The Willamette Valley is Eyrie

It was 1985 and Grando and his brother Ned were in the backseat of a light blue Volkswagen Bus leaving Dundee and heading down the 5 freeway on their way to Dana Point in Orange County, when it was not as fancy as it is today. After experiencing their toddler and part of their school-age years in Dundee, his parents had enough of the rain and were on their way to Southern California for the sun and so their dad could work in Long Beach where he could take his electrical skills to the commercial level rather than the small town of Dundee. Grando left his birth town in the 2nd grade and him and his brother met friends like Leo and Jad. They played on the swings, doing flips and acrobatics standing out from the other kids at Summercreek Elementary. Grando and Ned were really close but fought all the time. Physically, verbally and mentally they tore each other apart. When Ned got older he moved back to the Willamette Vally where he was the best chef in the region. During his dark years, his mask was kind, but his heart was cold. He lived on a horse that was high, but his spirit seemed low. Overall, bright and dark times, he was an incredible guy and an extremely talented chef who was a master of his palate and sharp knives.

It was now 45 years later and Grando lived, grew and made Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley in Oregon’s wine country. Grando spent years in coastal Orange County, San Luis Obispo and UC Davis where he went back to school to get a second degree in Viticulture and Enology to add to his Cal Poly degree in Art. He missed the coast, but was willing to make sacrifices for his true passion, growing grapes and making Pinot Noir in his true home, Dundee. When he was a kid, he met a man nicknamed Papa Pinot but as a vintner and winemaker he never had the chance to learn from the true pioneer of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. So, here is a story about a legend named David Lett and those who followed him in the quest to make world-class Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley.

When Grando got started in the wine business, he thought that his wine brand Grandoza was going to be hot from the start. He thought that his reputation as a successful artist with a significant network would set the world on fire. That was not the case. He didn’t realize what he was competing against. “Dude, just because you think you’re the guy, doesn’t mean you can make wine like these Willamette Valley legends. You have no chance right now. David Lett started growing grapes in 1965, why do you think your first vines and vintages will do anything in the market.” Ned said, speaking very real with his brother. Grando sold his marketing services company for millions of dollars and the first thing he did was buy ten acres of Willamette Valley land to plant his first Pinot Noir vines.

“You’re so negative, vision killer.” said Grando fuming in regards to Ned’s skepticism of his pursuit of success in the valley. “I’m just saying, you need to be patient. Did you even know in 1968 Dick and Nancy Ponzi were planting their first vines on their just purchased 20-acre farm in the Chehalem Mountains? They started Ponzi Vineyards in 1970.” said Ned, sick of Grando’s grandiose ideas. “Yes, Dick was part of a very small group that put everything on the line to prove that all of their research made sense and you could grow Pinot Noir at Burgundy’s level here. People thought they were all nuts. How could grapes grow when it rains so much people said. It seemed impossible to everyone but them. They believed that since both regions were around the 45th parallel north they could compete with the French. Come on, you’re a somm you should know this.”

After more brutal bickering, they finally decided to give up, relax and enjoy a bottle of 2023 Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir. After popping the cork and pouring the bottle, Ned took a couple big sniffs and tasted the Willamette Valley Pinot. “Wow, this has a joyful freshness with vibrant brightness and soothing texture.” said Ned stimulated by the wine’s profile. “Did you know that in the Laurelwood District their estate vineyards feature some of the oldest own-rooted vines in the state?” casually voiced Grando, confident with his information. “No, I didn’t, nice! How about this one. Ponzi sustainably farms nearly 150 acres, all but 10 of which are found within the boundaries of the Laurelwood District AVA in the Chehalem Mountains.” said Ned after being highly elevated by the wine’s nose and distinct flavors. Things were now back on track and the two brothers bonded like the tannins and anthocyanins in their wine.

Ned and Grando were quite impressed with the exceptional and elegant Pinot Noir and since they had never been, they decided to visit Ponzi. They took the scenic SW Mountain Home Rd and when they arrived they were so intrigued by the perfectly groomed property vineyards while driving up to the incredible architecture sitting on top of the hilly estate. As they walked in, they admired the view and the remarkably classy environment. They walked in and were greeted by a kind man named AJ who was a marketing executive. They asked him if they could taste and he gracefully obliged. “We have the Taste of Ponzi flight along with the Founders Estate Tour & Tasting.” the good-looking gentlemen shared. They didn’t have much time, so they went for the first one. They were now about to be on their way. The first wine was poured by AJ and after smelling and tasting, they were blown away by its distinct character. They soon realized that like the Talking Heads song, this must be the place…