Tyee Wine Cellars
26335 Greenberry Rd, Corvallis, OR 97333
Website: http://www.tyeewine.com/
Tyee Wine Cellars is a quaint winery located in Corvallis, OR in the center of Willlamette Valley. The winery is part of the 120-year-old Buchanan Family Century Farm. Five generations have lived on the farm and preserved the woodlands, wetlands, and streams that are part of the property. The first vines were planted in 1974. Merrilee Buchanan Benson is the current winemaker since 2006. She grew up on the family farm. “Tyee” comes from a Northwest word meaning “Chief” or “Best”, which represents the winery’s philosophy to create the best wines that pair with local cuisine.
This winery sits within a rustic red and white barn-like building. The surrounding view is astounding. There is a picnic table out front shaded by a big tree and a couple of wooden chairs next to the tasting room entrance. To the right of the tasting room is an archway leading behind the winery. In the back is a wide-open space amongst the vineyards where they hold events. It felt like walking into someone’s back yard. Directly behind the winery is a crush pad with barrels and picnic tables beneath a big wood roof. This is where they have events like weddings and special private occasions.
Tyee’s Tasting Room
Tyee is a small production winery, making only 1,500 cases a year. Besides being conservationists, they are 100% solar powered and certified salmon-safe. The tasting room is within a small space that made it feel like being a guest is a relative’s home. The tasting bar is a small counter top. Behind it on the wall was a whiteboard with the wine list written on it. There was also a cash register, sink, and tray of wine glasses behind the bar. Various awards and pictures decorated the wall. To the right of the tasting room was an entrance to another narrow room with a couple throw rugs, paintings on display, and a few other gift items. The girl who served us was very nice and social. My friend and I were the only visitors until a married couple stopped by to pick up their wine club bottles.
I tried the winery’s four varietals – Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürtraminer, and three types of Pinot Noirs. My favorites were the crisp, fruity Pinot Gris and 2012 Estate Pinot Noir which was voted best in Oregon by Oregon Wine Press. The wine labels are pretty neat, each with artwork of a wetland or woodland creature. The labels were created by artist James Jordan. This winery is open for drop in tastings on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April to December. Check their website for exact times. During the summer, they open their 1 ½ mile long habitat trail to the public. What I liked about this winery is that it felt like a true, family winery experience in a peaceful setting.
View from Tyee Wine Cellars in Willamette Valley