There has been a movement growing in the Oregon wine industry to recognize the region as a producer of world-class traditional method sparkling wine, and Method Oregon creates the space to do so. Method Oregon is a non-profit organization that offers sparkling producers a standard of production and consumers a visual mark of excellence. Balsall Creek is honored to be one of the organization’s founding members.
To bear the Method Oregon mark and be promoted in association with the organization, wines must meet the following standards:
1. 100% Oregon Made
– Wines must be made exclusively with fruit from the Willamette Valley AVA, Columbia Gorge AVA, and/or the Southern Oregon AVA
– Wines must be 100% fermented, bottled, riddled, and disgorged in Oregon
2. Traditional Method
– Wine must be produced in the traditional method with the second fermentation in bottle
– The period of time from the commencement of second fermentation to disgorgement must be a minimum of 24 months
– Wines must have at least 4 atmospheres of pressure
3. Farming (Effective Jan 1, 2029
– Grown using only organic inputs, OR
– From LIVE-certified vineyards farmed without synthetic herbicides
It’s an exciting thing to be a part of, because, where other sparkling wines are recognized solely by their region, Method Oregon will note both region and high-quality production standards.
For us, joining Method Oregon was a no-brainer. Before the whispers of the organization were heard, we were already years into the practice of producing a traditional method sparkling wine. Our sparkling is a blend of the classic Champagne grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir – and, like all our wines, it is 100% estate grown. With the wines our estate was already producing, we had high expectations for our 2021 vintage sparkling wine when we released it in late 2024, and largely credit the vineyard and the rigorous process we use for the accolades our first vintage of sparkling has received.
Our 2021 Sparkling Brut has continued to be highly reviewed and received by various judges and media outlets. It received 94 points, a Critic’s Choice designation, and was selected as a top 60 wine of 2025 by Northwest Wine Report. It won gold in the Traditional Sparkling category of Sip Magazine’s Best of the Northwest Wine Competition, and it was a selected as a winner in Oregon Wine Press’s Cellar Selects: Delectable Delights sparkling wine category.
In addition to its professional accolades, it’s worth noting that it is also highly adored by our staff and our customers. For Lesli (Owner) and Emily (Daughter/Director of Marketing) in particular, making a delicious and quality sparkling wine was always a top goal for Balsall Creek because they share a love for bubbles! It is hugely rewarding to work together on this wine to create something that not just they love, but that the public AND the critics love, too.
To learn more about Method Oregon visit methodoregon.com.