In terms of terroir, the Willamette Valley in is often described as the United State’s answer to Burgundy, and Elk Cove Vineyards has developed a reputation for crafting a refined French-style libation. Although many regions of the U.S. produce stellar Pinot varietals, it’s the temperate climate of the Willamette Valley in Gaston, Oregon that mirrors the exact latitude of France’ s Burgundy region—eliciting Oregon’ s persistent Old World comparison.
Covering more than 250 acres of the northern Willamette Valley wine region, Elk Cove Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery that has been quietly producing the delicately expressive and famously moody wines of the cool-climate varieties since 1977.
Elk Cove Vineyards focuses on four primary grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling, while dabbling in the regions exclusive, lesser-known surprises like the Ultima, a dessert wine blend of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat Ottonel.
Pat and Joe Campbell pioneered Elk Cove’s humble beginnings at a time when the Oregon wine region was still relatively unknown. Committed to making world-class wines, the Campbell’s laid the foundation for a traditional, noninterventionist style of winemaking, a philosophy to which their son and winemaker, Adam Campbell, adheres.
Adam spent his childhood watching his parents toil in the soil, craft in the cellar, and dine with many of Oregon’ s luminary industry pioneers at local wine events. He worked by his father’s side for five years before taking over as the winemaker in 1999.
Like the famously shy wines of Burgundy, Adam’ s style is characterized for highlighting the grape’s charm, while slowly releasing its nuances and subtleties. His efforts have earned the winery many accolades, including the honor of being named Wine Press Northwest’s 2007 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year.
But old-world finesse is not the only Burgundian magic of elk Cove.the tasting room’s vistas could easily be mistaken for a glimpse of the enchanted grape-vines of France’s rugged vineyards. It’s no wonder Robert Parker called the mystical view “breathtaking.” It’s one of Elk Cove’s best kept secrets.
WHAT TO BUY
’12 Pinot Gris – $19
Vibrant citrus, sweet pear, almond, baking spice, ripe peaches
’11 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley – $29
Black cherry, plum, truffle
’11 Pinot Noir Mount Richmond – $48
Spicy cherry, red currant, cola, spicy black raspberry
CONTACT
503-985-7760; 877-355-2683
info@elkcove.com
elkcove.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily 10–5
27751 NW Olson Rd. Gaston, OR 97119
SPECIAL NOTES
Range of cool climate varietals, wine club discounts and events, sustainable farming practices, winemaker dinners and scenic view.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
