In 1974, Pat and Joe Campbell and their kids bought an abandoned and overgrown homestead in the foothills of the Coast Range Mountains of Oregon. They chose the property for its shallow soils, steep hilly terrain, and beautiful views. After spending a year living in a trailer found on the site, they converted the existing homesteader’s barn into a winery and built a new home from reclaimed lumber. That winter, a herd of 40 Roosevelt elk bedded down in the clearing by the Campbell family’s trailer. Their presence, along with the protective bowl shape of the property, inspired Pat and Joe to name their property Elk Cove Vineyards. In 1995, winemaker and son, Adam Campbell joined his parents at the winery and, with six vineyard sites with 380 planted acres, it remains family owned and operated. We will sample:

Elk Cove Pinot Gris 2021 — An expressive nose of nectarine, white flower and candied orange peel introduces this expansive, crisp wine with fresh flavors of fig, white cherry, and cantaloupe alongside an orange peel pithiness, ginger and lemon thyme. Rich and vibrant, with great texture and mouthfeel. Fermented in stainless steel. 13% ABV. $24.99/$8.50

Elk Cove Pinot Noir Rosé 2021 — Pale pink in color with peach and strawberry cream on the nose, this wine opens with juicy watermelon, garden strawberry and unripe mango leading into a lime peel grip on the finish. The Pinot Noir fruit for this Rosé is gently pressed with limited skin crushing, which makes virtually a “white Pinot Noir.” Fermented in stainless steel tanks, then Pinot Noir juice is blended back for color and texture. This Pinot Noir Rosé is finished completely dry. 13% ABV. $19.99/$7

Elk Cove Pinot Noir 2020 — Cherry fruit, dry leaves and five spice on the nose, this wine is bright and earthy, its flavors of raspberry and black currant layered with dusty, almost gritty tannins and notes of rhubarb and black pepper. Fruit from each of the six vineyard blocks is fermented in stainless steel tanks, and barreled in French oak barrels for 10 months. 13.5% ABV. $32.99/$11

See y’all Friday!!