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Oregon Pinot Camp on the Road

Oregon Pinot Camp logo Many of you have, as members of the trade, attended Oregon Pinot Camp (OPC) or have heard about it as an excellent way of giving context to our wines—why we're here, how we succeeded against challenges, and what makes others continue to come here seeking the Holy Grail of great Pinot Noir. It is terribly difficult to grow where it grows best and it can be eviscerated by bad winemaking. But, it can deify when done correctly.

If you have been here or have studied what we do with more than a passing interest, we'd like to encourage you to tell others, perhaps take them through a mini-OPC where you are. We can help you with the right wines, materials, and coaching support. It may not be Oregon, but you can make them feel like it is. Below is an outline that has worked for us on the road.

We will flesh it out with details... coming soon!

Oregon winery principals take OPC on the road. You can, too.
(From left, Dick Erath, Paul Hart, Pat Dudley, Adam Campbell, and Harry Peterson-Nedry.)

I. Why Oregon is the Birthplace of New World Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley's latitude and climate
Unique topography & soils

II. How Oregon Winegrowers Laid the Foundations of New World Pinot Noir

How the first Oregon winegrowers were visionaries
Climate—the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity
Where we are today

III. Farming for Quality & Sustainability

The focus on soil characteristics and health to achieve natural vine balance
Widespread adoption of low-input viticulture (LIVE, organic, and biodynamic)
The industry's fight to protect our land

IV. Oregon's Cool Whites

How Oregon's climate preserves freshness and acidity in white wines
The rise of Pinot Gris
Fruit-forward vs. Texturally enhanced whites
Oregon's other whites—Dijon-clone Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling

chart showing factors affecting Oregon style and Oregon versions
Factors Affecting Oregon Style
and Oregon Versions

V. The Style of Oregon Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is the most important wine grape in Oregon, leading to incredible growth in both production and the number of Oregon wineries
Is there an Oregon Style?
Oregon Pinot Noir character impacts (in this order)
Climate
Vintage
Terroir
Winemaking Style
Characteristics of Oregon Pinot Noir style:
Brightness of cool-climate acidity
Intense fresh fruit
Firm structure of acidity, fine tannin, and fruit extraction