Helvetia Winery & Vineyards
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Helvetia Vineyards and Winery is on the northern rim of theTualatin Valley on the southwest face of the West Hills of Portland (Tualatin Mountain) in the community of Helvetia. It is the closest winery to the city of Portland (only 25 minutes). The vineyards and winery are located five miles north of highway 26, the main artery connecting Portland with Oregon’s north coast. The vineyards are situated on the northernmost area of the Willamette Valley. Swiss and German immigrants settled the rolling hills of Helvetia in the late 1800's. Prior to prohibition, the community was also known as Grape Hill because of the area's cottage wine industry. Jacob Yungen (whose 100 year old house became the winery visitors center), wrote home to his relatives of his new home in Oregon. Of the grapes he said, "The North wind howls here every time it frosts. However, the grapes often ripen full and wonderful." In these hills John Platt and Elizabeth Furse farm what has become 100 acres of forest, vineyards, and Christmas trees. John and Elizabeth moved to their farm in 1980 and began planting winegrapes on the southern slopes in 1982. The slopes range from 500 to 750 feet in elevation. The soils are Cascade, a sedimentary clay loam. In 1987 they made their first wine. And, in 1989 they started selling grapes to home winemakers. From 1992-1995 they custom-crushed their grapes at Laurel Ridge Winery under the Helvetia Vineyards label and opened their own winery in October 1996. Last year they purchased the adjoining Jacob Yungen property with its 100 year old house to use the grounds as a visitors center for wine tastings and other events as well as Christmas tree sales. The farm also has two rustic barns.
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Directions
Helvetia Vineyards and Winery is located at the northern end of the Tualatin Valley on the west side of the West Hills of Portland, Oregon in the community of Helvetia.
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Chardonnay
Part of the 'O Collection, this is a crisp, fruity Chardonnay. This remarkably layered wine was whole cluster pressed and fermented in small french oak barrels with a delicious taste allowing it to be paired with a wide range of foods or enjoyed by itself.
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Pinot Gris
A fine Pinot gris fermented in stainless steel with the aroma of Granny Smith apples and a crisp finish. Complements salmon and spicy foods such as curry and kung pao.
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Pinot Gris
With grapefruit aromas and flavors balanced with a hint of sweetness, this Pinot Gris provides an excellent complement to spicy fowl and seafood dishes.
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Pinot Gris
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Pinot Noir
Silver Medal Winner at the 2002 Oregon State Fair. This fine Pinot noir has a bouquet of strawberry, cherry and cranberry accompanied by a lingering finish. Complements lamb, salmon, and grilled beef.
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Pinot Noir
This Pinot noir was blended from Pommard, Dijon and Wadeswil clones and presents cherry and currant aromas along with a spicy finish. The fruit was harvested during the last two weeks in October from estate and other vineyards located at the northernmost end of the Willamette Valley.
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Willamette Valley Chardonnay
Our 2000 Willamette Valley Chardonnay was whole-cluster pressed and aged in small French oak barrels to maintain its fruity pear aromas and infuse a vanilla nuance.
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