By Joe Campbell
September 29, 2024
In the late 1970s, Rollin Soles, discovered the untapped potential of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Entranced by its cool-climate terroir, ideal for crafting exceptional sparkling wines, Soles founded Argyle Winery in 1987.
With an unwavering commitment to quality, longevity, and terroir-driven wines, Argyle has become a benchmark for excellence, earning international accolades for its elegant Pinot Noirs and world-class Sparkling wines. Through innovative winemaking and a dedication to showcasing the Valley’s distinct character.
Argyle Winery’s roots in downtown Dundee run deep, dating back to its pioneering days as the first winery within the city limits. Drawn to the charming town’s warmth and community spirit, Argyle’s founders saw an opportunity to create a unique wine experience that blended seamlessly into the local fabric. The original winery and tasting room, housed in a repurposed hazelnut drying facility, reflected Argyle’s commitment to sustainability and creative reuse. In 2014, as the winery expanded its production to a nearby Newberg facility, the Dundee location transformed into a dedicated hospitality hub. Today, the Tasting House stands as Argyle’s sole destination for visitors, offering an immersive experience that transports guests to the vineyards and winemaking process through engaging storytelling and innovative presentations. As Dundee’s evolution mirrors the growth of Oregon’s wine industry, Argyle remains integral to the community, proud of its role in shaping the region’s wine culture.
Argyle Winery’s commitment to community engagement shines through its support of local arts organizations, innovative partnerships, and employee empowerment programs. Initiatives like Art of Sparkling, pairing wine with Pacific Northwest College of Art student creations, and Ojo Brilloso, showcasing vineyard team talents, demonstrate Argyle’s passion for fostering connections. With leaders actively involved in local organizations and a focus on shared resources, Argyle embodies the spirit of community, striving to make a lasting impact on Dundee and the wider wine industry.
Credit: Argyle Winery
Argyle Winery’s traditional method sparkling wines are crafted with an unwavering focus on longevity, quality, and vintage integrity. The pioneering Extended Tirage program – aging wines for four to ten years – yields remarkable complexity. Every bottle is vintage-dated, reflecting Argyle’s commitment to authenticity. This meticulous approach has earned Argyle international acclaim, producing the highest-rated sparkling wines outside of Champagne and showcasing the unique character of Willamette Valley’s terroir.
Riesling has been an integral part of Argyle Winery’s story since its inception, with a commitment to crafting age-worthy, high-density wines that rival the quality of its renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Beginning with a dry-styled Riesling from the Knudsen Vineyard in 1988, Argyle’s approach evolved through meticulous research and collaboration with international Riesling experts. A two-year exploration of top Riesling producers in Germany, Switzerland, New York, and Ontario revealed that the Geisenheim 110 clone, already used in Oregon, held the key to unlocking exceptional quality. By applying the same rigorous viticultural techniques used for Pinot Noir, Argyle elevated its Riesling program, now showcasing three distinct styles: Spirithouse, with its textured, barrel-fermented complexity; Nuthouse, balancing fruit-forward flavors with crisp acidity; and Minus Five, an intensely sweet, flash-frozen gem.
As Argyle Winery embarks on the 2024 harvest, the excitement is palpable. Erica Miller, vineyard manager, reports a vintage marked by a cool, wet summer and a well-timed heat wave, setting the stage for exceptional wines. The 2024 vintage holds particular promise for sparkling wine enthusiasts, with ideal conditions for complex flavor development and crisp acidity. As Miller and the Argyle team bring in the harvest, their meticulous craftsmanship and passion ensure that the 2024 vintage will be one to remember.
The wines featured in the Wine Recommendations section were provided by the winery for the purpose of review. The selection and tasting of these wines were independently conducted. No compensation or incentives were provided for inclusion in the story. As always, the top priority is to provide readers with informative reporting.
Wine Recommendations
Credit Argyle Winery
2014 Extended Tirage Brut- showcases impeccable balance and freshness. The nose is greeted by a medley of honeyed sweetness, crisp apple, and subtle strawberry nuances, previewing the wine’s complexity while the acidity is lively and crisp. While this Brut is an ideal summer sipper, its structural integrity and depth suggest it will continue to evolve and improve over time, making it a worthy candidate for longer-term aging.
2019 Vintage Brut- flavors of green apple, pear and citrus with subtle hints of toast and honey add depth and nuance, while the refined bubbles and crisp acidity provide a thrilling counterpoint.