Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is defined by natural borders: with Oregon’s coast range to the west, the Cascade Mountains in the east, the Columbia River to the north, and the Calapooya Mountains to the south. The cool-climate valley derives its name from the river that winds its way through the low-lying hills and fields. Nearly 100 miles long and 60 miles wide, the Willamette Valley pervades from Portland to Eugene.
Due to the Willamette Valley’s proximity to the coast, the mild marine climate coupled with nutrient-rich, well-drained volcanic soil makes it an ideal setting for Pinot Noir to thrive. Long afternoons of sunshine, tempered by coastal breezes, keep the climate cool throughout summer.
OREGON WINE FACTS
Oregon is the land of amazing Pinot Noir, consistently out-scoring other Pinot-producing regions with scores above 90 points.
The Dirt: The Willamette Valley’s old, volcanic and sedimentary seabed, overlaid with gravel, silt, rock and boulders brought by glacial floods and debris result in a combination of soil types.
Oregon is the third largest wine grape-producing state.
Pinot Noir comprises 57.5% of Oregon’s wine production.
All of our Oregon vineyards are LIVE certified sustainable and Salmon Safe certified.
Our Vineyards
For Battle Creek Cellars wines we’ve curated Pinot Noir from some of the most exciting vineyardsin the state to create a wine that compromises nothing in quality and enjoyment.
Battle Creek Vineyard
Established 1998, Turner, Oregon
Located on a south-facing slope in a sweet spot for growing Pinot Noir, Battle Creek Vineyard is nestled into the mid-Willamette River Basin, in the southeast corner of Salem, Oregon. Planted is 110 acres of 100% Pinot Noir laid out in small blocks planted in 1998.
Soil: Volcanic Basalt. The clay components of the volcanic basalt soils enable it to store water, so supplemental irrigation is used only when necessary. Sufficient water supply coupled with good canopies help protect the grapes and allow for gentle ripening.
Planted Varieties: Pinot Noir
Acreage: 110 acres
Elevation: 450 - 620 ft.
Rainfall: 35-40 inches annually
Yamhela Vineyard
Established 2007, Yamhill, Oregon
Yamhela is a premium wine grape-growing vineyard, whose Pinot Noir is known for its exceptionally rich, intense flavors and medium body, much like its Yamhill-Carlton AVA peers.
Soil: Silt clay loams. The growing elevation is varied from very steep to nearly level with mostly southeast facing vineyard blocks with elevations ranging from 200 to 630 feet above sea level.
Planted Varieties: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Acreage: 120 acres
Elevation: 220 - 630 ft.
Roe Vineyard
Established 2008, Newberg, Oregon
Planted in the Ribbon Ridge AVA within the Chehalem Mountains AVA, the smallest sub-appellation of the Valley, the Roe Vineyard is entirely dry-farmed without the use of irrigation. Soils are classified as the Willakenzie series, a mix of marine sediment and soil eroded from the Oregon coast during continental subduction.
Soil: Our vineyard is made up of the silty clay loam Willakenzie soil, which produces deep black fruit flavors in our Pinot Noir grapes.
Planted Varieties: Pinot Noir
Acreage: 144 acres