The Carlton Winemakers Studio - Winery Review

The Carlton Winemakers Studio is a rare, one-stop opportunity to taste what creative, small artisan winemakers are producing in Oregon’s Willamette Valley , one of the United States’ most exciting wine regions. At this one location, ten small, independent wine makers produce about 40 wines, sharing equipment, office space, and a sleek, modern tasting room.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 801 N. Scott Street, Carlton, Oregon. In the Yamhill-Carlton sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley, about an hour southwest of Portland. Map and directions.
Telephone: (503)852-6100
Email: info@winemakersstudio.com
Hours: January and February: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. March through December: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
Tasting fee: $5 to $18 for two to four flights.
Groups: Groups of eight or more require an advance reservation.
Varietals: Pinot noir is the centerpiece, others represented include: Chardonnay; Gewürztraminer; Muscat; Pinot Gris; Riesling; Syrah; Tempranillo; Viognier.

When you drive up to Carlton Winemakers Studio, you’d be forgiven for driving right past – it looks unremarkable from the road. But you’ll forget all about that once you approach the sleek, angled-roof structure that houses the tasting room. Indeed, you’ll think you’re entering a modernist architect’s fabulous wine country escape.

While many other wineries hearken back to the European origins of wine, there’s nothing old-fashioned or countrified about the experience here. The light, airy tasting room feels like a sleek urban wine bar, and the modernity isn’t just skin deep. The whole facility was constructed with the latest eco-friendly principles. It's LEED certified, and the first winery to be certified with the US Green Building Council. Look for the creative use of unusual recycled materials – for instance, the large, distinctive tasting room doors are made from dismantled, discarded high school gym bleachers.

Dining

There’s no formal restaurant, but from April to September, the Studio hosts a Wednesday dinner. This is a three-course meal prepared by a celebrated local chef, and each course is paired with one vintner’s offerings. It costs $30, and you must call to reserve in advance.

Cheese plates are also available to purchase if you’re peckish during your wine tasting. On a fine day, this will be best enjoyed on the Studio’s patio.

You can purchase a taste or a glass of an individual wine, or you can order a “flight,” or a selection, of tastes. Flights are often designed around a varietal, but can be designed around one winemaker, all reds, and so on.

Hamacher Wines produces pinot noir and chardonnay. Eric Hamacher founded Carlton Winemakers Studio, with his wife Luisa Ponzi and partners Ned and Kirsten Lumpkin of Lazy River Vineyard.

Lazy River Vineyard specializes in pinot noir, pinot gris, and riesling. The Lumpkins have their own vineyard in Yamhill County, and supply grapes to Hamacher and Andrew Rich, among others.

Andrew Rich Vintner is helmed by Andrew Rich, who trained in Burgundy, France. He produces pinot noir, syrah, and is especially well known for his gewürztraminer dessert wine.

Bryce Vineyard has a small output, making only 375 cases of pinot noir and 90 cases of viognier a year.

Domaine Meriwether turns out sparkling wines from pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier grapes.

Dominio IV Wines makes pinot noir, syrah, viognier, and tempranillo. The grapes come from Dominio’s own seven-acre farm in Mosier, Oregon. Note: Dominio IV has now moved to its own facilities, with a tasting room in McMinnville.

J Daan Wine Cellars creates fine, yet affordable, pinot noir and syrah. The dense, fruity 2006 Columbia Valley Syrah is a great deal at $22 a bottle.

Resonance Vineyard focuses on pinot noir, using biodynamic principles.

Ribbon Ridge Vineyard produces pinot noir, and a well-regarded muscat dessert wine called Dewey Kelly NV "Muse".

Wahleis known for pinot noir with strong cherry and blackberry notes.