Martin Ray in the 1940s. Located just beyond the eastern border of the Russian River’s coolest, foggiest sub-AVA, Green Valley, this 12-acre vineyard has flourished and recently yielded its first two wines: the 2014 Estate Pinot Noir and 2015 Estate Rosé. Guests are always welcome to stop into the tasting room, which once served as a stable and bunkhouse for vineyard workers, for drop-in tastings. Several intimate tastings and tours are also available to guests who make a reservation in advance on the winery’s website.
www.martinraywinery.com

Papapietro Perry Winery

What to Buy:
'13 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley - $53
Enticing Raspberry, cherry, cola, tea

'13 Pinot Noir, Leras Family Vineyards - $58
Complex cherry, strawberry, cola, earth

'13 Pinot Noir, Peters Vineyard - $58
Concentrated dark sweet cherry, cola

Tasting Room: Open Daily 11-4:30

The story of Papapietro Perry Winery began in a garage with two friends, Ben Papapietro and Bruce Perry, who were bitten by the winemaking bug. They started making wine, as both of their grandfathers had, for the enjoyment of their families and friends. Like their grandfathers, they were good at it. So good, in fact, that by the 1990s they decided to produce their garagista wines in commercial quantities, and Papapietro Perry Winery was born. When the fun-loving partners are asked today what style of wine they make, they always respond with a smile, “great wines.” Although the winemaking operation has moved out of Ben’s garage, the Papapietro Perry cellar maintains an unpretentious, welcoming ambiance. And, with their wives working at their sides (Bruce's wife Renae is the CEO and Ben's wife Yolanda manages distributor relations), they are able to mix business with pleasure every day and at least one of them is often found in the tasting room. There’s even a well-equipped kitchen in the cellar where family favorites are prepared for the staff and others who are lucky enough to drop in at the right time. “Our philosophy is that the winery is an extension of our homes and personal hospitality,” Ben says.
www.papapietro-perry.com