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There’s no question Pinot Noir has been quite prolific over the centuries. Coupled with Gouais Blanc, the pair has produced more than 20 unique grape varieties... One of them, Aligoté, is quietly finding a loyal following with both winegrowers and wine lovers. As Burgundy’s second-most-planted white grape, Aligoté has long been appreciated by the French for its citrusy, mineral-driven wines. The inaugural Aligoté Affair, hosted by Balsall Creek on Saturday, May 2, presents the ideal opportunity to sample the variety. A dozen Oregon producers will gather to share their interpretations of the high-acid grape. Master of Wine Bree Stock, cofounder and winemaker at Yamhill’s Concinnitas Farm, explains why Aligoté is a natural fit for the Willamette Valley. “As the climate becomes warmer and drier, growers are increasingly seeking varieties with the resilience and balance to thrive under changing conditions. Aligoté is emerging as one of those wine grapes. In Burgundy, it is enjoying a meaningful resurgence; in the Willamette Valley, it is beginning to reveal its potential. Its cluster architecture, structural chemistry and later-ripening profile make it particularly compelling for fine wine production,” observes Stock.

After Jon’s career kept him traveling, building something side by side changed their lives... “The business has just become a part of our lives.” Rather than straining the relationship, the closeness has been grounding. “We get along better now than ever before.”

For the first time in North America, one grape variety is getting its own celebration. Balsall Creek Vineyards, a family-run estate in the Willamette Valley, announces the Aligoté Affair, the first event of its kind in the United States dedicated entirely to Aligoté on May 2, 2026.

Jon Owens, co-founder of Balsall Creek Winery in the Willamette Valley, makes multiple single-variety wines, including regional stars Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But he has found that outliers Aligoté and Sauvignon Blanc are actually selling more briskly. “Last year, Aligoté was our top-selling white wine by volume and ... Sauvignon Blanc was our top-selling white wine by volume this year.”

2021 Sparkling Brut won Gold in Sip Magazine's 14th Annual Best of the Northwest Wine Competition in the Traditional Sparkling category.

Balsall Creek 2021 Sparkling Brut, Chehalem Mountains (41% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir) Complex aromas of white peach and ginger lemon build anticipation. A powerful burst of bubbles supply flavors of Asian pear, quince and grilled lemons. Well-rounded with hints of lemongrass, the ending is intensely satisfying.

Balsall Creek 2022 Aligoté, Chehalem Mountains This wine opens with kumquat, white peach, kaffir lime, straw and wet stone. Zippy acidity drives flavors of peach, lemon-lime and limequat as mowed grass adds herbaceous freshness. Refined minerality and a pleasant bitter note frame the long, clean finish.

Balsall Creek 2022 Rosé of Gamay Noir, Chehalem Mountains (panel pick) An intriguing blend of citrus and earthy aromas starting with kumquats, grapefruit and gravel dust. Red licorice and blood orange supply additional vibrancy. Flavors of strawberries, strawberry leaf and watermelon rind join passionfruit and orange peel. This rosé has a refreshing, crisp mouthfeel, characterized by bright acidity and pronounced tartness. Prominent mineral notes add complex depth to a long, mouthwatering finale.

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...

As we kick off a new year it seemed appropriate to look back at the year we just completed. 2025 was another great year for Balsall Creek. We saw some significant developments with our business...

On Saturday, November 22 we kicked off the holiday season with our second annual Sparkling Soirée. This is a classy and well-loved event where we release our newest vintage of sparkling wine. Complimenting the release,...