New Beginnings
There are two things that can be taken away from time touring around the Ribbon Ridge AVA (American Viticultural Area), Pinot Noir shines above all other grapes and a many excellent winemakers and winery owners are on their second career.
Ribbon Ridge AVA, nested in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, Is a series of beautiful rolling hills, vineyards, and evergreen forests. The beauty of the area can take your breathe away. With all the natural beauty it’s no wonder that people are attracted to the area. Lucky for them it is also a great place to make wine.
Ribbon Ridge AVA was established in 2005 and contains ten wineries. There are thirty-four vineyards covering approximately 379 acres. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape followed by Chardonnay and Gamay Noir. The ocean sedimentary soils are unique to the area and most vineyards are dry farmed.
This wonderful area for growing grapes seemed to have a knack for attracting out of towners. James Frey and Amanda Lassa moved there with their family and founded Trisaetum Winery. The name merges the names of their two children, Tristen and Tatum. Styring Winery was started in 2003 when Steve and Kelley Styring had the opportunity to buy land. They brought their Viking heritage to the winery and the region as pictured on the wine labels. Daniel Warnshuis (Dan) had a successful career in Silicon Valley before moving his family to Ribbon Ridge AVA and founding Utopia Winery. Dan is currently the President of the Ribbon Ridge Winegrowers which includes a charter that pledges specific practices and care for the area. https://ribbonridgeava.org/about/statement-of-principles/
With the ability to grow healthy grapes and make great wine there is no wonder why this area continually attracted new life. All of Willamette Valley, Oregon has a strong wine industry. There is no denying that Ribbon Ridge AVA offers something special. The land is scenic, beautiful and attract, the attention of people established in the wine world and people looking to start a new career in the wine world. That’s not something that happens everywhere.
