Meet Oregon’s French Winemakers
These pioneering expats have ventured to Oregon and are showing the world why this state is called the Burgundy of the Pacific Northwest.By Paul Gregutt | Posted November 7, 2018To some degree, the diversity and excellence of Oregon wines makes comparisons to Old World styles irrelevant. But those factors should not undercut the influence French-born and trained winemakers have had on the state’s success.Along with the pioneering Drouhin family, which enters its fourth decade making Oregon wine, a number of more recent arrivals have put their winemaking expertise to work in the state, which remains one of America’s leading producers of Pinot Noir.These French winemakers praise Oregon’s welcoming winemaking community and open horizons. Moreover, they seem to have a lot of fun as they revel in the palpable sense of freedom that the state’s wineries enjoy.Perhaps it’s simply the break from the constraints of tradition, but the biggest reward to leave home, and...
