Uncorking the Potential: Exploring the Oregon Malbec Revolution at Malbec in the City

Malbec in the City, a vibrant celebration of Oregon’s burgeoning Malbec scene, brought together dozens of wineries from across the state to showcase their unique expressions of this captivating varietal. With over 30 different wines crafted from Oregon-grown Malbec grapes, the event was a testament to the growing popularity and potential of Malbec in the Pacific Northwest.

The iconic Malbec in the City glass, showcasing the rich color of Oregon Malbec.

Juan Pablo (J.P.) Valot, a passionate advocate for Oregon Malbec, describes the movement as nothing short of an “Oregon Malbec revolution.” In a region traditionally dominated by Pinot Noir, Malbec is carving out its own niche, gaining recognition alongside established favorites like Chardonnay and sparkling wine. As the Pacific Northwest wine landscape evolves, Malbec is emerging as a dynamic and promising new player, offering a compelling alternative for wine enthusiasts.

On April 30, 2023, Valot, along with numerous other Oregon winemakers, aimed to demonstrate the versatility, complexity, and elegance of Oregon Malbec at Malbec in the City, an event he conceptualized and brought to life. This event spotlighted the dedication and innovation of Oregon winemakers in embracing and elevating Malbec.

Crowd at Malbec in the City wine event in Portland, Oregon. — Enthusiastic attendees enjoying the Malbec in the City event in Portland, Oregon.

Malbec in the City holds the distinction of being the first large-scale public event in the United States dedicated solely to celebrating American-made Malbec wine. This inaugural event specifically highlighted Malbec produced by Oregon wineries, utilizing Malbec grapes cultivated within the state, emphasizing the unique terroir and characteristics of Oregon-grown Malbec.

Exploring the Wineries of Oregon Malbec

Winemaker of Sweet Cheeks Winery at the Malbec in the city table with crowd. — The winemaker from Sweet Cheeks Winery engaging with attendees at Malbec in the City.

Malbec grapes thrive primarily in Southern Oregon, particularly in the Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley regions. Consequently, the majority of Oregon wineries participating in Malbec in the City hailed from these areas. Notable wineries present included: Ryan Rose Wine, Abacela Winery, Grit Cellars, Trella Vineyards, Peter William Vineyard, Weisinger Family Winery, Melrose Vineyards, and RoxyAnn Winery. These wineries exemplify the dedication to quality Malbec production in Southern Oregon.

A select number of participating wineries also came from the South Willamette Valley, demonstrating the growing reach of Malbec cultivation in Oregon. Among these were Sarver Winery, J.Scott Cellars, and Sweet Cheeks Winery, showcasing the diversity of Malbec expressions across different Oregon AVAs.

Additionally, several wineries located in the mid-Willamette Valley, who source their grapes from Southern Oregon vineyards, poured their distinctive Malbec wines. These included Gonzales Wine Company, Leah Jorgenson Cellars, Willamette Valley Vineyards, and Juan Pablo Valot’s own Valcan Cellars (based in Corvallis). This highlights the collaborative spirit and interconnectedness within the Oregon wine industry.

A Spectrum of Flavors: The Wines of Malbec in the City

Hands holding two bottles of Abacela malbec wines. — A showcase of Oregon Malbec wines, highlighting the diversity of styles and producers.

Bottle of Black Malbec by Valcan Cellars, an oregon winery. — A showcase of Oregon Malbec wines, highlighting the diversity of styles and producers.

If you believe that an all-Malbec wine tasting event might lack variety, prepare to be pleasantly surprised! At Malbec in the City, attendees were treated to a remarkable array of Malbec expressions, including classic still red Malbec, refreshing white Malbec, delicate rosé of Malbec, light and playful piquette, celebratory sparkling Malbec, and naturally effervescent pet-nat Malbec. This diversity demonstrated the remarkable versatility of the Malbec grape.

The Malbec wines showcased at Malbec in the City encompassed a wide spectrum of styles, ranging from elegant and refined wines with the potential for long-term aging to vibrant and refreshing summer sippers perfect for immediate enjoyment. This range catered to diverse palates and preferences, showcasing the adaptability of Oregon Malbec.

Some particularly noteworthy wines that stood out include:

Black Malbec, Valcan Cellars: A rich and complex expression of Malbec.
White Malbec, Gonzales Wine Company: A unique and refreshing take on Malbec.
2018 Malbec, Ryan Rose Wine: A beautifully structured and age-worthy Malbec.
2019 Malbec, Sarver Winery: A balanced and elegant Malbec with a distinct character.
2019 Malbec, Trella Vineyards: A compelling Malbec showcasing the unique terroir of the vineyard.

Beyond the Wine: Food and Entertainment at Malbec in the City

Catering table by vibrant table at Malbec in the City event. — The beautifully presented catering table by Vibrant Table, offering delectable bites.

In addition to the exceptional wine tasting experience, Malbec in the City offered attendees a delightful selection of light bites catered by Vibrant Table. These culinary offerings perfectly complemented the diverse range of Malbec wines, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Xochilt Ruvalcaba artist live painting at Malbec in the City. — Local artist Xochilt Ruvalcaba creating a live painting at Malbec in the City.

The event also featured live musical performances by Swank Soul and Shelly Rudolph, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Furthermore, local artist Xochilt Ruvalcaba showcased her talent with a captivating live painting demonstration, adding an artistic dimension to the event.

Tango with Adam dancers dancing in front of a crowd. — Tango with Adam captivating the audience with a passionate tango performance.

Recognizing the historical connection between Malbec and Argentina, the birthplace of tango dancing, Malbec in the City incorporated a mesmerizing live tango performance by Tango with Adam. This cultural element added a touch of authenticity and flair to the event, celebrating the rich heritage of Malbec.

Supporting the Future: Our Legacy Harvested

Malbec in the City proudly supported Our Legacy Harvested, a local nonprofit organization established in 2020. This organization is dedicated to educating, advancing, and empowering the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community within the wine industry. They provide resources and opportunities for individuals at all career levels to enhance their knowledge, skills, and prospects in the world of wine.

The Promising Future of Oregon Malbec

Malbec in the City provided an exceptional platform to sample the diverse expressions of Malbec from a wide array of Oregon producers. As more Oregon grape growers and winemakers embrace this robust and flavorful grape, the future of Oregon Malbec looks incredibly bright. The event offered a glimpse into the potential of this varietal to become a significant player in the Oregon wine scene.

The passion and dedication of Oregon winemakers are driving the Oregon Malbec revolution forward. By embracing innovation and experimentation, they are crafting unique and compelling wines that capture the essence of Oregon’s terroir. The success of Malbec in the City is a testament to the growing interest and appreciation for these wines.

As the Oregon Malbec scene continues to evolve, it will be interesting to witness how winemakers refine their techniques and develop new styles. The potential for Oregon Malbec to reach new heights is substantial, and events like Malbec in the City are crucial in raising awareness and promoting this exciting varietal.

The success of Malbec in the City underscores the increasing recognition of Oregon as a producer of high-quality Malbec. The event also demonstrates the collaborative spirit within the Oregon wine industry, where winemakers are eager to share their knowledge and passion for Malbec.

The emphasis on sustainable winemaking practices in Oregon further enhances the appeal of Oregon Malbec. Many Oregon wineries are committed to environmental stewardship, ensuring that their wines are produced in a responsible and eco-friendly manner. The commitment to quality and sustainability makes Oregon Malbec a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts.

Overall, Malbec in the City was a resounding success, showcasing the exciting potential of Oregon Malbec and the dedication of the winemakers behind it. The event has undoubtedly contributed to the growing recognition of Oregon as a producer of world-class Malbec wines. I am eagerly anticipating the next edition of Malbec in the City and the continued evolution of the Oregon Malbec revolution!

Explore More of Oregon Wine Country

Ridgecrest Winery: A Charming Destination in Oregon Wine Country
Oregon Sparkling Wine Celebration: Discovering the Bubbly Delights of Method Oregon
LucidWild Estate: A Serene Escape Amidst the Vineyards of Oregon
Benza Vineyards: Unveiling the Elegance of Chardonnay in Oregon

If you decide to visit any of these remarkable Oregon wineries, please mention that you learned about them on Urban Bliss Life! And we would love to see your photos, so be sure to tag us @UrbanBlissLife and use the hashtag #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.