Oregon’s Sparkling Wine Movement: A Rising Star

Oregon is no stranger to the world of sparkling wine. For decades, talented winemakers in the state have been crafting exceptional bubbles using a variety of methods, from the time-honored traditional method to the efficient tank method and even carbonation.

The state’s terroir is ideally suited for growing two of the three primary grape varietals used in the production of Champagne: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This makes Oregon a natural fit for producing world-class sparkling wine.

However, sparkling wine production, particularly the traditional method, can be a more complex, costly, and time-consuming endeavor compared to still wine production. The traditional method is undoubtedly the most labor-intensive.

Back in 2018, only around 20 producers in Oregon were dedicated to crafting sparkling wine using this meticulous method.

By 2021, that number had surged to approximately 60, fueled by a significant increase in Chardonnay plantings throughout the state.

Today, Oregon proudly holds the position of third nationally in sparkling wine production. More impressively, it is often recognized as first in quality among its peers. In fact, Forbes has declared Oregon as “one of the country’s most exciting sparkling wine movements.”

Method Oregon plays a vital role in solidifying the region’s reputation for producing sparkling wines that showcase intensity, elegant expression, and a profound sense of place, all thanks to the combination of the cool-climate terroir and the finesse of the méthode champenoise.

About Method Oregon: A Celebration of Excellence

Method Oregon is designed to be the premier sparkling wine event in the state, celebrating Oregon’s impressive ascent as a world-class region for traditional method sparkling wine production.

As a devoted sparkling wine enthusiast and a huge admirer of Oregon wines, I was incredibly excited to attend this inaugural event!

Attendees had the option of two different ticket types for the event:

• All Access Pass ($250): This comprehensive pass granted access to all events from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, including a moderated panel discussion, a VIP tasting hour, a lavish sparkling wine luncheon, and the highly anticipated Grand Tasting event.
• Grand Tasting Pass ($150): This pass provided access to the main tasting event, which took place from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Kick-Off Dinner: An Intimate Prelude

The evening before the main event, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a kick-off media dinner at Sokol Blosser Winery, one of Oregon’s pioneering wineries. While this particular event wasn’t open to the general public, I felt it was crucial to include it in this article as it provides invaluable insight into the strength and camaraderie of the Oregon wine community.

It’s moments like these that make me incredibly proud to be a small part of this remarkable wine world. The dinner beautifully bridged the gap between the past, present, and future of Oregon winemaking. Passionate stories of the region’s founding wineries were shared with the same heartfelt enthusiasm that fuels the more than 700 Oregon wineries thriving today.

It was truly a pinch-me moment. I was seated across the table from founder Susan Sokol Blosser, who spoke eloquently about the foundation she and other Oregon wine pioneers had laid for the state’s thriving wine industry.

Seated next to her was Andy Lytle of Lytle-Barnett, a prominent figure in the Oregon sparkling wine movement.

And here’s the beautiful thing about moments like this: they are not uncommon when you’re in Oregon wine country.

While this particular dinner was a private event, similar dinners and events occur regularly. Oregon winemakers and winery owners are incredibly accessible and deeply invested in their craft. They have a profound connection to the land, the people within their community, and their valued customers.

Oregon winemakers show up, they give back, and they actively participate in their community.

The food and wine at this dinner were just as sparkling as the conversation.

Sokol Blosser prepared a Farm + Forage dinner, carefully crafted to complement the Sokol Blosser and Lytle-Barnett sparkling wines that we enjoyed throughout the evening. I’m still dreaming about the exquisitely spiced prawns and the perfectly medium-rare salmon.

You, too, can book a similar Farm + Forage experience on the Sokol Blosser website!

It was a truly special night and a wonderful prelude to the Method Oregon events to come.

Sparkling Wine Panel: Insights from the Pioneers

Community was a recurring theme that resonated throughout the next day’s events at Method Oregon.

Guests who purchased the all-day access pass began their day at 10:00 am with an engaging panel discussion featuring some of Oregon’s most influential sparkling wine pioneers: Rollin Soles (ROCO), Andrew Davis (Radiant Sparkling), and Kate Payne Brown (Argyle). The panel was expertly moderated by wine expert Julia Coney, who infused the lively discussion with her energetic and engaging style.

The camaraderie and mutual support within the Oregon wine industry were palpable among the panelists. It was evident that despite the challenges the industry faces as a whole, traditional method sparkling wine has a bright future in the state.

After filling our minds with so much exciting wine knowledge, it was time for lunch!

Sparkling Wine Luncheon: A Culinary Symphony

Following the panel discussion, all-access pass holders moved to the Domaine Willamette Garden Pavilion for the luncheon.

Side note: If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Domaine Willamette yet, I highly recommend adding it to your Oregon tasting itinerary. It’s a stunning, serene space that offers exceptional wine tasting experiences and boasts a talented culinary staff.

During the luncheon, the winemakers themselves wandered from table to table, generously pouring samples of their traditional method sparkling wines. These were wines that were not featured during the Grand Tasting, making this an extra special treat for attendees!

The Domaine Willamette kitchen team created a stunning summery salad and a beautiful potato chip-crusted fish, both designed to perfectly complement the sparkling wines served at lunch.

Method Oregon Grand Tasting: The Sparkling Showcase

After lunch, we moved into the main tasting areas of Domaine Willamette for the VIP hour tasting.

This allowed VIP guests to enjoy a more relaxed and intimate hour of tasting before the doors opened to the larger group of General Admission ticket holders.

The General Admission doors opened at 2:00 pm. For the remaining three hours of the Method Oregon Grand Tasting, guests had the opportunity to sample over 50 traditional method sparkling wines from more than 20 featured Oregon wineries.

Did you even know that that many sparkling wines were being made in Oregon, let alone traditional method sparkling wines?

And these were just the select, featured traditional method producers! If anything, Method Oregon brilliantly showcased just how robust the Oregon sparkling wine movement truly is.

During the Grand Tasting, a delightful array of dishes were presented, all of which paired beautifully with the sparkling wines. Some of my favorites included the vegetarian spring rolls (pictured above), charcuterie cups, oysters, and ceviche.

What’s Next for Oregon Sparkling Wine? A Promising Future

Method Oregon marks a significant turning point for the state’s sparkling wine industry.

It creates a unified platform for showcasing Oregon’s ability to craft world-class traditional-method sparkling wine. It not only elevates quality and awareness but also demonstrates the collaborative spirit of this strong and generous wine community.

It’s clear that Oregon is forging a new terroir-driven benchmark for American bubbles, and I, for one, am completely on board.

Whether you’re a devoted sparkling wine lover, an Oregon wine enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys discovering something new, Method Oregon is the perfect event to sip, swirl, and sparkle in the Willamette Valley. Be sure to add it to your event calendar for 2026!

Learn more at methodoregon.com.

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