Anne LapourIt’s a foggy day at the Evesham Wood/Haden Fig tasting room, and that’s just how I like it. Perched atop a hill in the Eola-Amity American Viticultural Area (AVA) at the outskirts of West Salem, the cozy comfort of this tasting room is improved only by the quality of the wine.
Winemaker Erin Nuccio heads up two labels: Evesham Wood and Haden Fig. Two wines with distinct histories, distinguished by the style in which they are made. Evesham Wood began in 1986, when founders Russ and Mary Rainey planted the “Le Puits Sec” vineyard on site. Those vines comprise the foreground of this idyllic view, and their legacy shines in every bottle.
The award-winning Evesham Wood label consists of classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs that have consistency and tradition behind them. Nuccio, already working with the Raineys, purchased the business and became winemaker in 2010. He’s taken care to preserve the Evesham Wood winemaking traditions—minimal manipulation that highlights the complexity of decades-old, predominantly Pommard, clones.
On the other hand, Haden Fig allows for more experimentation. The team behind its wine pulls its fruit from vineyards outside Eola-Amity, including a vineyard near the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, which allows them to stretch their offerings beyond the Pinot Gris-heavy varietals on offer in the Willamette Valley. Look for the owl on the label, and that’s where you might find some surprises. I enjoyed their Pinot Blanc, their Cancilla Vineyard Pinot Noir (a new one for me) and their Alsace-style Riesling—aromatic, dry, and begging to be paired with your favorite summer veggies.
Though perhaps best known for its “Cuvée J” Pinot Noir (cuvee refers to the type of “blend” a wine is) both labels provide multiple options at varying price points. There’s truly something for all tastes. I’m partial to the Eola-Amity Hills Cuvée, which gives me all the earthy red fruit I love in my pinot. My tasting partner for the day is a longtime fan of their Temperance Hill Pinot, an incredible value for the quality. Having multiple vineyard sites around the Willamette Valley gives each wine its own personality, and you’re likely to find a favorite in your tasting flight.
The overall experience at Evesham Wood/Haden Fig is personal and intimate. I’m a firm believer that different wineries serve different purposes, and this is one you should plan to enjoy for some delicious wine, and maybe learn a thing or two about what’s in your glass. Tastings are currently by appointment, so it requires some advance planning to taste their award-winning wines. Should you book your time, you’ll be rewarded with both delicious pours and helpful wine knowledge. With a certification as an advanced sommelier, Head of Education, Hospitality and Sales Christopher Lindemann is skilled at explaining what makes each wine—and each vintage—unique.
For those wanting to make a day of it, there are multiple options within the Salem city limits. “People don’t realize wine country starts right outside the city,” said Christopher. We’re reminded of that fact just before we leave when we spend a moment looking at the view from the front window. “You can see the Willamette River,” said Christopher, and indeed we can. It’s not a view of the Cascades, but that gleaming splash of silver that reminds us where we are, and why this wine is so brilliant. This is the heart of the Willamette Valley, and wine country starts here. In Salem.
Evesham Wood/Haden Fig
Reservations are available for private tours and weekend tastings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit https://eveshamwood.com for details. 3795 Wallace Road NW
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 16 (Spring/Summer 2023)
