Oregon sparkling wine producers unite, signaling a new era for the industry as nonprofit Method Oregon sets strict standards for traditional-method sparkling wines as winemakers push onto the global stage.
At Vinovate, a wide range of wines are produced, including Ambar Estate’s first sparkling release, which is currently in the riddling process, a step used to prepare the wine for final bottling.
“We’ll be disgorging and bottling about a month from now,” said Julie Mettille, general manager of Ambar Estate.
Sparkling wine production often takes years from vineyard to finished product, but winemakers say the investment reflects growing consumer demand.
“It’s got great acidity, it pairs well with food, it’s lower alcohol, too, which is really fun, and that’s kind of been a movement,” said Bryan Weil, winemaker and managing partner at Vinovate Wine Services.
For winery owners, the process requires significant time and financial commitment, but many say it is worth it.
“We find a lot of guests are excited about it, and I know our team internally is very excited as well,” Mettille said.
Method Oregon has established strict requirements for its members. Wines must use fruit sourced exclusively from the Willamette Valley, the Columbia Gorge or southern Oregon. The organization also promotes sustainable farming practices and emphasizes what winemakers describe as a distinct “Oregon freshness.”
“It’s a fairly distinctive characteristic. It’s clearly a stamp made in Oregon,” Townsend said.
