1789 Wines: This is the private label of Isabelle Dutartre, the winemaker at De Ponte (and former assistant winemaker at Domaine Drouhin). Isabelle is as talented a winemaker as there is in the Valley and I was able to taste her own wines while at De Ponte. I have been trying to get some wine out of her for a while now. If you go to De Ponte, be sure to ask her about it.
Argyle: One of the bigger wineries in Oregon, perhaps best known for their sparkling wines (which are perhaps my favorite domestic sparklers), but also make top notch pinot. I am a big fan of the Spirithouse and Nuthouse pinot noirs. The tasting room is a bit corporate/Napaesque, but still worthy of a visit.
De Ponte: I went to the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) in 2010 and De Ponte was assigned as my ‘host winery’. They were absolutely fantastic, and that is an understatement. It was my first time in the Willamette Valley and I went to De Ponte my first day there (before the IPNC started). They gave me a tour of the winery while walking through their portfolio. What wonderful wines and wonderful people. Scott, the owner, was as gracious as could be and Isabelle, the winemaker, was charming and informative. I can not recommend them highly enough.
Domaine Drouhin
Brick House
Patricia Green
the drunken cyclist 
did you mean patricia green not smith??? … will we see you again at IPNC?? cheers! btf
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Yes, I meant Green. I am such a dope. No IPNC for me this year—have a blast!
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I recently tried a lovely Pinot from King Estate Winery. Are you familiar with them? It’s not sold in the UK unfortunately!
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They are one of the larger producers in Oregon and they do a pretty good job! Too bad you can’t get them over there!
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