In the Willamette Valley, we are lucky to be close to the mountains, beach, and city all at once! One of my favorite things to do when the weather is nice is to explore and find the best views in the area. And wine tasting is no different! While I enjoy urban tasting rooms and small wineries tucked into the woods, nothing beats enjoying a glass of pinot with a breathtaking view in the heart of Oregon wine country.
Today’s featured winery has one of the most beautiful views in the Willamette Valley and creates beautiful wines to enjoy with it. Established in 2005, Fairsing Vineyard sits atop a hill on NE Laughlin Road with a sweeping view of the Cascade Mountains on the horizon. Even on the gloomy of days, the sky goes on for miles.
The winery pays homage to its Irish roots with its Gaelic name “Fairsing.” Meaning bountiful, “Fairsing” references the plentiful resources of the vineyard’s land and the unique labyrinth just outside the tasting room. There are many ridges, forests, and streams. It is truly a beautiful sight, even with a grey and drizzling Oregon sky.
Currently, Fairsing has 38 acres of pinot and five acres of chardonnay in production. Specific clones are selected each year to craft each wine, making this a wonderful place to stop for small production wines that you won’t find back home.
It was drizzling the day we decided to venture to Fairsing for a tasting, but that didn’t deter us! When we arrived for our reservation, we were shown to our table in the tasting room—complete with 360-degree windows. These panoramic windows allow guests to enjoy the magnificent views from the warmth and comfort of the indoor tables.
Our host guided us through a flight of four beautifully blended wines: one chardonnay and three pinots. Two of the pinots were served as a side by side experience because they were the same blend from different years. Our hostess gave us the history, inspiration, and facts behind each wine, which truly enhanced our experience! Learning how the climate and earth impact the wine explains the differences in taste, texture, and smell. The entire experience was informative and fun.
Since I live and work in Oregon wine country, it’s natural that I love a good pinot, and a solid red is generally my first pick. However, Fairsing has crafted the perfect chardonnay. With a well-balanced acidity, a hint of smooth butter, and notes of pineapple and cream, you cannot go wrong with a chilled glass on any day. I have a new summer sipper for sure!
The tasting room is open for reservations Wednesday through Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Additionally, they offer bottle service for reserved spaces on the lawn at 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. so you can purchase your favorite pinot or chardonnay and relax in the adirondak chairs.
Fairsing has also started offering elevated tasting experiences with an array of curated culinary selections combined with their current release flight. This is one place you don’t want to miss on your getaway to wine country, so visit Fairsingvineyard.com to snag a reservation today or ask about booking a visit during your next Pinot Car tour.
By Rayme Ainslie, Hospitality Coordinator
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