The Eyrie Vineyards, the Pioneer in Oregon Pinot NoirThe first Pinot Noir was planted in Dundee Hills in 1965 by a young David Lett, soon after completing his viticulture studies at the University of California, Davis.Still in his mid-20s, he moved to the Willamette Valley with more than 3,000 cuttings, convinced it was the perfect climate for Pinot Noir.In 1966, he established The Eyrie Vineyards, ushering in a new era for the Oregon wine industry.David and his wife Diana cultivated their first vineyard, “The Eyrie,” on a south-facing slope with enough incline to eliminate spring frost damage, access to volcanic soil at the top of the slope, and an altitude that was neither too high nor too low, ensuring adequate heat for ripening.Supported by extensive research into Jory soil*, altitude, microclimate, and actual site selection, Pinot Noir eventually became Oregon’s signature varietal.The Eyrie has practiced organic farming since the beginning, and today all five estate vineyards are certified organic while also practicing regenerative agriculture** focused on biodiversity.David’s son and second-generation winemaker Jason Lett now co-owns the winery with his mother Diana, continuing to evolve and refine The Eyrie’s founding philosophy.* Jory soil: Oregon’s iconic volcanic soil formed from decomposed basalt flows 15–17 million years ago, creating iron-rich red soils ideal for viticulture.** Regenerative agriculture: no tilling, no irrigation, and no fertiliser, while protecting and revitalising surrounding ecosystems and biodiversity.。Single-vineyard Pinot NoirThe Eyrie’s Estate Pinot Noir is made from fruit sourced across five estate vineyards, ranging from the lowest elevation Sisters Vineyard to the highest elevation Daphne Vineyard.As all vineyards are now more than 25 years old, the individuality of each site has become increasingly clear in the wines.Since 2012, The Eyrie has produced small quantities of five single-vineyard Pinot Noirs named after the vineyards themselves (195–442 cases each).All five wines are produced identically:Wild yeast fermentationSmall fermentation vessels17 months aging12% new oakThis approach allows the differences in soil, elevation, slope orientation, and vine age to express themselves clearly.5The Five Estate Vineyards❶ The Eyrie (Original Vines)Elevation: 88–139mAspect: South-facing, rolling east and westPlanted: 1966–1974Pinot Noir vineyard area: 2.8haClones: Wadenswil, Pommard, UprightThis vineyard represents the origin of Oregon Pinot Noir.After extensive research, David Lett planted 3,000 Pinot Noir vines here.The vineyard takes its name from a pair of red-tailed hawks that built an “eyrie” overlooking the site.❷ DaphneElevation: 279–292mAspect: West-facingPlanted: 1974–1984Pinot Noir vineyard area: 0.6haClone: PommardA harsh, windy, cool vineyard with extremely shallow soils spread over massive rocks.The resulting wines show concentrated herbal notes and mineral, stone-like character.Named after a longtime friend of The Eyrie.❸ Roland Green FarmElevation: 184–245mAspect: South-facingPlanted: 1988–presentPinot Noir vineyard area: 2.0haClones: Pommard, WadenswilA near-perfect site producing wines with texture, depth, and finesse.Recently replanted vines use phylloxera-resistant rootstocks better suited to future warming temperatures.Named after David Lett’s father.❹ SistersElevation: 75–112mAspect: South-facingPlanted: 1989–presentPinot Noir vineyard area: 1.6haClones: Pommard, WadenswilCharacterised by floral aromas layered over earthy fruit notes.Named after the “three Pinot sisters” — Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris.Today eight varietals are planted here, and the site also functions as an experimental vineyard for rootstock trials and continual monitoring.❺ OutcropElevation: 97–122mAspect: North-northeast facingPlanted: 1982–2000Pinot Noir vineyard area: 2.0haClones: Pommard, WadenswilSituated overlooking the original Eyrie Vineyard and warmed by reflected heat from below.Purchased in 2011 from a neighbouring grower who farmed the site for nearly 30 years, with the first Eyrie vintage produced in 2012.Named after the rocky outcrop rising through the hillside.