Thistle Wines

Maresh Red Hills Vineyard/
Red Barn Tasting Room

Quality winegrowing in America was in its infancy in the 1970’s. The Spurrier tasting in Paris in 1976 gave the first international credibility to California Cabernet and Chardonnay. Three years later, again in Paris, and the following year in Beaune, The Eyrie Vineyards 1975 Pinot noir brought international attention to Oregon, a wine region unfamiliar to almost anyone except a handful of hardy pioneers. With these two tastings, Oregon won its first recognition as the New World home for Pinot noir.
 
The Eyrie Vineyards was founded by David and Diana Lett in 1966, and was the first vineyard in the Dundee Hills.  The Letts named their fledgling endeavor for the red-tailed hawks who make their home (EYE-ree) in the fir trees at the top of the original 20-acre planting.  Eyrie’s four sustainably-farmed vineyard sites are located in the Red Hills of Dundee, about 30 miles SW of Portland. The winery is in nearby McMinnville,  at 935 NE 10th Avenue.
 
In 2005, Jason Lett took over from his father David as winemaker and vineyard manager at The Eyrie Vineyards, and continues his family’s pioneering legacy and dedication to fine winegrowing in the Dundee Hills.