Wynne Peterson-Nedry and Oregon Wine Royalty

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When it is 9:07 on a Friday night, and I am just sitting down to write this week’s newsletter, we all know it has been a week. So with that being said, the amount of ramble will be nonexistent.

Saying nothing about what is happening in the Ukraine feels completely wrong. Tim Atkin said some unique words I agree with.

I am not in Europe, but I am very privileged writing the newsletter on a Friday night with a glass of wine within arms reach. I can’t even begin to imagine what it is like in Russia or the Ukraine right now. Big hugs all around!!

Mark your calendar for April 23rd! The Yamhill Carlton AVA is holding a Spring Tasting!

Were you aware that Cameron created a label called Screaming Ego when other Pinots in the Valley were breaking the $100 price point? I had no clue either, and I kind of want them to bring it back!

It is a podcast week, and I sat down with Wynne Peterson-Nedry for an incredible chat. Sitting across the table from her was like sitting down with an old friend I hadn’t seen in 20 years. Two years ago, I briefly chatted with Wynne when she dropped off wine at my house. We talked the teeniest little bit, but it was nowhere near enough. I have to say how much of an honor it was to spend an hour the other week getting more details about the stories I knew on the surface.

I highly suggest setting aside an hour to listen to the complete interview with Wynne, but if you don’t have an hour, scroll down find the clip about the Oregon PGI status. Seeing pride shine across Wynne’s face about her Dad’s years upon years of work to achieve an enormous milestone will make your eyes water.

Here is the entire YouTube Video and the audio for Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Here are the highlights of our talk in smaller bite size chunks. Be warned, not watching the full interview, you are missing out on the blind wine I pour at the beginning and the reveal at the end.

Oregon Wine Royalty

There’s a bit of an inside joke throughout Oregon Wine Country saying Wynne is royalty with her Dad, Harry Peterson-Nedry, being Prince Harry. Wynne's Dad has done so much for Oregon Wine it is hard not to consider Wynne as Oregon Wine Royalty. Click to watch​

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37 Harvests and Counting

Wynne grew up amongst the first vines planted in Oregon's Ribbon Ridge AVA, and even though she did try to get away from wine, there was no escaping her true calling in life. Click to watch​

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Chenin Blanc

In the Spring of 2020, Wynne fulfilled a 15+ year dream of planting Chenin Blanc at the Ridgecrest vineyard. It was fantastic to hear why it took so long and what drew Wynne to Chenin Blanc. Click to watch​

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Concrete Fermenters

Most of us are aware of fermenting in stainless steel and barrels. You might also be mindful of Amphoras, but what do you know about concrete fermenters? Click to watch​

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Legacy

RR Wines and Ridgecrest are now a 2nd generation winery. In December 2020, Wynne gave birth to a possible 3rd generation of winemakers. We talk about how her son and Dad share the same birthday and hope for the family tradition to continue. Click to watch​

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Artwork on Ridgecrest Labels

I am always fascinated by how things happen. For example, the labels for all Ridgecrest bottles are artwork from Wynne’s Dad, Harry. I was curious to know if Harry’s artwork was a hobby he took up later in life and what it took for Wynne to convince her Dad for his sketches to be on the labels. Click to watch​

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What is the difference between RR and Ridgecrest

I was always a little confused about the difference between RR Wines and Ridgecrest. I now know the answer! Click to watch​

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Ridgecreast tastings in the yurt

The tastings at Ridgecrest are the most unique and unforgettable I have experienced! Being amongst the vines and tasting in a yurt is the best! Initially, the yurt was for something else. Click to watch​

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Oregon's PGI Status

Last year Oregon received PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Status from the European Union. This recognition protects iconic names of agricultural products, spirit drinks, and wines linked to their geographical origin, including well-known products such as Champagne and Barolo. Only two American wine regions, Napa Valley and now the Willamette Valley, carry this distinction. Harry was the driving force behind the movement. Oregon Wine Archive has a great interview with Harry surrounding his accomplishment.

When I talked with Wynne about the PGI status, it was impossible not to see how proud she is of her Dad and what he has done for Oregon Wine.

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Oregon's Riesling Group

When the topic of Oregon Wine comes up, Pinot Noir immediately is what everyone thinks of. If you are lucky, next is Chardonnay. Mix Pinot and Chard together. Sparkling is the next hot topic. Can we talk about Oregon Riesling? Click to watch​

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Women in Oregon Wine

Oregon is known for its wine, but our community also has an excellent reputation for diversity and inclusion. Click to watch​

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Random UC Davis Question

Before I interviewed Wynne, I asked a fellow winemaker, Tom Fitzpatrick, for an off-the-wall question. He did not disappoint, and you have to see Wynne’s reaction. Click to watch​

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Is Wine Art

The constant pursuit of knowing everyone’s take on the never-ending quest to understand, Is Wine Art. Click to watch​

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Rapid Fire Questions

Wynne is an everyday person, just like you and me. My rapid-fire questions aim to bring out the person behind the wine. Click to watch​

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With Gratitude,

A.J.

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PS - It's too late for me to even think about a PS. First time ever......

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