About Knudsen vineyards
Knudsen Vineyards: Estate Grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Dundee Hills AVA of Willamette Valley, Oregon
Knudsen Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Dundee Hills AVA of Willamette Valley, Oregon. The vineyard was established in 1971 by Cal Knudsen and his wife Julia Lee Knudsen. Today, their children Colin and David continue to manage the estate with a focus on producing high-quality Pinot noir and Chardonnay wines.
The vineyard spans over 200 acres with elevations ranging from 500 to 800 feet above sea level. The unique terroir of the Dundee Hills AVA provides ideal growing conditions for these varietals. The soil is primarily volcanic Jory soil which is well-draining and rich in nutrients. This allows for deep root growth which results in complex flavors and aromas.
At Knudsen Vineyards, all grapes are estate-grown which means they are grown on-site rather than sourced from other vineyards. This allows for complete control over every aspect of grape production including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and harvest timing. By controlling these factors, Knudsen Vineyards can ensure that only the highest quality grapes are used to produce their wines.
The winemaking process at Knudsen Vineyards is focused on minimal intervention to allow the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through. Grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness then sorted by hand before being gently pressed using gravity flow techniques. Fermentation occurs naturally using native yeasts found on the grape skins which adds complexity to the wine's flavor profile.
Knudsen Vineyards produces several different Pinot noir wines including their flagship "Knudsen Vineyard" Pinot noir as well as single block bottlings such as "Catherine's Block" and "Angus Block". They also produce a Chardonnay which is fermented and aged in French oak barrels to add complexity and depth.
In addition to their estate-grown wines, Knudsen Vineyards also offers a tasting room experience where visitors can sample their wines while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The tasting room is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm with reservations recommended.
Overall, Knudsen Vineyards is a must-visit destination for wine lovers seeking high-quality Pinot noir and Chardonnay wines from one of Oregon's premier wine regions. With a focus on sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking techniques, Knudsen Vineyards produces some of the most sought-after wines in Willamette Valley.
knudsenvineyards.com
