Appellations
An appellation is a legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where the grapes for a wine were grown. Pheasant Valley wines are made with grapes grown either on our estate organic vineyard or vineyards within 10 miles of our winery. All are located in the Columbia Gorge or Columbia Valley Appellations.

Micro Climates
The diverse climate in the Columbia Valley and Columbia Gorge Appellations allow for the cultivation of almost any wine. This region is sometimes referred to as a "World of Wine in 40 miles". This amazing 40 mile range experiences dramatic temperature and rainfall changes. The result, distinct microclimates that rival the most famous grape-growing regions of the world, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhine and Rhone. No other region in the world can offer you such a vast amount of "terroir" in one 40 miles stretch, subsequently offering you a full range of these regionally inspired wines. As you browse our wine store we have included regional comparison information on each wine.

BURGUNDY REGION - Eastern France
The most famous wines produced in the Burgundy Region are red wines made from Pinot Noir grapes or white wines made from Chardonnay grapes.

      How the Columbia Gorge Appellations Compares to the Burgundy Region
     "Continental" Viticulture Classification: Wine regions are categorized based on the overall
      characteristics of the area's climate during the growing season. Oregon's Columbia Valley
      and the Burgundy Region share the same classification.
      Premier Grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
      Latitude Less than 2 degrees of each other
      Microclimates Both regions have very hot summers, very cold winter, and receive the same
      amount of precipitation annually.
      Marine Influence Oregon's Columbia Gorge River and Saone River of France
      View Pheasant Valley "Burgundy" Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Wines


BORDEAUX REGION - France
In Bordeaux, almost all wines are blended. Merlot (Bordeaux's most planted grape variety) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Bordeaux's second-most planted grape variety) dominates the blend in the red wines.

      How the Columbia Gorge Appellations Compares to the Bordeaux Region
      Premier Grapes Cabernet and Merlot
      Latitude Less than one degree of each other
      Microclimates Similar high and low temperature
      Marine Influence Oregon's Columbia Gorge River, the Garonne and Dordogne rivers of France
      View Pheasant Valley "Bordeaux" Cabernet and Merlot Wines


RHINE REGION - Germany
Rheinhessen, the largest of the 13 German wine regions produces mostly white wine from a variety of grapes, most popularly the Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurtraminer.

      How the Columbia Gorge Appellations Compares to the Rhine Region
      Premier Grapes Pinot Gris, Riesling, Halbtrocken and Rose
      Latitude Less than 4 degrees of each other
      Microclimates The Upper Rhine Valley is the warmest part of the country and averages slightly
      cooler than the Columbia Valley during the growing season
      Marine Influence Oregon's Columbia River and Rhine River
      View Pheasant Valley "Rhine" Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Rose Wines


RHONE REGION - Southern France
The northern sub-region produces red wines from the Syrah grape, sometimes blended with white wine grapes, and white wines from Viognier grapes.


      How the Columbia Gorge Appellations Compares to the Rhone Region
     "Continental" Viticulture Classification: Wine regions are categorized based on the overall
      characteristics of the area's climate during the growing season. Oregon's Columbia Valley
      and the Burgundy Region share the same classification.
      Premier Grapes Syrah
      Latitude Both sit in exact latitude of each other
      Microclimates Both regions have similar high and low temperatures and the same amount
      of precipitation annually
      Marine InfluenceOregon's Columbia Gorge River and the Rhone River of France
      View Pheasant Valley "Rhone" Syrah Wine