News

ABC – Anything But Chardonnay? Not Any More!

By Paul Gregutt, Paul Gregutt's Northwest Wine Guide May 1st, 2025

Veteran wine reviewer Paul Gregutt offers a look into the fresh takes of the Burgundian-inspired wines from select PNW producers, among which is our very own Bryn Mawr Vineyards. 

"If you have given up on Chardonnay you are missing out on what, in the right hands, can be the greatest white wine in the Pacific Northwest. Time to jump back in!"

Bryn Mawr 2022 Estate Chardonnay - 93/100 Tart, tangy, loaded with bright citrus and wonderfully full-bodied despite its low alcohol, this elegant wine saw 15% new French oak for 16 months. It’s definitely an acid-lovers’ wine, and count me in when that acidity makes for such a lively, concentrated and delicious Chardonnay. Meyer lemon, fresh cut pineapple and a twist of lime; all good. 

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Bubbling Up: U.S. Vintners Find Success in Fizz as Consumers Look Beyond the Expected

By Kathleen Wilcox, Wine Industry Advisor March 17th, 2025

"In the U.S., sales of sparkling wine (made in both the traditional Champagne and the Italian method) are selling far more briskly than their still counterparts. And there are a number of other benefits that are making an ever-increasing number of producers get into the fizz game. 

David Lauer, who manages sales at Bryn Mawr Vineyards in Salem, Ore., says the winery’s trajectory in sparkling wine reflects the state’s broader patterns — and, perhaps, its future."

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Top 60 Northwest Wines of 2024

By Sean P Sullivan, Northwest Wine Report January 17th, 2025

"Northwest Wine Report’s Top 60 Northwest Wines of 2024! These wines were chosen from nearly 1,000 wines reviewed over the last year. Included among the winners is Bryn Mawr's 2022 Estate Dolcetto: 91 points, Critic’s Choice: This wine was aged 9 months in neutral oak. The aromas bring notes of tea leaf, flower, and blue fruit, showing pretty nuances. The palate is medium-bodied, tart, and initially tightly coiled. It shows pleasing purity."

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Peak Harvest: A collaborative dinner series with Epilogue and Bryn Mawr Vineyards

By Eugene Magazine January 7th, 2025

"In the hills of Salem, Bryn Mawr Vineyards and Chef Jon Jones of Epilogue restaurant have crafted a unique dining experience that celebrates both the peak of wine harvest and the bounty of local ingredients. The “Peak Harvest” dinner series brings together thoughtfully paired wines from Bryn Mawr’s portfolio with Chef Jon’s innovative, locally-sourced cuisine. These dinners are scheduled monthly throughout the spring, but Bryn Mawr hopes to have them more often in summer."

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Oregon sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve

By Decanter December 23, 2024

"Looking for US-made bubbles to bring in the New Year? Decanter's North America Editor, Clive Pursehouse suggests you look to Oregon sparkling wines, in particular the Willamette Valley. Here the cool conditions and myriad winemaking talent are crafting a sparkling renaissance that pops with quality and value." 

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The 25 Best Sparkling Wines for 2024 (That Aren’t Champagne or Prosecco)

By Vinepair December 18, 2024

"There’s a big world out there with a wide range of sparkling wine to be had outside of the two powerhouse regions of France and Italy. A lot of amazing, even life- changing, bubbles from Oregon and Maryland to Italy and Spain. We were so excited to taste through hundreds of bottles of bubbly, and as we did, one thing became very clear: The U.S. is not playing when it comes to this category. 

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At the western crest of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA near Salem, Ore., lies Bryn Mawr Vineyards, Welsh for high hill. With influence from the Pacific Ocean and an elevation as high as 900 feet above sea level, it’s definitely one of the highest vineyard sites in the region. A great spot for Pinot Noir. Especially a sparkling Pinot Noir! This is Bryn Mawr’s Pinot Noir-based American Sparkler they brought on board in 2018 and we are so glad they did. It has a savory nose with hints of pear and fennel. The palate is fabulously quenching with calm but present bubbles."

 

The Seventh Annual World’s Largest Blind Tasting of American Sparkling Wine

By The Drunken Cyclist December 18, 2024

"This month was the Seventh Annual World’s Largest Blind Tasting of American Sparkling Wine, which featured 48 sparkling wines from California and Oregon.

2018 Bryn Mawr Vineyards Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs, Eola – Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, OR: Retail $85. 100% Pinot Noir. A nose with some red delicious apple coming through. Medium straw color. Great fruit on the palate—the red delicious (slightly under ripe) comes through along with an intense tartness and a hint of yeast. Excellent. 92 Points."

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These Are Some Of The Best Oregon Sparkling Wines For Gift Giving

By Forbes December 2024

"Oregon is now a top destination for world-class sparkling wine and should be on every wine lover’s radar—this is your guide to some of the best the state has to offer.

Bryn Mawr 2018 Blanc de Noirs: A dry, zesty bubbly that spent six months in barrel prior to five years aging on the lees. Notes of shortbread and biscuit over citrus and fresh-cut pear make it a delight to drink."

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Slow Your Roll

By Oregon Wine Press November 29, 2024

"A slower time for wineries is prime time for Slow Wine field coordinators. Following last April’s kickoff, we tasted with producers of “good, clean and fair” wines in California, Oregon, Washington and New York made from grapes grown without synthetic herbicides. We then prepared entries with brief descriptions of the principals and history, vineyards, wines and farming practices. For the Slow Wine Guide USA 2025 edition, I visited 24 wineries in the Willamette Valley. Highlights follow.

Jon and Kathy Lauer acquired Bryn Mawr Vineyards in 2009, and, with the help of winemaker and vineyard director, Rachel Rose, grew the site. Winds from the Van Duzer Corridor play a significant role in the wines Rose crafts. Her 2021 Estate Pinot Noir, fermented with 35 percent whole clusters, contributes aromas of cinnamon, forest floor, herbs, dark cherry with a hint of violet. The young palate exhibits excellent balance and structure."

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December 2024 Cellar Selects: Libations for Celebrations

By Oregon Wine Press December 2024

"Enjoy these top picks during the holidays!

Bryn Mawr 2018 Blanc de Noirs: Nervy acidity and foamy bubbles dance on the palate, captivating first with smells of fresh sourdough, honeystick, earthy mushrooms and zesty lemons. Vibrant citrus flavors of tart lemons, white grapefruit and a touch of lemon zest make for a lively character, culminating in an extended finale. $85"

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