Oregon and Washington

Question 1

Which individuals had significant impact on the growth of Oregon’s wine industry?

Answer 1

• David Lett- First producer of Pinot Noir in Oregon

- James Halliday- Australian producer/author

Question 2

Which individuals had significant impact on the growth of Washington’s wine industry?

Answer 2

• Allen Shoup- Father of Washington Wine Industry

Question 3

What are the labeling requirements and regulations for Oregon and Washington wine and how might they differ from Federal standards? E.g. % of grape variety, meaningful controlled terms etc. Suggestion: make up a one page spread sheet comparing the requirements side by side.

Answer 3

Oregon
-	90% Minimum varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon 75%)
-	100% for region
-	No generic names permitted
Washington
-	75% varietal
-	No generic names permited
-	Washington State or AVA- 100%

Question 4

What are the major grape varieties grown in Oregon and Washington? What are the signature grapes varieties which have made each state’s reputation?

Answer 4

Oregon
o White grapes: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling
o Red grapes: Pinor Noir, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah
o Signature: Pinor Noir, Pinot Gris
Washington
o White grapes: Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon
o Red grapes: Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah

Signature wine of Oregon is Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris
Signature wine of Washington is Riesling (red is Syrah)

Question 5

What are the geographic factors (e.g. bodies of water, mountain ranges etc.) that influence grape growing and wine production in Oregon and Washington?

Answer 5

Oregon influenced by cool breeze from Canada. Rain can vary, causing vintage variation

Question 6

How does climate influence wine styles produced in various regions?

Answer 6

Oregon
o Coastal Range and Cascade Range are dominant factors, rainfall from 6 to 40 inches per year, temperate climate w/ cooler growing conditions than California or Washington w/ more vintage variation
Washington
o West is too wet and cool to grow grapes. 6 to 8 inches rainfall in eastern regions, hot dry days w/ cool night, 17 hours of sunlight

Question 7

What historic events influenced the growth of the wine industry in the US as well as Oregon, and Washington?

Answer 7

Oregon wine grapes first planted in 1847

Question 8

What winemaking practices are unique and legal in Oregon or Washington e.g. Acidification, Chaptalization, etc.?

Answer 8

Don’t know

Question 9

What are the most important AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in each of these states?

Answer 9

o Western- Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley
- Washington
o Eastern- Columbia Valley, Walla Walla, Yakima, Red Mountain
o Western- Puget Sound