The Ribbon Ridge AVA is Oregon’s smallest appellation — a narrow spine of land within the Chehalem Mountains, itself entirely inside the Willamette Valley. Dedicated almost exclusively to Pinot Noir, it is defined by its hallmark ancient marine sedimentary soils.
The Lichtenwalter Vineyard lies between 300–500 feet on a southeast-facing slope that encourages even ripening. It is LIVE Certified, Salmon-Safe, and organically farmed (though not formally certified), and sits among esteemed neighbors such as Beaux Frères, Patricia Green Cellars, and Trisaetum. Wines from these estates typically range from $40 to $150 per bottle, underscoring the prestige of Ribbon Ridge fruit.
What sets Ribbon Ridge apart is not only its reputation for producing high-scoring Pinot Noir, but its geology. The ridge is a distinct, eastward-tilted marine formation dating back 40–50 million years. Unlike the mixed soils of Chehalem Mountains and Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge soils are entirely marine in origin — fine sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone. Over millennia, these materials have weathered into deep, finely structured soils that drain well yet hold just enough water. Nutrient levels are moderate, restraining vine vigor naturally while maintaining vine health, even without irrigation.
As RibbonRidgeAVA.org explains:
“Ribbon Ridge is a distinct, natural, geological formation… The soils generally exhibit good water-holding capability, but are not overly generous in nutrients, tending to restrain vine canopy vigor while maintaining good health, even in non-irrigated vineyards.”
This terroir produces Pinot Noir with exceptional aromatic intensity and balance: dark red and black fruits framed by bright acidity, often with a subtle seashell-like minerality that reflects its ancient oceanic past. Local winemakers highlight its darker fruit character, expressive spice notes, and structural backbone of acidity with soft, spicy, almost earthy tannins.
For a deeper dive into Ribbon Ridge and the voices of its winemakers, see Wine Enthusiast’s feature on the AVA.
Extremely limited. Singular to Ribbon Ridge.
The Ribbon Ridge AVA is Oregon’s smallest appellation — a narrow spine of land within the Chehalem Mountains, itself entirely inside the Willamette Valley. Dedicated almost exclusively to Pinot Noir, it is defined by its hallmark ancient marine sedimentary soils.
The Lichtenwalter Vineyard lies between 300–500 feet on a southeast-facing slope that encourages even ripening. It is LIVE Certified, Salmon-Safe, and organically farmed (though not formally certified), and sits among esteemed neighbors such as Beaux Frères, Patricia Green Cellars, and Trisaetum. Wines from these estates typically range from $40 to $150 per bottle, underscoring the prestige of Ribbon Ridge fruit.
What sets Ribbon Ridge apart is not only its reputation for producing high-scoring Pinot Noir, but its geology. The ridge is a distinct, eastward-tilted marine formation dating back 40–50 million years. Unlike the mixed soils of Chehalem Mountains and Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge soils are entirely marine in origin — fine sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone. Over millennia, these materials have weathered into deep, finely structured soils that drain well yet hold just enough water. Nutrient levels are moderate, restraining vine vigor naturally while maintaining vine health, even without irrigation.
As RibbonRidgeAVA.org explains:
“Ribbon Ridge is a distinct, natural, geological formation… The soils generally exhibit good water-holding capability, but are not overly generous in nutrients, tending to restrain vine canopy vigor while maintaining good health, even in non-irrigated vineyards.”
This terroir produces Pinot Noir with exceptional aromatic intensity and balance: dark red and black fruits framed by bright acidity, often with a subtle seashell-like minerality that reflects its ancient oceanic past. Local winemakers highlight its darker fruit character, expressive spice notes, and structural backbone of acidity with soft, spicy, almost earthy tannins.
For a deeper dive into Ribbon Ridge and the voices of its winemakers, see Wine Enthusiast’s feature on the AVA.
Extremely limited. Singular to Ribbon Ridge.
