Everyone knows Oregon wines mean one thing: Pinot Noir! Indeed, 53% of the state’s 31,000 ton production in 2010 came from the ancient french grape (first described by the Romans in the 1st century AD).
No one trick pony, Oregon’s adventurous growers/winemakers lead the nation in sustainable growing practices (32% of total acreage) and produce a variety of excellent wines including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Tempranillo, Grenache, Petit Verdon, and Zinfandel. With just under 2 million cases sold in 2010, it’s clearly quality over quantity in Oregon (source: http://industry.oregonwine.org/).
Some well regarded wine brands of Oregon include: Tyee Wine Cellars, Brandborg Wines, Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Croft Vineyards, Van Duzer Vineyards, Ponzi Wines, Apolloni Vineyards, Willamette Valley Vineyards, and Brooks Wines.
For a complete list of American Viticulture Areas, visit http://www.iwineinstitute.com/.