Chardonnay has long lived in the shadow of Pinot Noir in the Pacific Northwest, yet the story of Oregon Chardonnay is one of quiet evolution rather than sudden arrival. Early plantings of the grape date back to the 1960s and 1970s, when growers were in the experimental phase. The issue was that in many instances, the high-yielding Wente blonde was planted, which favors a warmer climate. Over time, improved clonal selection and better site understanding helped define a style of Oregon Chardonnay rooted in freshness, texture, and site transparency rather than heavy oak or ripeness, as had been de rigueur in the American palate. That rise is happening alongside a broader industry shift toward white wine. Globally, white wine has steadily gained share, accounting for roughly 43% of consumption and increasing over the past two decades as drinkers gravitate toward lighter, more versatile styles. At the same time, Chardonnay remains the top-selling white wine in the United States, reflecting strong and sustained demand for the category. Oregon producers have taken notice. According to recent industry data, Chardonnay plantings in Oregon increased by 14% from 2021 to 2022 and have grown dramatically over the past decade, reaching more than 3,100 acres statewide and showing a roughly 268% increase compared to ten years ago. This momentum underscores how Oregon Chardonnay is no longer a niche, but a rapidly expanding pillar of the state’s wine identity, especially with traditional method sparkling wine production ramping up. Which brings us to the Oregon Chardonnay Celebration, held this year on February 21 at the Allison Inn & Spa in Newburg, the heart of the Willamette Valley. This annual gathering brings together producers (this year 60 producers) to spotlight Oregon Chardonnay. Each winery presents one or two wines for the 300+ event attendees. Seeing as I am not a big fan of walk around tastings, I planned my attack so as to make it a useful and enjoyable experience. I identified about 10 producers I wanted to taste, based on some of my favorites. I also engaged with some local hospitality friends to make sure there wasn’t something I was missing, and ended up adding 5 more producers to the mix. From there, I only visited those tables, rated the wines as I tasted, and came up with this short list of the best Oregon Chardonnay IMHO. Enjoy! Bethel Heights is a family-owned estate founded in 1977. The wine is in a more reductive, philosophical style. Not for everyone, but I loved it. A wine to sit with for a bit and watch it evolve. Their High Wire Chardonnay (2023) was given a 100-point score by Clive Pursehouse of Decanter, a huge honor for the winery and for the region, especially in the “Pinot Land” of Oregon. BUY HERE. From the hands of the legendary Sashi Moorman. Fun fact, Sashi taught my viticulture class when I was taking the WSET Diploma back in 2015-2018. The grapes are from older vines on the Seven Springs Vineyard. A nice richer profile. BUY HERE. A traditional method sparkling house (not a still wine in sight) from Jean-Michel Jussiaume, born and raised in the Loire region of France. Mouth-filling, yet searing acid. BUY HERE. Ambar Estate is one of only two ROC (Regenerative Organic Certified) wineries in Oregon. Rich and delicious, but also a fresh finish. BUY HERE. Lively and different. The most distinct wine I tasted today. This wine gave me more terroir than varietal characteristics, and I’m ok with that. BUY HERE. The Eyrie Vineyards was founded by pioneering winemaker David Lett, and is one of Oregon’s most historic estates and an early champion of cool-climate varieties. This wine sees less than 10% new oak, and some barrels are from the 70s! BUY HERE. I really don’t like lemonade. I usually find it too sweet or too tart, but these from Rustic Pours were bomb.com. I tried the basil lemonade, honey lemonade, and marionberry lemonade, and LOVED them all. They can be found throughout Oregon at small purveyors. Thank you to the many partners on the ground in Oregon who hosted me for this fun little Chardy party, including Discover Dayton, the Oregon Wine Board, Travel Dundee, Taste Newburg, Travel Oregon, Visit Carlton, Visit McMinnville, the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, and Field Day PR. Bethel Heights Vineyard Casteel Estate Chardonnay 2023 (Eola-Amity Hills)
Evening Land Vineyards Summum Seven Springs Estate 2023 (Eola-Amity Hills)
Maison Jussiaume Blanc de Blancs Brut
Ambar Estate Lustral Chardonnay 2023 (Dundee Hills)
Dominio IV Estate Chardonnay 2023
The Eyrie Vineyards Chardonnay 2023
HONORABLE MENTION: Rustic Pours Lemonade
