Elton Vineyards

Of all the AVAs in Oregon, the Eola-Amity Hills AVA holds a special place for me.  It’s where I studied Oregon Pinot Noir, after all.  And it’s where I met the divine Miss Betty O’Brien.  Betty and her late husband, Dick, are one of the founding viticulturists in Oregon.  The vineyard is 60 acres on Jory and Nekia soils and there’s still some self rooted vines out there.  She grows some Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and some Gruner Vetliner.  Betty’s father used to grow blackcap raspberries for Dr.Pepper on the same property.  I never knew what that flavor was!

The vineyard has sold grapes to many upscale wineries including Ken Wright and Fiddlehead, among others.  Betty and I first bonded over a bottle of Fiddlehead Pinot Noir made with her fruit after she learned that I love Fiddlehead Sauvignon Blanc.  We’ve been eating my cooking and exploring wine together ever since.  Today, the vineyard is leased to Willamette Valley Vineyards and they’re making the Elton wines as single vineyard designates.  As it should be!  Stay tuned for an exclusive tasting room opening soon at Elton Vineyards.  Guests will be able to enjoy the extensive gardens at appointment only tastings right on her vineyard.  You should go just for the surprising selection of art in the garden if nothing else, although not much beats sipping a glass of exquisite wine and looking at amazing art, all while outside exploring the meandering pathways and all the hidden nooks and crannies in the nearly two acre garden.  We call it The Shire.  The art inspired the label design.  I could tell you where to find The Dancing Lady in the garden, but where would the fun be in that?
 

The Pinot Noirs are soft and rich with the complexity you would expect from vines that are over 35 years old.  The Chardonnay has a crisp sophistication and a nice range of fruit expressions depending on if it was oaked or not.  The Pinot Gris is airy and the Gruner is sassy when it’s done right.  Who am I kidding…the Gruner is always sassy.