Chehalem Mountains
Willamette Valley
The most geologically diverse AVA in the Willamette Valley, with ancient ocean sediments, volcanic basalt, and windblown loess soils all within a few kilometers. The resulting Pinot Noir shows remarkable complexity and site-driven variation.
The wines of Chehalem Mountains are made primarily from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris.
Vineyard Map
Climate
The elevated ridgeline creates a rain shadow effect and increased sun exposure, making it one of the warmer and drier AVAs in the northern Willamette Valley. Strong afternoon winds help moderate temperatures and reduce disease pressure during the growing season.
Terroir
The Chehalem Mountains sit atop a complex foundation of Miocene-era Columbia River Basalt flows interbedded with marine sedimentary rocks from ancient ocean floors, containing marine fossils and fine-grained siltstones. Wind-deposited Missoula Flood loess caps much of the ridgeline, creating well-draining soils over fractured basalt bedrock that allows deep root penetration while maintaining good water retention in the volcanic substrata.
Typical Aromas
What it tastes like
Body
Medium
Acidity
Bright
Tannin
Firm
Oak
A touch of oak
Ripeness
Ripe
Concentration
Medium
Medium-bodied and bright with firm tannin; black cherry, raspberry and baking spices over wet earth and black tea, savoury and structured.
red fruit · black fruit · spicy · earthy · savoury
Similar styles
Lands in the same glass.
Grapes of Willamette Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes grow in Chehalem Mountains?▼
What soils are found in Chehalem Mountains?▼
Map data: TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)