Sokol Blosser Winery

5000 NE Sokol Blosser Ln, Dayton, OR 97114

Website: http://sokolblosser.com/

Vineyards in front of Sokol Blosser Winery

Sokol Blosser is in the Northern Willamette Valley in Dayton, Oregon.  This winery has a gorgeous setting with 85 acres of row upon row of vines surrounding the winery.  The property was an abandoned prune orchard when owners Bill and Susan purchased it.  The winery has been family owned since the first vines were planted in 1971.  Bill and Susan’s children, Alex and Alison, now run the winery.  All of their wine is sustainably organic and certified Salmon-Safe.  They are known for their Pinot Noir of course!

The remodeled tasting room opened July 2013.  I would classify this place as a very modern winery.  Upon driving into the parking area, you can see several solar panels pointing out toward the vineyard.   The building has an open structure with lots of natural sunlight.  There is lots of outdoor seating both in front and in back of the tasting room to take in the peaceful setting while sipping wine. 

Sokol Blosser Tasting Room

The tasting room is wide open with light wood paneling from ceiling to floor.  There are also windows from ceiling to floor facing front and back.  You can catch a view of the vineyards from pretty much any angle inside and out.  The tasting bar is in the center of room with a fireplace in one corner.  The atmosphere is very comfortable with some leather seats and some tables and stools.  Around the corner from the tasting room is a room called “The Library” where guests can peruse and purchase merchandise off the shelves.  There is even a kitchen where guests can meander in and watch the culinary specialists prepping food while sipping their wine.  In the back of the winery, there are some picnic tables.  We took a walk out back to grab some photos of the panoramic view and came upon a tractor loaded with grape musts.  It was an idyllic wine country experience.

For our tasting, we started off with a crisp Pinot Gris and Rosé of Pinot Noir.  We then tried the Dundee Hills Pinot Noir from 2009 and 2011.  It was interesting to compare the differences.  Vintage 2009 was a warm year and gave the Pinot Noir notes of warm spice and milk chocolate, while the 2011 vintage brought forth cherry, cranberry, and cola flavors.  We also sampled the 2011 Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir made from a blend of their best four blocks which had loads of cherry, some smoky oak, and light acidity.  I finished off the tasting with a white Riesling dessert wine made in an ice wine style.  I loved the wine, but only those with a real sweet tooth would enjoy it. 

This winery has a lot to offer.  Beyond all of the various areas for guests to sit and enjoy their tasting, they can also purchase a butcher board for some bites to eat and picnic outside.  They can take a tour of the winery.  And in the summer time they could sign up for a 3 mile hike with a catered lunch and wine afterward.  Check their website for details.

Panoramic view of Sokol Blosser vineyards from behind the winery