Beran Vineyards | Beran Pinot Noir

Beran Vineyards is located in a picturesque converted dairy barn just 20 miles southwest of downtown Portland, on a site that was homesteaded in 1875. They are dedicated to the exclusive production of small quantities of premium estate bottled Pinot Noir. The vineyard, planted in 1972 and 1979, lies in the curve of the Chehelam Mountains and has spectacular sweeping views of Mt. Hood and the High Cascades. Their original plan was to establish a winery as soon as the vineyard was comfortably producing, but it wasn't until 1997 that they finally decided to take the leap. Through the years they sold grapes to a nearby winery and made one or two barrels each year for their family (primarily Pinot Noir). The quality of those wines convinced them that they had a unique site that was producing outstanding fruit.

The winery and vineyard are wholly owned by Bill and Sharon Beran. Bill is the primary winemaker, but he relies heavily on Sharon's palate and nose when it is time for major decisions. Their winemaking style begins in the vineyard. They practice sustainable farming techniques which help to bring the vineyard into with the natural surroundings. Bob Grimes, vineyard manager, likes to focus on each individual vine, giving each one exactly the care needed to produce quality fruit. This technique requires much time and effort, yet they believe that one must have the best ingredients in order to produce quality wines. By using these techniques as well as keeping yields low (two tons or less per acre) and implementing intensive canopy management, they are able to produce outstanding fruit, year after year

The building was designed to produce only premium Pinot Noir at no more than 1000 cases per year. The necessary equipment and facilities have been put in place so Sharon and Bill can do all the winemaking with the help of friends, neighbors and family during crush and bottling. The winery is completely self-contained and handles all bottling, labeling and case storage on-site.

At Beran they grow three clones of Pinot Noir: Dijon, Pommard, and Wadenswill. These three clones are normally blended 45%, 45% and 10% to make the beautiful Beran, Chehalem Hills, Pinot Noir. The Wadenswill clone is primarily used to add color and spice to the blend. However, in 2005 Bill and Sharon lost most of their Wadenswill clone to bad weather conditions. The loss did not stop their creative energies. Without the Wadenswill they decided to make two single clone Pinot Noir's in 2005. The single clone approach worked beautifully producing a bright red fruit Pinot Noir with a long spicy finish in the 2005 Dijon clone and its dark counter point in the 2005 Pommard clone with dark fruit and tannins. Both are beautiful wines and allow for the tasting of the individual components normally found in the usually complex bottle of Beran Pinot Noir. Both single clone Pinot Noir's are available here as well as Beran's 2006 Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Try all three. You'll find that each one if vastly different and very enjoyable.