Cristom Vineyards

When I first met JC we both liked wine but were poor students.

His go-to wine country was Livermore Valley (relatively affordable wine) and my go-to wine was whatever cheapest on the store shelf.

One summer, on the way back from attending his friend’s wedding in Washington state, we decided to drive through the Willamette valley in Oregon and visit as many wineries as possible.

Weather was beautiful, scenery was gorgeous and people were great. We enjoyed all wineries: their stories, their hospitality and of course their wines.
Especially two wineries, Cristom and Bethel Heights, stood out among them.

At the wineries they explained how terroir would affect wine as we tasted wines from different vineyards and I was really impressed by the fact that the same grape variety from the same producer could end up in wines with such different styles.
It was so impressive that I bought bottles of wine which costed more than $40.00 for the first time in my life.

Recently I had a chance to taste Cristom again when JC brought home these three bottles.

Cristom Vineyards is a family owned winery in Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon.
Eola-Amity Hills is a sub AVA of Willamette Valley AVA, on the west bank of the Willamette river. There, cooling influence from the Pacific Ocean and sites sheltered by hills provide varied conditions for wine making, and Cristom doesn't waste this advantage.



Eola-Amity Hills  Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2019
Fresh aromas of herbs, citrus, stone fruits, subtle nuts and caramel.

Round texture.

Clean bitterness of citrus zest stays in aftertaste


Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
Eileen vineyard experiences the cooling Pacific Ocean wind which prolongs the growing season. This helps to develop flavor while retaining freshness in fruits.

Decadence of ripe dark cherry, plum, coffee, red flowers and candied rose petals. Rich aromas and flavors are balanced with acidity.

Smooth texture with fine tannin. 

Long pleasant finish.


Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvée 2019
Mt. Jefferson Cuvée is a blend of grapes from their own vineyards and neighboring vineyards who partner with Cristom.

Preserved strawberry which is ripe but not jammy. Black cherry, spice and cedar box.
Good structure with powdery tannin. Full body.


It was more than ten years ago when I first tasted their wine as a wine novice. Since then I had opportunities to try great wines from all over the world.
When JC brought home bottles of Cristom I was a little afraid that I might not have found the spark which intrigued me years ago but that concern was needless. 

Their wines are still impressive.