Gaston, Willamette Valley · Chehalem Mountains, Laurelwood District, Tualatin Hills, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton AVA
Elk Cove Vineyards
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.
Recent news
- Award2024 Riesling – 93 points from Jeb Dunnuck
“A brilliant straw/platinum color, the 2024 Riesling Estate comes from some of the oldest vines in Oregon, dating as far back as 1975. Also bottled under screwcap, it’s bright with lime oil, lemon verbena, jasmine, and grapefruit. Though dry, it has lovely, silky concentration and a kiss of sweet fruit balanced by vibrant acidity. With five grams of residual sugar, it remains wonderfully pure and should easily age another 10 years or more. Drink 2026-2036.”
- Award2024 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – 92 points from Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2024 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is a jeweled ruby color and leaps from the glass with delicate toast, fresh cherries, and refined spice. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins, lovely balance, and good length, with fruit drawn from all of the estate vineyards. It’s a terrific value. Drink 2026-2036.”
- Award2024 Goodrich Pinot Noir – 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck
“A bright ruby color, the 2024 Pinot Noir Goodrich is youthful and pure, with notes of toast, roses, spice, fresh forest herbs, and wild black raspberries. Medium-bodied, it has silky tannins, stony earth, mouthwatering freshness, and outstanding length. Produced with 45% whole clusters, it should drink beautifully over the coming 12-15 years. Drink 2026-2040.”
- Award2024 Five Mountain Pinot Noir – 93 points from Jeb Dunnuck
“A brighter transparent red color, the 2024 Pinot Noir Five Mountain is made without whole clusters and offers preserved strawberry, pomegranate, and bright floral perfume. Medium-bodied, it has refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and wonderful clarity of fruit throughout. It’s a gorgeous, elegant wine to enjoy over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2026-2036.”
- Award2024 Mount Richmond Pinot Noir – 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck
“Cherry cordial, sweet herbs, violet, hints of blue fruit, and lovely purity emerge from the 2024 Pinot Noir Mount Richmond. Medium to full-bodied, it has a silky texture, underlying richness, outstanding clarity, precision, and impressive length. It should only improve with another few years in bottle. Drink 2026-2040.”
- News2024 La Bohème Pinot Noir – 94+ points from Jeb Dunnuck
“From the highest elevation vineyard they farm, the 2024 Pinot Noir La Boheme offers truffle, a touch of reduction, toast, and black cherry on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it has appealing richness, a gravelly texture, and excellent structure. Give it a bit more time in bottle and some air if opening soon. Drink 2027-2040.”
- Award2024 Roosevelt Pinot Noir – 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck
“A bright jeweled red color, the 2024 Pinot Noir Roosevelt is fantastic, with blood orange shining brightly alongside wild cherry, refined spice, and beautiful purity. Medium-bodied, it has ripe, beautifully defined tannins, terrific energy, and outstanding length. One of my favorites of the tasting. Drink over the coming 20 years. Drink 2027-2047.”
- Award2025 Pinot Blanc – 90 points from Jeb Dunnuck
“Bottled under screwcap, the 2025 Pinot Blanc Estate is a bright straw color and offers appealing notes of melon, poached citrus, Marcona almond, and delicate spice. Medium to full-bodied, it has a clean, refreshing, silky texture and is best enjoyed over the next couple of years.”
- Award2024 Clay Court Pinot Noir – 92 points from Jeb Dunnuck
“Produced with 18% whole clusters, the 2024 Pinot Noir Clay Court pours a bright jeweled red color and reveals cranberry, cherry, bright red fruit, orange zest, and fresh spice. Medium-bodied, it has bright acidity, fine tannins, and lively saline accents that carry through the finish. Drink over the coming 6-7 years.”
- ReleaseHarvest Outlook 2026
Owner/Winemaker Adam Campbell gives us an update on Vintage 2025 on September 12th, right at the beginning of harvest. Themes for the year are an early harvest, small clusters and berries and fewer seeds in Pinot noir. What will the wines be like? We have some work to do before we can really judge, but we’re feeling optimistic so far!
Good to know
Wines
ChardonnayPinot BlancPinot GrisPinot NoirRieslingRoséSparklingSweet / Dessert-style
