Gran Moraine Cellars

Nestled amidst the picturesque vineyards of Oregon’s renowned Yamhill-Carlton AVA within the expansive Willamette Valley, Gran Moraine Winery stands as a beacon of modern winemaking seamlessly interwoven with sophisticated tradition. This esteemed destination offers an exquisite selection of Oregon Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and captivating Sparkling Wines, complemented by a pioneering Culinary Creations program designed to elevate the tasting experience. It’s a place where every sip tells a story of the land, and every dish is a testament to thoughtful pairing.

About Gran Moraine Winery

Established in 2013, Gran Moraine Winery is an integral part of Oregon’s esteemed wine landscape, situated within the highly regarded Yamhill-Carlton AVA. This specific sub-region of the Willamette Valley is celebrated for its ancient marine soils and unique microclimate, which together create an ideal environment for cultivating world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and the fruit essential for exceptional sparkling wines. Under the experienced guidance of General Manager Eugenia Keegan and the meticulous craftsmanship of Winemaker Shane Moore, Gran Moraine consistently produces approximately 11,000 cases of highly sought-after wines each year.

A visit to Gran Moraine Winery in Yamhill, Oregon, is an immersive journey into a world where traditional winemaking principles are artfully blended with a vibrant, contemporary spirit. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance: elegant furnishings, classic wine labels, and thoughtfully arranged seating areas reflect a sophisticated, timeless winery aesthetic. Yet, this traditional foundation is enlivened by unexpected bursts of modernity—think striking contemporary photography adorning the walls, and a playful pink neon sign illuminating the word “Flavorscape.”

The staff at Gran Moraine embodies this unique philosophy. Far from the stuffy stereotypes sometimes associated with fine wine, the hosts are exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. They are eager to engage in deep conversations about winemaking and terroir for those who wish to geek out, or simply provide a serene, enjoyable environment for guests who prefer to savor their wines in quiet contemplation. This welcoming approach ensures that every visitor feels at ease, making the wine tasting experience at Gran Moraine Winery both lively and profoundly enjoyable.

Adding another layer to this already remarkable experience is their newly introduced Culinary Creations program. This innovative food and wine pairing offering is an absolute must-try, transforming a simple tasting into a memorable gastronomic adventure. During a recent visit, the combination of exquisite wines and thoughtful culinary pairings created an unforgettable afternoon. It’s an experience that truly encapsulates the Gran Moraine ethos, inviting guests to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and sensations that define this exceptional Oregon winery.

Gran Moraine Wines: A Portfolio of Excellence

Gran Moraine has built a formidable reputation on its commitment to showcasing the distinct characteristics of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA through its focused production of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and an evolving sparkling wine program. Each bottle is a reflection of meticulous vineyard management and thoughtful winemaking, aiming to express the unique terroir of their estate vineyards. The very first Gran Moraine wine that captured my attention was their Yamhill-Carlton Rosé several years ago—a delicate and refreshing expression that sang with notes of summer strawberries and bright sunshine. The current release, their 2020 Rosé, maintains this vibrant character and is available for $28 per bottle, offering an accessible entry point into their acclaimed portfolio.

Brut Rosé: A Sparkling Welcome

Upon arrival at Gran Moraine, guests are often greeted with a glass of their elegant Gran Moraine NV Yamhill-Carlton Brut Rosé, priced at $50. This non-vintage (NV) sparkling wine typically features a harmonious blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, this particular release includes a subtle touch of Pinot Meunier, adding an extra layer of complexity and nuance to its profile. The result is a remarkably light and dry sparkling wine, presenting delicate hints of crisp citrus and ethereal floral notes that dance on the palate.

This Brut Rosé serves as an impeccable introduction to Gran Moraine’s burgeoning sparkling wine program. Its refreshing acidity and nuanced flavors set a delightful tone for the tasting journey ahead, proving to be a delicious and sophisticated way to commence your exploration of their acclaimed wines. The subtle effervescence and balanced profile make it an excellent aperitif, beautifully paving the way for the richer, more structured wines to follow. We savored this exquisite brut rosé alongside a small serving of lightly spiced popcorn, a surprisingly delightful pairing that highlighted the wine’s versatility and vibrant character.

Blanc de Blancs: The Inaugural Sparkling Star

The true highlight of the current season at Gran Moraine Winery is the highly anticipated inaugural release of their 2014 Blanc de Blancs, available at $90 a bottle. This exceptional sparkling wine is a pure expression of its varietal, crafted entirely from 100% estate-grown Chardonnay grapes. What truly distinguishes this wine is its extensive aging process: it remains en tirage—meaning it rests in the bottle on its lees (spent yeast cells)—for an impressive five years and nine months. This extended contact with the lees imparts remarkable depth, complexity, and a signature brioche character that is highly sought after in premium sparkling wines.

The 2014 Blanc de Blancs is nothing short of a stunning sparkling wine. On the nose, it offers an alluring bouquet of vibrant lemon, intertwined with elegant notes of lime and subtle hints of stone fruit. The palate delivers classic brioche flavors, a testament to its long aging, beautifully balanced by a crisp, refreshing acidity. With only 152 cases of this exquisite wine ever produced, it represents a rare and remarkable achievement in Oregon sparkling winemaking. Connoisseurs and enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to secure a bottle—or even a half case—before this limited-edition masterpiece is fully allocated.

Pinot Noir: The Heart of Oregon Wine

Pinot Noir is the cornerstone of Oregon’s wine identity, and Gran Moraine Winery excels in crafting nuanced and expressive interpretations of this noble grape. On the current tasting menu, guests have the opportunity to explore two distinct expressions: the 2017 Cascade Pinot Noir and the 2018 Dropstone Pinot Noir, both priced at $80. Each wine offers a unique perspective on the Yamhill-Carlton terroir, showcasing the subtle variations that can arise even within the same vineyard.

The 2018 Dropstone Pinot Noir, in particular, stood out with its captivating profile. It delights with rich, ripe fruit flavors that are beautifully balanced by a refreshing acidity, culminating in a smooth, incredibly elegant finish. It embodies the essence of a truly refined Oregon Pinot Noir. Gran Moraine Winery’s commitment to quality over quantity is evident in their Pinot Noir production. These wines are exclusively available in the tasting room, and with only about 120 cases of each Pinot Noir produced annually, they represent genuine small-batch artisan winemaking. This limited production allows for meticulous attention to detail at every stage, and the result is a discernible difference in the beautiful nuances and profound character found in each and every bottle.

Chardonnay: A Revelation of Elegance

Concluding our journey through Gran Moraine’s single-varietal offerings on the tasting flight was the exquisite 2017 Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay, priced at $80. This wine proved to be a revelation, captivating discerning palates with its exceptional balance and complexity. While I typically gravitate towards Chardonnays aged in stainless steel or concrete for their crisp, unadorned expression, the 2017 vintage from Gran Moraine is a testament to masterful winemaking, beautifully navigating the fine line between freshness and richness.

This Chardonnay undergoes a meticulous aging process of 15 months in a thoughtful combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. This dual approach imparts both a vibrant, zippy freshness and a smooth, elegant texture without ever becoming overtly oaked. The result is a wine that is both lively and sophisticated, offering a delightful interplay of bright fruit, subtle creaminess, and a lingering, memorable finish. Such was its appeal that we purchased two bottles: one to enjoy in the near future, and another to allow its complexities to further develop with age. The anticipation of how this exceptional Chardonnay will evolve and bloom in a few years is truly exciting.

Zena Crown Wines: A Deeper Dive into Pinot Noir

Beyond the celebrated Gran Moraine portfolio, guests embarking on a tasting journey also have the unique opportunity to discover the exquisite wines from Gran Moraine’s esteemed sister winery, Zena Crown Vineyard. Nestled in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Zena Crown focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir, offering a distinct expression of a different Willamette Valley terroir. This vineyard operates on an even smaller scale than Gran Moraine, producing only about 2,000 cases of wine each year, emphasizing extreme precision and a singular vision for Pinot Noir.

Remarkably, Zena Crown shares the same talented winemaker, Shane Moore, who applies his expertise to capture the nuanced character of this specific vineyard site. Zena Crown is renowned for producing four distinct Pinot Noirs, each named after a season, reflecting the subtle shifts and characteristics observed throughout the growing cycle. During our visit, we had the pleasure of tasting both the 2017 Zena Crown Vineyard Slope Pinot Noir ($75) and the 2017 Zena Crown Vineyard Σ (The Sum) Pinot Noir ($75). Both wines were remarkably focused and refined, showcasing rich red and black fruit aromas and flavors, indicative of their pedigree.

Ultimately, the 2017 Zena Crown Vineyard Σ (The Sum) Pinot Noir captivated us most. There was an undeniable allure to this particular wine—a certain mysterious depth, a brooding intensity, and an overall decadent quality that beckoned further exploration. It offered a compelling, complex narrative in the glass, leaving a lasting impression that led us to take a bottle home to savor later.

Culinary Creations: Elevating the Pairing Experience

To truly complete and enrich your wine tasting experience at Gran Moraine Winery, we highly recommend adding on their innovative Culinary Creations program. This unique offering, designed to be a delightful complement to your wine journey, is available as a $50 add-on to your regular tasting fee and is offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday each week. It’s an investment that significantly enhances the sensory exploration.

The Culinary Creations experience features a trio of thoughtfully conceptualized dishes, masterminded by Chef Dustin Joseph of Biscuit & Pickles catering. These dishes are generously portioned and designed to be shared, comfortably feeding two to three people, fostering a communal and enjoyable dining experience. While the culinary team intends for these dishes to pair harmoniously with all the wines on the current tasting menu, we’ve included our personal recommendations for the wines that we found to be particularly outstanding with each delectable bite, offering a curated guide to maximizing your enjoyment.

Fried Chicken + Sparkling Wine: The Ultimate Indulgence

If you appreciate classic pairings that defy expectations, you’ll undoubtedly love Chef Dustin’s innovative take on a beloved combination: fried chicken and sparkling wine. While some might consider it a “basic” pairing, it remains, in my opinion, one of the most utterly delicious and satisfying food and wine matches of all time. Chef Dustin elevates this concept to new heights with his dish, aptly named “Extreme Smashability”—an open-faced fried chicken sandwich that is a triumph of textures and flavors.

The chicken is masterfully coated and crisped to an irresistible perfection, boasting a glorious crunch with every bite. It’s generously topped with sweet pickles that provide a delightful tangy contrast, and a super tasty champagne pineapple slaw that adds a vibrant, acidic lift. All these glorious components are served atop a perfectly toasted brioche bun, adding a touch of buttery richness. The sheer indulgence of the crispy chicken and rich bun is beautifully cut by the effervescence and acidity of a quality sparkling wine, creating a truly harmonious and unforgettable pairing.

Pairs exceptionally well with: the vibrant and elegant 2014 Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine, whose crispness and brioche notes beautifully complement the richness of the fried chicken.

Pacific Northwest Salmon + Pinot Noir: A Taste of the Region

Titled “The Wild Western Edge,” this dish is a masterful culinary representation of autumn in the Pacific Northwest, artfully presented on a plate. The centerpiece is a perfectly cooked brown butter salmon fillet, its delicate flakes and rich flavor a testament to expert preparation. This succulent salmon rests upon a bed of earthy, wild-foraged mushrooms sourced directly from the abundant forests of the region, infusing the dish with an authentic sense of place. Capping off this exquisite composition is a vibrant heirloom tomato conserva, adding a burst of sweet and savory notes that brighten the entire plate.

With its intricate balance of sweet and savory elements, punctuated by profound umami bombs from the mushrooms and salmon, this dish is ideally suited for pairing with any of the elegant Pinot Noir wines featured on Gran Moraine’s tasting menu. The inherent acidity and often earthy, red-fruited characteristics of Oregon Pinot Noir create a symbiotic relationship with the rich, omega-laden salmon and the forest-floor notes of the mushrooms. However, if compelled to select a singular, standout pairing:

Pairs exquisitely with: the complex and beautifully structured 2018 Dropstone Pinot Noir, which harmonizes perfectly with the dish’s depth and regional flavors.

S’Mores + Chardonnay: A Sweet & Sophisticated Finish

The final act of the Culinary Creations program is a delightful dessert known as “Can’t Rush This,” a sophisticated and incredibly elevated interpretation of the classic s’mores. While paying homage to its nostalgic inspiration, this creation is, in my opinion, a million times superior. It begins with a silky-smooth Callebaut chocolate mousse, renowned for its superior quality and decadent richness, elegantly served in a charming mason jar. Perched atop this velvety chocolate is a generous cloud of freshly toasted marshmallow, perfectly caramelized to golden perfection, offering a warm, gooey contrast.

Accompanying this delightful ensemble are artisan graham cracker cookies, which are far more refined and flavorful than their traditional counterparts. These exquisite cookies are designed for dipping into the lush chocolate mousse, creating an interactive and incredibly satisfying textural experience. The richness of the chocolate and marshmallow is beautifully balanced by wines that offer either complementary creamy notes or a refreshing acidic cut, making for a truly memorable conclusion to the tasting.

Pairs beautifully with: The elegant 2017 Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay, whose bright acidity and subtle creamy notes can cut through the dessert’s richness, or the fruit-forward 2017 Zena Crown Σ (The Sum) Pinot Noir, which offers a delightful berry counterpoint to the chocolate.

Planning Your Wine Tasting at Gran Moraine Winery

A visit to Gran Moraine Winery promises an unforgettable exploration of some of Oregon’s finest wines in a setting that is both sophisticated and welcoming. To ensure a personalized and enjoyable experience, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially given the winery’s popularity and the intimate nature of its offerings.

Wine Tasting Experiences:
The standard tasting fee is $35 per person. This fee is generously waived for Gran Moraine wine club members, or with a minimum bottle purchase of $60 per person. For those wishing to enhance their visit with the culinary journey, the Culinary Creations experience can be added for an additional $50, available exclusively on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Gran Moraine is designed for intimate group experiences, therefore, a maximum of 6 people is permitted per reservation. If your party consists of more than six guests, please kindly contact the winery directly to discuss accommodation options and ensure the best possible arrangements for your group.

To preserve the pristine environment and focus on the winery’s own exquisite pairings, outside food is not permitted within the tasting room. This policy ensures that every guest can fully immerse themselves in the curated wine and food experience Gran Moraine offers.

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Location:
17090 NE Woodland Loop Rd
Yamhill, Oregon 97148
503.662.5454

Hours: Open Daily by appointment, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For more detailed information, to view the current wine selection, or to reserve your exclusive wine tasting experience, please visit the official Gran Moraine Winery website. Your journey into the heart of Oregon wine country awaits!

More Oregon Wineries to Explore

• Lenne Estate: Discovering Exceptional Pinot Noir in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA
• Oregon Wine Tasting Guide to the Dundee Hills AVA: A Connoisseur’s Journey
• Stoller Family Estate Experience Center: A Premier Destination in the Dundee Hills
• Utopia Vineyard: Crafting Authentic Pinot Noir in Ribbon Ridge