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Analemma Winery is a hidden gem in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s a boutique winery that has won the hearts of wine lovers with its top-quality wines. Steven Thompson and Kris Fade started it and have made it a leader in the area. They make award-winning Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and sparkling wines from their own vineyards.
This winery sits high up in the Gorge, at 1,400 to 1,700 feet. It enjoys a special climate and soil that make its wines unique. Since 2004, the Columbia River Gorge AVA has been a place for over 40 grape types. This area stretches across two states, offering a wide range of flavors.
Key Takeaways
- Analemma Winery is a boutique winery located in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon, known for its exceptional, terroir-driven wines.
- The winery is founded by the winemaking duo of Steven Thompson and Kris Fade, who have quickly established Analemma as a trailblazer in the region.
- Analemma Winery benefits from the unique microclimate and diverse terroir of the Columbia River Gorge AVA, which is home to over 40 grape varieties.
- The winery’s estate vineyards, including the historic Atavus Vineyard, are situated at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 feet above sea level.
- Analemma produces a range of award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and Champagne-style sparkling wines, all crafted with a focus on sustainable and high-integrity viticulture.
Analemma Winery: A Trailblazer in the Columbia River Gorge
Analemma Winery’s story is one of passion and innovation. Steven Thompson and Kris Fade have made a mark in the Columbia River Gorge. They focus on sustainable viticulture and biodynamic farming.
The Story of Steven Thompson and Kris Fade
Steven and Kris sharpened their winemaking skills in New Zealand. They were drawn to the Pacific Northwest’s cooler climate and diverse land. They saw potential in the Columbia River Gorge and took a chance on the Atavus Vineyard.
Pioneering Winemaking in a Unique Terroir
The winemaking duo aimed to bring back the old vines and highlight the Gorge’s potential. They chose organic and biodynamic farming. This approach has made Analemma Winery a leader in sustainable winemaking.
Analemma Winery uses the Columbia River Gorge‘s unique terroir to make exceptional wines. Their focus on preserving the land has made them leaders in sustainable winemaking. They inspire others to follow their path.
The Historic Atavus Vineyard
In the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Atavus Vineyard shines as a gem. Founded in 1968 by Dr. Walter Clore, it’s known as the “Father of Washington Wine.” The vineyard is famous for its Swiss Mariafeld clone of Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer. It sits at 1,600-1,800 feet high, offering stunning views of Mount Hood.
Dry-Farmed Vines and Majestic Views
Analemma Winery has brought new life to the Atavus Vineyard. They’ve revived old vines and highlighted the unique terroir of the Columbia River Gorge. Their 100% organic and biodynamic farming has made the vineyard flourish in the cooler climate.
Reviving a Gem from the 1960s
The Atavus Vineyard is a key part of the Columbia River Gorge’s history. It shows the area’s potential for top-notch Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer. Analemma’s efforts to preserve this historic vineyard have spotlighted the benefits of Dry-Farming and Cooler Climate Viticulture in the Gorge.
Analemma’s Exceptional Wines
At Analemma Winery, every bottle shows their focus on exceptional wines. Their Champagne-style sparkling wines are known as some of the best in America. They match the elegance of Champagne, thanks to the traditional méthode champenoise.
These Analemma Wines highlight the unique taste of the Columbia River Gorge. They offer a special alternative to the Willamette Valley wines.
Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer Expressions
Analemma also excels with terroir-driven wines like Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer. These wines show the winery’s skill in making place-based wines. They bring new and exciting tastes to Oregon’s wine scene.
| Wine | Tasting Notes | Accolades |
|---|---|---|
| Analemma Atavus Blanc de Noirs | A single vintage, single variety, single vineyard Champagne-Style Sparkling wine, showcasing the elegance and complexity of the Atavus Vineyard. | Eater Magazine: “One of the Best Sparkling Wines to Sip during the Holiday Season” |
| Analemma Oak Ridge Chardonnay | Expressive and flavorful Chardonnay with distinctive variations across the ’17, ’18, and ’19 vintages, offering an engaging exploration of the terroir. | 90+ Points, Wine Enthusiast |
| Analemma Mencia | One of the only domestic plantings of this varietal, this light-bodied red wine presents an exotic yet approachable profile. | 94 Points, Wine & Spirits Magazine |
Analemma’s wines show their commitment to making terroir-driven masterpieces. They highlight the unique character of the Columbia River Gorge. From their famous Champagne-Style Sparkling wines to their unique Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer wines, Analemma keeps pushing Oregon’s wine boundaries.
Sustainable Viticulture at Its Finest
Analemma Winery is all about sustainable and eco-friendly winemaking. Since 2011, they’ve led the way in the Columbia River Gorge. They use organic and biodynamic farming to care for the land and make amazing wines.
The winery started on a cherry orchard. Now, it’s a thriving vineyard thanks to biodynamic methods. They got organic and biodynamic certifications in 2017.
- Analemma has a small team of full-time workers who’ve been there since the start. They really know the land.
- They use biodynamic farming to help the soil store carbon. This is part of their effort to protect the environment.
- They’re also trying new things, like growing Galician grapes like mencia, godello, and petit manseng. This shows their love for experimenting and understanding their land.
Analemma doesn’t just focus on the vineyard. They also work hard on being sustainable in everything they do. They use domestic glass bottles to cut down on carbon emissions, even if it costs more. They also recycle corks with ReCORK and use a system that heats and cools the winery naturally to save energy.
At Analemma, sustainable viticulture, organic farming, and biodynamic practices are key. This shows their strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Their wines are a true reflection of the Columbia River Gorge. They show the winery’s effort to keep the land safe for the future.
The Diversity of the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a unique wine region. It has many microclimates and soil types. This lets it grow a wide variety of grapes. Analemma Winery has planted its own vineyards in Mosier. They are exploring new areas in the Gorge.
Mosier Vineyards: Exploring New Terroirs
Analemma Winery is carefully looking after the Mosier sites. They are finding out how great this area is for growing grapes. The Columbia Gorge AVA has over 90 vineyards covering more than 1,300 acres. About 64% of the grapes grown here are white.
Most wineries in the Columbia Gorge make fewer than 5,000 cases a year. This shows their focus on making high-quality, terroir-driven wines.
Crafting Terroir-Driven Wines
Analemma Winery has been around since 2014. They are showing off the Columbia River Gorge’s diverse terroirs. They use biodynamic and organic methods. This lets each vineyard’s unique traits stand out in their wines.
They make a variety of wines like Albariño, Godello, Mencia, and Trousseau. Analemma celebrates the Gorge’s great conditions for growing grapes. They are a top example of the creativity and innovation in this area.
Visit Analemma Winery
Just 10 minutes from Hood River, Oregon, Analemma Winery’s tasting room awaits. It’s a place where wine lovers can enjoy top-notch wines in a cozy setting. The tasting room mixes comfort, rustic charm, and modern style for a warm welcome.
Tasting Room Experience
Visiting Analemma Winery means making a reservation for a special experience. You can pick from experiences like the Orchard Experience for 4-6 guests in the cherry orchard. Or, try the Winegrowers Tasting for a peek behind the scenes of their natural winegrowing.
Wine Club and Online Sales
If you can’t visit in person, Analemma Winery has a wine club and online sales. This way, you can enjoy their unique wines from home. Club members get special deals and access to exclusive events, like the Fall Pick Up Party on September 28th.
Planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge? Don’t miss out on visiting Analemma Winery. It’s a must for wine lovers looking to explore great wines.
Conclusion
Analemma Winery is a hidden gem in Oregon’s wine world. Steven Thompson and Kris Fade have made it a leader in the Columbia River Gorge. They focus on sustainable farming and making wines that show off the region’s unique taste.
Visitors can enjoy everything from picking grapes themselves to tasting wines outside. Analemma blends tradition with new ideas in every part of their work. This includes how they manage the vines and welcome guests.
As Analemma keeps exploring the Columbia River Gorge, wine lovers have a lot to look forward to. The winery is all about making great wine in a sustainable way. Analemma is set to become a top name in Oregon’s wine scene.
