Travel & Pour: Braden’s Guide to Oregon Wine & Pinot Camp
Imagine standing on a ridge at 1,000 feet elevation, looking past rolling, green vines to a snow-capped Mount Hood on the horizon, all while holding a glass of some of the most vibrant, expressive wine in the country.
Our very own Braden Coburn, the Wine Department Lead at TGP College Park, recently got to live that dream. He was selected to attend Oregon Pinot Camp — an invite-only gathering in the Willamette Valley where a select group of wine professionals from around the world live, breathe and study Oregon terroir alongside the winemakers themselves.
We sat down with Braden to hear all about his once-in-a-lifetime trip, the bottle he wished he could have snuck home, and the rising trends you should keep an eye on next time you stroll through our wine aisles.
The Hidden Gems: Oregon White Wines
While Oregon is rightfully famous for world-class Pinot Noir, Braden says the true rising stars are actually white wines.
"Riesling was actually one of the first grapes ever planted in Oregon, and it paved the way for some of the incredible white wines we are seeing now. But if there is one grape you absolutely cannot sleep on right now, it’s Oregon Chardonnay. Most people instinctively think of heavy, oaky California Chardonnays, but Oregon’s expressions are completely different — they are bright, zesty, incredibly food-friendly, and packed with character."
Braden's Willamette Valley Travel Guide
If you are planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, Braden recommends adding these three breathtaking estates to your itinerary:
- Penner-Ash Wine Cellars: "The tasting room has a truly jaw-dropping vista, and the property is dotted with gorgeous, historic Oregon Oak groves."
- The Four Graces Winery: "Sitting at 1,000 feet of elevation, the views of Mount Hood from the tasting room are absolutely unforgettable."
- King Estate Winery: "Located in the southern Willamette Valley in Eugene, this winery sits atop a massive hill entirely surrounded by fragrant lavender fields. It is stunning."
The Hard-to-Get Bottle: Björnson Vineyard Cabernet Franc
When we asked Braden about the single most memorable bottle of the trip, his eyes lit up.
"I got to spend some personal time with Mark and Pattie Björnson at Björnson Vineyard, and Mark did something incredibly special. He pulled out a bottle of their Cabernet Franc that hadn't even been released to the public or the winery yet. Cab Franc is one of my favorite grapes, but it is so often misunderstood. This expression was elegant, highly floral, and had a gorgeous, luscious mouthfeel. It was a true privilege to taste."
Salmon Bakes & Pinot Camp Songs
Of course, Pinot Camp isn't all classroom study — it’s also about celebrating the tight-knit community of Oregon winemakers.
"The highlight of the entire trip was the legendary Pacific Northwest Salmon Bake at Stoller Family Estate. We sat down to fresh wild salmon, live music, and historic back-vintage wines poured from some of the largest bottle formats I’ve ever seen in my life. To top it all off, Don Lange, the founder of Lange Estate Winery, stood up and sang the official Oregon Pinot Camp Song! The sense of warmth and family in the Oregon wine community is something I’ll never forget."
How to Drink Like an Insider at The Good Pour
Want to put Braden’s fresh Pinot Camp knowledge to use? Here are his top recommendations for your next visit to the marketplace:
- For Beginners: Start with a bottle that has the general 'Willamette Valley' AVA (American Viticultural Area) on the label. This gives you a beautiful, balanced introduction to the region before you start diving into the specific sub-regions.
- For Oregon Lovers: Challenge your palate! Buy two bottles from different sub-AVAs (like Dundee Hills and the Van Duzer Corridor) and taste them side-by-side to discover how different soils and microclimates change the flavor. Also, branch out past Pinot Noir — try an Oregon Pinot Gris, Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc, or Syrah.
Want to chat more about Oregon wines or find your perfect bottle? Stop by our College Park marketplace and say hi to Braden! He’d love to share more stories from the trail and help you find a new favorite.
