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2024 Wine Enthusiast Reviews

Violet Vines Wines Reviewed by Wine Enthusiast 2024

We are beyond excited to share our latest Wine Enthusiast ratings with you. We are especially happy for the 2022 Syrah to receive 93 points and Editors Choice. Look for the 2022 Syrah to be featured in the October printed issue of Wine Enthusiast! 2022 Syrah, The Rocks District of...
Why Pinot Noir

A Short Primer On Why Pinot Noir Excels (and why clones matter)

Pinot Noir wine is highly popular for several reasons: Complexity and Elegance: Pinot Noir is known for its complex and nuanced flavor profile, often exhibiting notes of red fruits (like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry), earthiness, floral elements, and sometimes hints of spices. Its light to medium body and silky texture...
Violet Vines Estate Pinot Noir Sea Salt and Steak

Pinot Noir Sea Salt and Filet Mignon paired with 2022 Violet Vines Pinot Noir “Cooper Block” Single Clone Pommard

By April Zawada Our Violet Vines’ house-made Pinot noir salt has been a foodie favorite, with jars selling out regularly in our tasting room in Carlton, Oregon. It is a brilliant royal ruby color and great on grilled steaks! Today I am showcasing this savory salt with a grilled Filet...
Why-the-Rocks-blog-image

Why The Rocks (District)?

We’ve made no secret about our love of the northern Willamette Valley! Its Pinot noir and Chardonnay are world-class, with more and more varietals thriving in this exceptional wine-growing region. April and I had a dream to produce amazing Pinot and Chardonnay but we got the opportunity to experience cooler-weather...
James Suckling Cooper Block 2024

Violet Vines “Cooper Block” Pinot Noir Reviewed by James Suckling

We're pleased to announce that James Suckling has awarded our 2022 Estate Pinot Noir, Single Clone Pommard “Cooper Block” an outstanding 93 points. If you haven't experienced its exceptional flavor profile yet, join us for a tasting. “Made solely from Pommard clone grapes, this elegant, well-balanced beauty is trim and...
Minestrone Soup with The Rocks Syrah

Minestrone Finocchio Soup and Violet Vines Syrah

By April Zawada I love hearty soups that can stand only as a complete meal. This one is especially savory and as a bonus it is low in carbs and high in protein! It is my go-to most beloved soup and a family recipe shared to me by one of...
V2 Uncorked Spring 2024

V2 Uncorked Spring 2024

Happy Spring 2024 everyone! As the clouds and rain slowly depart Oregon, we’re incredibly excited about the promise of 2024, which also marks Violet Vines’ fifth anniversary and vintage! We thought we would share some updates with you as we’re preparing for the upcoming growing season. In the Winery The...
Spring Salad Blog

PNW Salad and Estate Pinot Noir

By April Zawada I love sophisticated salads.  I was inspired when I moved to Oregon because this region has a panache for incorporating local ingredients into a simple salad that was both savory and healthy.  In my opinion, salads aren’t the easiest food to pair with wine, but this salad...
Pinotage

What is Pinotage?

By Brian Zawada Ever heard of a wine varietal named Pinotage? I discovered it a little over ten years ago during a visit to Cape Town, South Africa. Back in 1925, a South African professor traveled to France and returned with 177 varietals, with the goal of finding varietals that...
Pinot Noir Grapes

The Power of Pinot

Why Oregon Pinot Noir is the Better Option When Choosing a Wine By April Zawada January 21, 2024 Wine is more than a drink. It is enjoyment. It is relaxation. It is a luxury that evokes emotion with every sip. But not all wine is the same. In particular, the Pinot Noir...