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