In the picturesque Willamette Valley of Oregon, where the landscape whispers tales of rich harvests and exceptional vintages, Argyle Winery has long distinguished itself as a beacon of world-class winemaking. Renowned for its exquisite sparkling wines, Argyle seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. This commitment to excellence is beautifully underscored by its inaugural annual Argyle Scholarship and the launch of its captivating Art of Sparkling Wine Collection, featuring three uniquely designed labels by the scholarship winners themselves.
Winemaking, at its heart, is an incredibly delicate art form, a symphony orchestrated between the benevolent forces of Mother Nature, the fertile embrace of Mother Earth, and the unparalleled talent of dedicated winemakers and their diligent crews. It’s a meticulous craft, transforming humble grapes into liquid poetry, a process Argyle Winery has perfected over more than three decades. For over 30 years, Argyle has performed this intricate dance, growing to become one of the premiere wineries not just in Oregon, but recognized on a global stage. While their portfolio includes exceptional Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Rieslings, it is arguably their sensational world-class sparkling wines that truly define their legacy and have earned them widespread acclaim.
Embracing the Art of Sparkling: A Visionary Collaboration
This year marks an exciting chapter for the renowned Oregon winery, whose elegant tasting room, nestled in the vibrant heart of Dundee, Oregon, proudly announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). This collaboration was born from a shared belief in the synergy between creative expression and agricultural craft. PNCA students were challenged to design wine labels that not only reflected the unique terroir and spirit of the surrounding Willamette Valley wine-growing community but also captured the very essence and sophisticated character of Argyle Winery itself. This initiative sought to bridge the gap between two distinct yet interconnected forms of artistry: the visual arts and the art of viticulture.
Following a rigorous juried competition, a panel of experts meticulously reviewed submissions, ultimately awarding prestigious scholarships to three exceptionally talented PNCA students: Christin Engelberth, Lindsey Walker, and Subin Yang. Beyond the significant financial support—each student received a $5,000 scholarship from Argyle Winery—their winning artworks were professionally produced and magnificently adorned a small, exclusive batch of Argyle Vintage Brut. This special release, now known as The Art of Sparkling wine collection, stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and the celebration of emerging talent within the Oregon community. These labels are not merely decorations; they are visual narratives that enrich the experience of uncorking a bottle of Argyle’s celebrated sparkling wine.
Let’s delve deeper into the captivating stories and inspirations behind these beautiful works of art, transformed into iconic wine labels through this special partnership.
Celebrating Creative Talent: The PNCA Art Scholarship Winners
The Argyle Winery PNCA scholarship is more than just a financial award; it’s an acknowledgment of artistic merit and a platform for young artists to share their vision with a broader audience. Each of the three winning artists brought their unique perspective and style to the forefront, creating labels that are as diverse and compelling as the wine they represent.
Christin Engelberth‘s label is a vibrant reflection of her German upbringing, where she cultivated a profound appreciation for the rich colors, enchanting landscapes, and timeless fairytales of her childhood. Her design artfully captures this whimsical spirit, featuring playful bunnies gracefully leaping amidst the meticulously ordered rows of vineyards in the backdrop. This imagery beautifully imbues the label with the often mystic and storybook-like allure associated with vineyards, inviting drinkers into a world of imagination and natural beauty. It speaks to the joy and enchantment that can be found in both art and a well-crafted glass of wine.
Lindsey Walker, an accomplished interdisciplinary artist, brings a distinctly modern and contemplative sensibility to her wine label design. Her work profoundly reflects her artistic focus on abstract compositions and semi-representational forms, creating a visual narrative that encourages viewers to interpret and engage with the artwork on a deeper level. Lindsey’s label is characterized by its elegant simplicity and dynamic interplay of shapes and textures, mirroring the complex layers and subtle nuances found within the Argyle sparkling wine. It’s a sophisticated design that appeals to those who appreciate the abstract beauty in both art and taste, suggesting the hidden depths and evolving character of the wine itself.
The multimedia artist Subin Yang’s work on her label is truly captivating and one that instantly draws admiration. Her design masterfully weaves cosmic elements into a grounded vineyard scene, presenting a visual allegory for the winemaking journey. With the serene moon and the steadfast North Star serving as guiding celestial lights, the vineyards below appear to blossom under the rhythmic, often unpredictable, nature of the winemaking process. This artwork beautifully symbolizes the delicate balance between natural forces and human guidance that culminates in the creation of an amazing wine. Subin Yang’s label is a poetic tribute to the celestial influences and earthly rhythms that shape every bottle, a visual metaphor for the magic contained within.
The Elegance Within: Argyle 2013 Vintage Brut
The stunning and distinctive wine labels from The Art of Sparkling collection proudly grace Argyle Winery’s 2013 Vintage Brut, a wine that truly encapsulates the spirit and quality for which Argyle is celebrated. This particular vintage is not just a drink; it’s an experience, a sparkling testament to the Willamette Valley’s exceptional terroir.
Argyle’s 2013 Vintage Brut is celebrated for its exquisite balance and versatility, making it a truly food-friendly and utterly delicious sparkling wine. On the palate, it reveals delicate hints of ripe peach, harmoniously intertwined with bright acidity and a subtle yeasty complexity that speaks to its traditional method of production. Comprised of a classic blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, this Vintage Brut is deeply indicative of the unique climatic conditions and soil composition found in the Willamette Valley, producing grapes of remarkable character and intensity. The thoughtful blend creates a wine with structure and finesse, a vibrant effervescence, and a lingering, elegant finish that invites another sip. This partnership with PNCA further exemplifies Argyle’s commitment to reflecting the essence of its region, not just through its grapes, but also through artistic expression that celebrates local talent and spirit.
This delightful wine is perfect for any occasion, from celebratory toasts to casual evening gatherings. Its bright profile makes it an ideal companion for a wide array of dishes, from delicate seafood and creamy cheeses to crispy fried appetizers. I particularly enjoy bringing this wine to dinner parties, where its sophisticated yet approachable nature always impresses guests. It’s an excellent choice for pairing with appetizers during upcoming holiday dinner parties, offering a refreshing counterpoint to richer flavors and stimulating conversation with its artistic labels.
The exclusive Art of Sparkling collection, featuring these three magnificent bottles of 2013 Vintage Brut, is available for purchase online for $100 per set of 3 bottles, with a special price of $85 for club members. This unique collection is also available directly at the Argyle Tasting House, offering an opportunity to acquire a piece of Oregon’s winemaking and artistic heritage.
Experience Argyle: Plan Your Visit to the Winery
For those eager to immerse themselves further in the world of Argyle Winery and experience the Art of Sparkling collection firsthand, a visit to their esteemed Tasting House is highly recommended. Located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, it offers a welcoming and informative experience for both seasoned connoisseurs and new enthusiasts.
Argyle Winery Tasting House
691 Highway 99W
Dundee, Oregon 97115
HOURS:
The Tasting House welcomes guests from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with the exception of major holidays. To ensure a personalized and enjoyable experience, particularly during peak seasons or for larger groups, reservations are highly recommended. You can secure your spot by calling 503-538-8520 or by visiting their comprehensive website to explore more about their offerings, history, and the complete portfolio of their celebrated wines.
www.argylewinery.com
This innovative collaboration between Argyle Winery and the Pacific Northwest College of Art exemplifies a beautiful fusion of tradition, craft, and contemporary artistry. It not only celebrates the exceptional quality of Oregon’s sparkling wines but also fosters the next generation of creative talent, proving that true artistry can be found in every pour and every brushstroke. The Art of Sparkling collection is more than just wine; it’s a narrative, a partnership, and a sensory delight.
We invite you to share your thoughts: Which Art of Sparkling label resonates most with your aesthetic and spirit?
Special thanks are extended to Argyle Winery for the gracious invitation to the Art of Sparkling event and for the complimentary 3-bottle Art of Sparkling wine set. It’s important to note that, as always, all opinions expressed and photographs shared are entirely my own. Argyle has consistently been a cherished winery of mine, particularly for its outstanding sparkling wine. I genuinely adore their offerings, and I am confident that you will too! This initiative further cements their position as a leader in innovative and high-quality Oregon winemaking.