The Willamette Valley, and Oregon in general, is famous for its top-quality Chardonnay, and this region is getting even more serious about growing it.
When people think of Oregon wine, Pinot Noir usually comes to mind. It’s one of the first wines that made the region famous, and it’s still very special there.
Oregon has also been increasing its Chardonnay production in recent years. The Willamette Valley, in particular, has been making some fantastic, world-class Chardonnay, even though many producers are still new to it. In a short time, Chardonnay has become a big focus for winemakers in the area, and the best might be coming from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.
“The growth seems exponential,” says Kate Ayres, winemaker at Penner-Ash. “We started making Chardonnay in 2017, and since then, many vineyards have started planting or expanding Chardonnay, including us with the addition of several blocks. California has always led the way for American Chardonnay, so it’s exciting to see Oregon getting so much positive attention.”
Brian O’Donnell, owner of Belle Pente Vineyard & Winery, agrees. He says Chardonnay has quickly become more popular in recent years, and the wines from Yamhill-Carlton are already standing out from others in the Willamette Valley and beyond.
“We haven’t focused as much on Chardonnay as we have on Pinot Noir, so it’s really only in the last 10 years that people have started taking it seriously,” he says.
What makes Yamhill-Carlton special, according to winemakers, is its location and unique land. Patrick Reuter, winemaker at Dominio IV Wines, says the area has hills that slope northeast. “We get a lot of morning sun when the temperatures are low, which helps protect against midday heat,” he explains.
O’Donnell adds that the soil in this part of the valley is also unique, made up of marine sedimentary soils like sandstone. This gives the wines a slight salty and mineral taste, making them feel fresher and brighter. “They even smell a bit like a sea breeze,” he says.
Penner-Ash’s site, according to Ayres, is located near the coastal mountains, which causes temperature changes. “This helps the fruit grow steadily, keeps the acid well, and makes the sugar grow slower, which results in a balanced Chardonnay,” she says.
The warm, dry climate and the valley’s ability to hold heat are important for growing Chardonnay, O’Donnell says. This makes the wine richer than other American Chardonnays, with flavors that are more complex than those from other regions.
“We get more tropical flavors mixed with citrus notes,” he adds. “What I love about Yamhill-Carlton is the perfect mix of freshness and richness.”
Ayres adds, “The winemakers here have spent years perfecting the types of grapes, the growing areas, and winemaking methods to create world-class Chardonnay. The intensity, freshness, and purity of Oregon Chardonnay make it stand out from other regions.”
However, Reuter says that whether you’re visiting or enjoying the wine at home, keeping an open mind will lead to a pleasant surprise.
“Don’t expect anything specific. Be ready to explore wines that will surprise and delight you. Yamhill-Carlton is just one part of a beautiful valley that welcomes visitors warmly,” he says.
Want to try a bottle of Chardonnay from the region? These wines show the special qualities of the Yamhill-Carlton area and its winemaking styles.
Belle Pente Vineyards Estate Chardonnay: This wine uses more late harvest fruit and new barrels. It has fresh citrus flavors, a touch of tropical fruit, and a medium body. You can drink it now or age it in the right conditions.
Penner-Ash 2023 Willamette Valley Chardonnay: This Chardonnay has a unique smell. It starts with soft floral aromas, then has flavors of candied ginger and lemon zest, with a bit of sweetness from oak and a creamy texture. It’s a wine that balances sweet and rich flavors.
Solena Estate Domaine Danielle Laurent Chardonnay: This wine brings out strong lemon flavors. It also has hints of papaya, candied white pineapple, and Star Anise, adding depth. It was aged for eight months in 10% new oak barrels. It’s ready to drink now but could be kept until 2029, according to the winery.
Abbey Road Farm Ab Ovo Chardonnay: This wine is fermented and aged in a concrete egg vessel, giving it great fruit aromas and flavors, like green apple, lemon rind, and honeysuckle. It finishes with a light minerality. The mix of creaminess and acidity makes it very popular.
Gran Moraine Chardonnay: This wine has a full, rich taste. It smells like clover honey, Champagne mango, pineapple, and crème brûlée. On the palate, you’ll find kumquat, prickly pear, marzipan, flint, and honeysuckle. It’s complex but fun to drink, with a slight minerality that’s typical of the region.
Tendril Wines Child’s Play Chardonnay: This wine is meant to be enjoyed right away. It’s fresh and lively with smells of lime, pineapple, and apple blossoms. The taste is full of peaches, pears, and bright citrus. It’s aged for four months in neutral Oak barrels, which adds a little structure.
Dominio IV Tempting Stones To Sing Chardonnay: This wine has a nice balance between creamy and tangy flavors. It has a lively acidity with notes of lemon pie and verbena. It’s aged in 15% new French Oak, which gives it a smoother taste.
The label artwork is made by Reuter, who uses shape testing. It’s his way of showing the wine’s flavors and sensations without using words. He uses shapes like circles, arrows, and dots to represent things like fruit, acidity, and texture.
Published: 8th May 2025
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