Behind the name
The Story of Oregon Vineyard, Abiqua Wind
Situated along the Abiqua Creek, a tributary to Pudding River and home of the beautiful Abiqua Falls, it was certain the vineyard name must incorporate the spirit of the Abiqua and its beautiful watershed. During our first spring pruning, Marcia, while hunkered over the Pinot Noir vines in a sideways hailstorm with numb hands and through chattering teeth declared, “Wind needs be part of the name.”
Although wearing at times, the Buffingtons are grateful – the Abiqua Wind keeps the vines healthy throughout the growing season and rapidly dries the fruit after fall rains, allowing the clusters to hang longer with reduced risk of mold during the critical ripening period.
Hover over our hillside map to interact with the old vines at our vineyard. We look forward to seeing you in person!
Scott's Mills, Oregon || Willamette Valley
Boutique Vineyard in the Cascade Foothills
The vineyard began its life in 1978 on the steep south to southwest facing hillside previously used as a strawberry field. After the removal of some young timber in 1984, another 3 acres were added to the existing 8 acres.
Our Land
The Perfect Soil
The soil type of the vineyard is a well-drained, eroded sandstone clay loam from Hullt and McCully soils, found in conjunction with Nekia and Jory (the most sought after for Pinot Noir). The moderate water holding capacity of these soils allows the vines to be dry-farmed, without need for irrigation.
Our Grapes
Own-rooted Pommard Vines
Abiqua Wind Vineyard vines are one of the crown jewels in the Willamette Valley. All of our plants are un-grafted; grown from their own roots, and allowing for a purity of varietal character unknown in modern plantings. The own-rooted, Pommard clone plants have become the holy grail for Pinot Noir in Oregon. Pinot Gris cuttings, commonly known as the ‘Lett’ clone, comprise over half the vineyard and were purchased from David Lett himself. As one drives throughout the Willamette valley, many of the local vineyards’ vines can be traced back to Abiqua Wind Vineyard, actually a good share of the Pinot Gris vines were first planted in another vineyard.
Biodynamic Farming
Pairing with Beetles
More to come!
Discover
Oregon Wine Country
Located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Cascade Foothills on the outskirts of Scotts Mills, Oregon, Abiqua Wind Vineyard & Winery is just 20 miles East of Salem, Oregon. The family-owned and operated vineyard and Estate Winery sits on a steep, south-facing hillside near Silverton and a 45-minute pastoral drive south of Portland, Oregon.