You could call it River City or Pleasantville and not be far off. Elkton is comprised of some of the most genuinely kind and generous people on the planet, and it's nestled in the green valley of the Umpqua, with the river running right through its heart.
With vineyards planted as early as 1972, Elkton is one of the older grape growing regions in Oregon. Until 2013 however, we were designated as part of the Umpqua Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA). The Umpqua Valley AVA is much hotter and drier than Elkton, and in 2013 our region was awarded its own AVA designation, marking Elkton Oregon the 17th AVA in the state.
So why is this exciting? Because for years we've been growing really high quality grapes, and they've been placed in bottles labeled 'Umpqua Valley.' Anyone who knows the Umpqua Valley, knows it's too hot for really good Pinot Noir and other cool climate varietals. So consequently, to the educated consumer, a Pinot Noir from the 'Umpqua Valley' might not sound as appealing as one from the Willamette Valley, known for its cool climate.
Well the climate here is much more similar to the Willamette Valley than the majority of the Umpqua. Having labels that now read 'Elkton Oregon' as the AVA is a tremendous value add for our little nook in the wine world.
So come to Elkton and taste some wines! Look at the labels and notice that before 2012 (since the 2012 vintage was bottled in 2013) they'll read, 'Umpqua Valley' and after, 'Elkton Oregon.' Pick up some older vintages as collector's items, or bring home some newer ones and show off that you have some tremendous wine from Oregon's newest AVA.
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