Method Oregon
In March, more than 50 Oregon sparkling wine producers joined together to create a new force in the world of American sparkling wine: “Method Oregon”.
The non-profit organization is building on the growing reputation of the state’s sparkling wine quality, celebrated for its vibrancy, elegant structure, and cellar worthiness. Led by these high standards, the body aims to firmly establish itself as a first-class traditional method (méthode traditionnelle) sparkling wine producer. In line with this, Method Oregon is working to make it a unique bubbly wine destination through curated wine tasting trails and events. This summer, member wineries are opening their doors across the Willamette Valley to sparkling wine lovers in ‘The Grand Tasting Weekend’, inviting them to explore the quality and styles of bubbles the state produces.
While the event is held in the famed AVA, Oregon wineries from all over the state make up the membership of the organization.
Read on to discover the exciting goings-on in the Oregon bubbles scene.
Method Oregon
What exactly is Method Oregon?
It’s both an organization and a description of the centuries-old traditional-method winemaking process made famous by Champagne. Sparkling wine producers in the north-western American state are defining their own approach to such sparkling wine, following the strict Champagne rules – but adding especially-adapted production guidelines for a local “formula”: Method Oregon.
With this unique philosophy at its foundation, the body aims to follow the lead of the collaborative efforts that helped elevate Oregon Pinot Noir to international recognition. Through shared expertise, technical tastings, and investment in bespoke facilities, Method Oregon’s objective is to carve out a niche on the wine world stage for its sparkling wine.
The move comes after a successful ‘trial’ one-day, summer tasting event in 2025. This year, “The Grand Tasting Weekend’ takes place over three bubbles-packed days.
With Oregon sparkling wine enjoying growing critical acclaim and no stranger to scores in the mid-90s, let’s dive into Method Oregon.
What is the Method Oregon quality framework?
Like its French counterpart, Oregon makes a range of traditional method sparkling wines, including Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and rosé. The Method Oregon organization has established some of the most stringent production regulations in the sparkling wine world. Bubbles from this region must:
- Be made through traditional method
- Be made 100% from fruit grown in Willamette Valley, Columbia Gorge, or Southern Oregon AVAs
- Undergo a secondary fermentation in bottle
- Spend a minimum of 24 months aging on lees
- Full process from growth of berries to disgorgement of wine (season, month, or day) in Oregon
- Have at least 4 atmospheres of pressure
From 2029, further sustainability and transparency requirements will be put into place. These include:
- Use of fruit from officially-approved organically-farmed vineyards for sustainable viticulture
- Display of disgorgement dates and AVA information on labels
A transition period up until 2029 is allowing producers to convert fully to sustainable, organic viticulture and to prepare for label changes. The Method Oregon mark can be used on labels until the deadline year, but is not obligatory.
Why is Oregon ideal for Traditional Method wine?
Oregon enjoys a cool climate, long growing season, and wide diurnal shift, all conditions that are perfect for the cultivation of berries that have the necessary fruitiness and acidity for quality sparkling wine production.
The state also features diverse terroirs in AVAs like the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, and the Columbia Gorge, adding character and depth to the profile of its sparkling wines. As with Champagne, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used for Oregon sparkling wine, varietals that have flourished in the state for more than six decades.
Method Oregon celebrations
Planning a trip to Oregon this summer? You can enjoy the state’s sparkling wines in the Grand Tasting Weekend, a three-day event (July 24th – 26th) organized by Method Oregon. The event features tastings, educational Method Oregon conversations, and a bubbles party, to name a few of this exciting weekend’s happenings. There’s also the opportunity to create your own tasting experiences with a range of choices and tips supplied by organizers.
This year, the event includes more than 50 wineries – some veteran sparkling wine producers and others releasing their first bubbles this year.
The weekend kicks off with a ‘Sparkling School’ event in a deep dive about the Oregon traditional method, followed by a ‘Bubbles Block Party’ that showcases rare bottlings and food truck fare in a laid back setting. On Saturday, a Grand Tasting takes place with wines from more than 40 producers. On Sunday, the ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ is all about building your own day plan around winery special events (including library flights), tastings, vineyard tours, workshops, and luxury pairing lunches.
The weekend events take place across multiple venues and times with a range of ticketing options depending on what you want to participate in.
Method Oregon Trail
If you can’t make it to Oregon this July, never fear. Method Oregon has devised the ‘Method Oregon Trail Map’. This Oregon wine tourism interactive guide has been devised to help visitors create their own journey of discovery across the state’s sparkling wine producers. Participants can filter by region and experience type to create the perfect wine trails.
So, if you love your Champagne, why not explore a region enjoying growing acclaim for its traditional method wines that’s right on your doorstep? Cheers to Oregon!
FAQs
Is Method Oregon a wine style or an organization?
It’s both. The name refers to the producer collective and to a distinctive Oregon approach to traditional-method sparkling wine production.
How is Method Oregon different from Champagne?
Method Oregon follows many of the same traditional-method principles as Champagne but applies them to Oregon-grown fruit and local production standards that reflect the region’s unique climate and terroir.
What grape varieties are most commonly used?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the leading varieties, although producers may use other grapes permitted under their winemaking programs.
Can visitors explore Method Oregon wineries year-round?
Yes. In addition to annual events, visitors can use the Method Oregon Trail Map to create self-guided sparkling wine itineraries throughout the state.
Do all Method Oregon wineries come from the Willamette Valley?
No. While many are based there, the organization includes producers from several Oregon wine regions, including the Columbia Gorge and Southern Oregon.
Why are producers collaborating under one banner?
The initiative mirrors the cooperative spirit that helped establish Oregon Pinot Noir on the world stage, allowing wineries to share expertise, raise quality standards, and promote Oregon sparkling wine internationally.
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