– Dinner to Follow August 1st Tasting From 50-Year Old Vines Planted by Legendary Chuck Coury –
FOREST GROVE, OR – In this celebratory year of Oregon wine, there is another story, seldom told, of 50-year old vines planted in the Willamette Valley, and a winery site that was once at the very forefront of today’s Oregon wine industry. Please join us on AUGUST 1ST AT 5 P.M. for a tasting of library wines from David Hill Vineyards & Winery, which is located on estate vineyards planted by industry visionary Chuck Coury in 1965, followed by a BBQ and party with live music that will be open to the public.
“We welcome you to discover and enjoy our unique wines, which hail from some of the oldest vines planted in the Willamette Valley, at our winery that has been renovated and improved in every way, from the vineyards themselves to the historic, 19th-century farmhouse that serves as our tasting room and headquarters,” said Mike Kuenz, General Manager of David Hill Vineyards & Winery.
Alsatian varietals include Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Blanc. Most exciting of all, a proprietary clone of Pinot Noir that was developed on the property and is known as the “Coury Clone.” In 1965, Charles “Chuck” Coury was a colleague and friend of David Lett, and he planted those varietals and more on a 150-acre site west of Forest Grove on a hillside that was known from pioneer days as David Hill. In 1992, Milan Stoyanov, a retired Portland businessman acquired it; and the David Hill brand released its first vintage in 2000. Extensive restorations were made over ensuing years to the vineyards and 1883 farmhouse; additional vineyards were cleared and planted in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Ownership and management feel it is an important part of their stewardship to better understand the history and plant material from our original plantings. The historic 1883 farmhouse has been restored and extensive gardens have been planted around the farmhouse.
“Unfortunately, no bottles remain of the original vintages produced by Coury,” said Kuenz. “We will pour some of our best library releases from the blocks planted in 1965; of estate-grown Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and the Coury-clone Pinot Noir.”
The trade tasting will run from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a barbeque dinner at 6:30 p.m. that media and trade guests are also invited to attend, compliments of David Hill Winery. Please RSVP for either or both events to Carrie Craft at the winery, or call 503-992-8545.
Note to Writers and Editors: Interviews and private tastings can be arranged in advance of the event. Please direct all media inquires to Carl Giavanti Consulting.
David Hill Vineyards & Winery is located at 46350 N.W. David Hill Road, Forest Grove, OR, 97116.
