A pioneer winery, Bethel Heights was one of the first to plant vines in this valley over 40 years ago, in 1977. The significance of this is that the vines were planted before the Phylloxera disease impacted Oregon own-rooted vines). As a result, the Legacy vineyard is one of only a handful world-wide that was not impacted and remains original rootstock – a true rarity. Some say that you can tell by the flavor and nuances of the wine as a result. What’s more, you can see this original vineyard directly from the tasting room window – along with all the other vineyards that span the 50 acre valley beneath. 

An equally unique experience is to taste a flight of wines while viewing the exact vineyards they came from within the valley below. The result is real time learning on how terroir and environment can shape the wine structure in hand. And don’t underestimate the difference! Two vineyards may only be a few acres apart, but produce very different wines. Why? One is perched higher on a hill, and therefore works harder to battle the strong Van Duzer winds, resulting in a bolder profile. To find out which wine we’re describing, you’ll have to visit Bethel Heights and find out for yourself 🙂