by Michelle Kaufmann and Tracy Timmons
A Sense of Place
by Michelle Kaufmann and Tracy Timmons
Mature vineyards, mature winemaking, consistently great wines.
At CHEHALEM, we believe that wine quality is determined by the cool macro-climate of the Willamette Valley, vintage, soils, vineyard micro-climates, and winemaking style. Our job is to keep the terroir talking and to make the winemaker imprint as transparent as possible. The climate and our winemaking style reveal wines that emphasize balance, elegance and texture rather than power and size. This openness allows the vintage and three terroirs on which we farm to express themselves, as wines of startling distinction. We make sustainability a priority in every step of winemaking, from conscientious farming choices in our vineyards, to reducing impact in the winery, to marketing decision on collateral. Everything leads back to how we protect our environment and community.
CHEHALEM pioneered grape growing in the prestigious soils of Ribbon Ridge in the early 1980s when founder Harry Peterson-Nedry purchased land and planted Ridgecrest Vineyards. CHEHALEM was founded in 1990 with the release of our first bottle of wine, Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir. Still a favorite of wine club members and critics alike, the Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir is now accompanied by estate bottlings from our Corral Creek Vineyards and Stoller Vineyards. With a firm belief that outstanding wine should accompany every course of a meal, CHEHALEM creates lush, aromatic, acid-driven white and red wines.
A staple of the Newberg wine scene since 1995, the CHEHALEM production facility sits on a 35-year-old vineyard. Approximately 40 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling are grown on site, with native red-tail hawks circling overhead and a crew of resident winery dogs awaiting visitors. With a reservation, guests enjoy a leisurely educational discussion about our vineyard practices, LIVE certification, peek at what action is happening in the winery and taste through our wines.
For those interested in tasting only, CHEHALEM also has a dedicated Tasting Room and Wine Bar open seven-days a week throughout the year in downtown Newberg. Opened in 2008, the historic brick building features soaring 16-foot ceilings clad in original wood timbers, and exposed red brick walls. The large, industrial decorated space lends a cozy and casual vibe for drop-in tastings. Guests can try a featured line-up of wines, and