Elk Cove Vineyards
Gaston, Willamette Valley · Chehalem Mountains, Laurelwood District, Tualatin Hills, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton AVA
About the winery
One of the founding wineries of the Willamette Valley, family-owned and operated Elk Cove Vineyards was the first to make wine in what is now the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Elk Cove is named for the local herd of Roosevelt elk and the protective bowl shape of the property. Its tasting room is tucked into the foothills of the Coast Range, with spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Second-generation owner/winemaker and fifth-generation Oregon farmer Adam Campbell crafts 90+ point award-winning Pinot Noirs as well as crisp aromatic Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Sparkling Wines. Elk Cove sources fruit from six 100% estate-grown, sustainably farmed vineyard sites located across the northern Willamette Valley, representing the region’s three primary soil types and a variety of microclimates. Elk Cove is known for distinctive Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs such as their La Bohème and Mount Richmond.
What makes it different
- Elk Cove Vineyards is the only LGBTQIA+-owned winery in Gaston.
- Elk Cove was first planted in 1974 by Pat and Joe Campbell, making it the first vineyard and winery in the Yamhill Carlton AVA.(from the winery)
- Owner/Winemaker Adam Campbell is a 5th generation Oregon farmer and 2nd generation Oregon winemaker.(from the winery)
Recent news
- Award93 Points – Owen Bargreen
A blend of mainly Pinot Noir, the 2019 ‘Mount Richmond’ is dense and delicious on the mouth. Loaded with pear and baked apple flavors with wild strawberry and starfruit tones, this is rich and viscous stuff, with tons of salty nuance. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036.
- Release93 Points – Owen Bargreen
The 2019 Elk Cove ‘La Boheme Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine is vibrant pink in the glass. It comes off loaded with intense red fruits with blood orange zest, cardamom dusted French bread and stony minerals on the palate. The soft mousse and wonderful sense of weight entices from this slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2026-2036.
- Award92 Points – Owen Bargreen
The very mineral-laden 2019 Elk Cove ‘Goodrich Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine comes from the Goodrich Vineyard. All Chardonnay, this delivers bright citrus blossom water and freshly cut limes on the palate alongside sourdough bread notes. This would be a tasty foil for Kusshi oysters. Drink 2026-2036.
- NewsRemembering Elk Cove Co-Founder Joe Campbell
Joe was born on June 25th, 1939 in Altadena California to Lois E Campbell (née Cordner) and Frederick Clarence Campbell. Joe grew up at his family’s motel in Hood River, Oregon and attended Hood River High School. Always a hard worker, Joe had 11 jobs before the age of 18 including working at the Lone Pine Motel, strawberry picking, setting pins at the bowling alley and driving spikes on the railroad.
- Award92 Points – The Tasting Panel Magazine
Pure fruit notes recalling pears and Golden apples are very pleasant. Although it is a bit simple, it is also simply delicious.
Good to know
Wines
Chardonnay·Pinot Blanc·Pinot Gris·Pinot Noir·Riesling·Rosé·Sparkling·Sweet / Dessert-style
