Amy Wesselman may be best known as the long time Executive Director of the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration in McMinnville, Oregon,(2008 was her last year of leadership), but she is also a terrific winemaker. Together with co-winemaker David Autrey, the two founded Westrey Wine Company in 1993. The name Westrey comes from their collaborative winemaking effort (Amy WESselman and David AuTREY). Each has had extensive winemaking experience (Amy at Oregon’s Bethel Heights, Rex Hill and The Eyrie Vineyards and Burgundy’s Domaine de L’Arlot; David at Oregon’s Adelsheim, Cameron and Burgundy’s Domaine Dujac). The two met while studying philosophy at Reed College in Portland and their philosophy of winemaking is nicely summed up in their tag line: “Texture and terroir amidst post-industrial splendor.”

Initially Westrey owned no vineyards but sourced grapes from some of Oregon’s top vineyards including Croft, Abbey Ridge, Bethel Heights, Temperance Hill, Anderson Family and Laurel Hood. In 2002, they purchased about 50 acres in Yamhill County adjacent to Abbey Ridge Vineyard and planted 5 acres to vines. This was advantageous for they had worked with Abbey Ridge Vineyard fruit for several years.

Starting with 400 cases in 1993, Westrey currently produces around 3,200 cases in a small winery in McMinnville, with a goal of reaching 6,000 to 8,000 cases over the next ten years. In their winemaking, new oak is kept to a minimum for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Alsatian-inspired Pinot Gris sees no oak or MLF. Their style is a departure from many Oregon producers with an emphasis on structure, texture and aging potential. To that end, their wines tend to have higher acidity, a nod to their Burgundian training.

Westrey Wine Company is located at 1065 NE Alpine St, McMinnville. The phone is 503-434-6357. The wines, including older vintages are sold through retail channels. Prices are very sensible, ranging from $18 to $36. I am sure Amy or David would be happy to have you taste by appointment.