Ribbon Ridge

🔍 Quick Summary

Ribbon Ridge AVA is Oregon’s smallest and most terroir-driven wine region, celebrated for its structured, age-worthy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown on ancient marine sediment soils.

🔊 Pronunciation: rib-un ridge

📜 History

This tiny AVA has made an outsized impact since its official recognition in 2005:

1980 – Harry Peterson-Nedry plants the first vines at Ridgecrest Vineyards, defying skeptics who deemed the site too cool and remote.

2003 – A formal petition is submitted by Peterson-Nedry, Doug Tunnell, and Dewey Kelly to establish Ribbon Ridge as an AVA.

2005 – Ribbon Ridge becomes Oregon’s smallest AVA at just 3,350 acres.

Today – Home to 20+ vineyards and some of the Willamette Valley’s most acclaimed Pinot Noir producers.

🧠 What to Know

Ribbon Ridge is a compact, geologically distinct ridge with a tightly knit community of producers:

  1. Marine Sediment Soils – The Willakenzie series of fine-textured, well-drained soils impart earthy, spicy complexity to wines.

  2. Island-Like Geography – Surrounded by valleys and creeks, the ridge rises 683 ft, providing excellent air and water drainage.

  3. Consistent Climate – Sheltered by surrounding landmasses, the area experiences fewer temperature extremes, ideal for delicate varietals.

  4. Dry Farming Tradition – Limited aquifers encourage sustainable practices, resulting in concentrated fruit and expressive wines.

Famous vineyards – Ridgecrest Vineyards (first planted), Beaux Frères (cult Pinot Noir), Patricia Green Cellars (benchmark single-vineyard bottlings).

📍 Where It’s Found

🇺🇸 Ribbon Ridge AVA – A narrow ridge within the Chehalem Mountains AVA, near Newberg, Oregon.

⬆️ Elevation: 200–683 ft / 60–208 m

🌞 Climate: Cool Maritime (75–85°F / 24–29°C) – Protected from extremes, allowing for a long, steady growing season.

🌡️ Historical Temperature Summary: 72–82°F (22–28°C) avg daytime highs during growing season.

🔺 Warming Trend: Temperatures have risen ~2°F (1.1°C) since the 1980s, leading to riper fruit and earlier harvests.

🏛 Notable Producers

  • Beaux Frères – Cult Pinot Noir from biodynamic vineyards.

  • Patricia Green Cellars – Known for expressive single-vineyard Pinot Noirs.

  • Ridgecrest Vineyards – Pioneering site with a range of varietals.

  • Trisaetum – Estate-grown Pinot Noir and Riesling with an on-site art gallery.

  • Utopia Vineyard – Family-owned, producing elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

  • Eminent Domaine – Small-lot Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with stunning views.

  • Flâneur Wines – Estate-grown wines emphasizing traditional methods.

  • Privé Vineyard – French-inspired boutique winery specializing in Pinot Noir.

  • Styring Vineyards – Family-operated, offering a range of varietals.

  • Sequitur – High-elevation vineyard producing complex Pinot Noir

🍷 Wines to Try

These wines define the region’s style and legacy:

  • Beaux Frères Pinot Noir – Silky texture with dark cherry and earthy notes.

  • Patricia Green Cellars Chardonnay – Bright acidity with citrus and mineral undertones.

  • Trisaetum Riesling – Aromatic with stone fruit and balanced sweetness.

  • Utopia Pinot Noir – Elegant structure with red fruit and spice.

  • Eminent Domaine Chardonnay – Rich mouthfeel with notes of apple and vanilla

🗺️ To Further Explore

These zones reveal the region’s range and character:

  • Chehalem Mountains AVA – Diverse soils and elevations producing varied wine styles.

  • Dundee Hills AVA – Known for red volcanic soils and fruit-forward Pinot Noir.

  • Yamhill-Carlton AVA – Marine sedimentary soils yielding earthy, structured wines.

  • Eola-Amity Hills AVA – Influenced by ocean breezes, offering vibrant acidity.

👅 Flavor & Style

Ribbon Ridge wines are known for their depth and elegance:cawineclub.com

  • Color: Medium ruby for reds; pale gold for whites.

  • Aromas & Flavors:

    • Primary: Red cherry, raspberry, citrus.

    • Secondary: Spice, floral notes, minerality.

    • Tertiary: Earth, mushroom, dried fruit with age.

  • Structure:

    • Body: Medium.

    • Tannin: Silky to firm.

    • Acidity: Bright and refreshing.

    • Alcohol: Moderate (12.5–14%).

🛠 Winemaking Notes

Winemakers focus on expressing the unique terroir:

  • Minimal Intervention – Emphasis on natural fermentation and native yeasts.

  • Oak Aging – Use of French oak barrels to add complexity.

  • Single-Vineyard Bottlings – Highlighting the distinct characteristics of each site.

  • Sustainable Practices – Many vineyards are organic or biodynamic certified

🍽 Food Pairing Ideas

AVA Designation – Established in 2005, Ribbon Ridge is a sub-AVA of Chehalem Mountains and Willamette Valley.

  1. Labeling – Wines must be made from at least 85% grapes grown within the AVA to carry the Ribbon Ridge designation.

📑 Regional Wine Laws

AVA Designation – Established in 2005, Ribbon Ridge is a sub-AVA of Chehalem Mountains and Willamette Valley.

  1. Labeling – Wines must be made from at least 85% grapes grown within the AVA to carry the Ribbon Ridge designation

🔗 Related Topics to Explore

🍇 Pinot Noir – Oregon’s flagship grape, thrives in cool climates.

🛢 Oak Aging – Influences flavor and texture in wine.

🌿 Biodynamic Viticulture – Holistic farming approach used by many Ribbon Ridge producers.

🧭 Willamette Valley AVA – The larger region encompassing Ribbon Ridge.

🧱 Marine Sedimentary Soils – Key to Ribbon Ridge’s unique terroir.

🤓 Deep Dive Topics