THE EYRIE CELEBRATION 2022!
February 22, 1965, was a very important day in the world of wine. Against all professional and scholarly advice, David Lett planted the first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The rest, as they say, is history.
We celebrate February 22nd every year as EYRIE CELEBRATION DAY by popping some special bottles from this legendary winery while discussing the history and cultural impact they have had.
This year we’re incredibly lucky to welcome Diana and Jason Lett into our celebration and conversation! They will get us up to speed on recent vintages, share stories of the family and the historic original vines, and much more. It’s going to be a great night.
From the Eyrie Vineyards website:
“EYRIE FOUNDER DAVID LETT was convinced that the climate of the Willamette Valley was potentially perfect for growing Pinot noir. At the tender age of 24, with a degree in viticulture, another in philosophy, and eight months of intensive research in European wine regions behind him, David Lett headed for Oregon. He left California with little more than 3000 grape cuttings and a firm conviction that Oregon’s Willamette Valley would be the best home for Pinot noir and Chardonnay outside of Burgundy.
On February 22 1965, David established the modern era of winegrowing in the Willamette Valley when he planted his first vines. David was soon joined by his new wife Diana, and together they planted and expanded their estate on a former orchard in the Dundee Hills. Their plantings focused on the first Pinot noir and Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley, but also the first Pinot gris commercially planted outside of Europe, and other cool climate varieties.”
As always, no specific wines are needed to have to enjoy the class, but if you can get your hands on a bottle of Eyrie that would be great. Check with your favorite local fine wine shops.
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The Wine Workshops are designed to be a fast infusion of wine knowledge, taught by one of the most experienced wine educators in the country, certified sommelier Jason Kallsen along with his wife Angela. When properly and clearly explained, wine does not need to be intimidating.
We hope you can join us for THE EYRIE CELEBRATION 2022!
Learn more about what it’s like to experience a Wine Workshop.