RE: Burgeoning Southern Oregon

Joseph Shaughnessy — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 03:01:22 GMT

What a wonderful write-up on a region so near and dear to my heart!

So thrilled that what Vince is doing at Irvine and Roberts is being noticed by the community. I would easily challenge their Pinot Noir against some of the best in both Willamette and Burgundy.

I think the biggest hurdle for this region is producing enough wine to market itself as real quality regions. Irvine and Roberts, Cowhorn... they dont have a lot of acres under vine. So while they produce phenomenal wines at great value I fear they cant reach enough consumers outside state lines.

Another issue with the region has to do with the recent legalization of recreational marijuana. A great deal of viable farmland is being bought up to grow. I would like to see what impact this has on any ideas of expanding in vineyard size? I know land prices there have skyrocketed in the last 5 years.

RE: Burgeoning Southern Oregon

Sean — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 12:40:18 GMT

Thanks Kelli! I had the opportunity to be at TEXSOM this past summer and attended a seminar by Liz Thach MW about Southern Oregon. We tasted some exciting wines and your article really pulls back the curtain even more on this promising region. One question; Are you ever concerned with the growing number of AVA's in areas and how it can overwhelm the consumer and backfire? I ask because I have a 600 SKU bottle wine list which attracts well informed consumers but Sub AVA's are usually only mentioned by others in the trade. Thanks for always delivering informative articles delivered in manner that is always enjoyable to read.