Move Over Pinot Noir, Syrah Is Having a Moment
Pinot Noir reigns supreme in Oregon, and you’d be hard pressed to find a winery in Tualatin Valley that doesn’t grow or produce a Pinot Noir. Oregon is the second largest producer (by volume) of Pinot Noir in the United States–second only to California.
Lately, wineries in Tualatin Valley have been producing heartier red wines, with grapes grown in warmer grape-growing regions, such as the Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), in eastern Oregon and Washington. Syrah is more full-bodied and bolder than Pinot Noir, and has spicy notes, versus the earthy flavors of Pinot Noir.
With more Tualatin Valley wineries making Syrah (and one that is growing the grape), it’s getting easier to find a locally made Syrah in tasting rooms throughout the region. Here is a list of wineries that are producing Syrah locally.
Amaterra Wines
Produced in small lots with extended time spent in the barrel, Amaterra’s Syrah is made with grapes grown in the Columbia Gorge AVA.
Ardiri Vineyards
Ardiri’s Amante Syrah is made with grapes grown in Washington State.
Benza Vineyards
The grapes in Benza’s Syrah are sourced from The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA, producing a smooth, yet complex, wine.
Carpenter Creek Winery
Carpenter Creek’s Syrah is a bold red, with grapes sourced for Yakima Valley, Washington.
Dauntless Wine Co.
Grown at Dauntless’ Old 47 Estate Vineyard in Tualatin Valley, is a cool climate Syrah that is produced in a Pinot Noir style.
Hawks View Winery
With grapes sourced from The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA, this “jammy” Syrah also has earthy flavors reminiscent of Pinot Noir.
Lolati Wines
Lolati produces its Syrah from grapes sourced from the warmer Yakima Valley (part of the Columbia Valley AVA).
Oak Knoll Winery
In this winery’s library collection is a 2015 Syrah, produced with grapes sourced from the Columbia Valley.
Olea Vineyards
Olea has a Syrah that is part of its “Mix Tape” collection of single-variety reds, including Syrah, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from their favorite vineyards.
Discover the many varieties of wines–red, white and sparkling–produced by Tualatin Valley wineries. Order or view the Explore Tualatin Valley Wine Guide today.