Four Seasons of Willamette Valley, Oregon with Famed Photographer, Jānis Miglavs
Season-Neutral Willamette Valley Wine Recommendations
Janis Miglavs is one of the most talented photographers in the wine industry. We met at the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers about eight years ago. I have one of his framed “portrait” photos in my foyer depicting the Screaming Eagles Vineyard, Napa Valley. Janis lives in Oregon, so the Willamette Valley (pronounced Willamette like “damn-it”) is one of his favorite subjects. I asked him to offer my subscribers a peek at the “Four Seasons of Willamette Valley.” I have Willamette Valley season-neutral Wine Recommendations below.
About Willamette Valley, Oregon
Willamette Valley is located just south of Portland, Oregon. It is a beautiful destination consisting of vistas of vineyards, pine trees, and fruit trees with Mt. Hood hovering in the distance. The midpoint of Oregon’s Willamette Valley lies at 45 degrees north latitude, the same latitude as France’s Burgundy region near Dijon. Oregon’s premier wine region,
Willamette Valley, is sometimes nicknamed “The Burgundy of the West.” Both Willamette Valley and Burgundy have a terroir** that supports the growth of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. They both feature beautifully structured vineyards in picturesque settings. Many differences set them aside though. Oregon’s Willamette Valley caters to a visitor’s sense of adventure offering winery experiences and outdoor adventures you will only find in America. Burgundy exhibits many majestic and historic vineyards not necessarily linked to one particular producer or winery. winery.
About Janis Miglavs
There was an interview on Wine Wanderings in 2021, “A Visual Journey Through Vineyards of the World: Interview - Janis Miglavs, Photographer,” where I asked Janis about his colorful background coming from Communist Latvia as a boy. Along the way Janis earned a Master of Fine Arts from California State University. He became a high school art and photography teacher and a photographer, eventually choosing photography professionally.
Janis Miglavs won Wine Spectators Gold award for the “Best Regional Book in North America.” They said it was “one of the best reads for wine lovers.” He has done feature stories for Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and the Sommelier Journal. Janis was once hired by a Chinese publisher to do a book on wine in the Land of the Dragon. After traveling throughout the country, learning all the Chinese vineyard terms, he wrote and photographed China: The New Wine Frontier. Success!! The government-subsidized publisher flew him first class to Beijing to receive a “Best in the World Book Award.” Not bad for an Oregon guy. To purchase his books or framed prints, visit his Image Gallery on Janis Miglavs, Photographs, website.
**”What is Terroir? Terroir is a French term representing the special combination of climate, soil, latitude, rain, sun, geography, elevation and aspect, and growing conditions that are unique to a vineyard or viticulture region. It evokes a “Sense of Place.” It only took 37 English words for me to describe terroir. That is why the French term terroir is such a useful term for winemakers, viticulturists, and wine writers! Ask yourself, does this wine express the aromas, body, and flavor of its terroir? The great ones often do. – Tricia Conover, DipWSET®, CSS, AWE
Season-Neutral Wine Recommendations
Argyle Brut Rose 2018, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $30
Wine Spectator, 93 Points
Domaine Drouhin, Pinot Noir 2019, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, OR, $45
Wine Advocate, 96 Points
Willakenzie Estate Chardonnay 2017, Willamette Valley, OR, $32 Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points
Chehalem Pinot Gris 2018, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, OR, $27
Wine Spectator, 90 Points
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I thought his two white wine recommendations were mediocre. I would recommend Cameron Chardonnay Dundee over the Willakenzie, and it's about $10 cheaper. I would never recommend any Pinot Gris - there are so many better white wine varieties.