DAY 11 - BEAVERTON: COOPER MT VINEYARDS - NEIGHBOR NIGHTS

Day 11 of 365 ...

Cooper Mountain Vineyards - Neighbor Nights

Every Friday you are encouraged to bring a picnic, friends, family and pets and enjoy the sunset atop Cooper Mountain as the Vineyard is open an extra 2 hour on Fridays until 7:00 pm.

Cooper Mountain Vineyards

9480 SW Grabhorn Rd

Beaverton, OR 97007

Cooper Mountain Vineyards rests on the slopes of an ancient volcano.  From thousands of years of erosions come the unique terrain, soils and characteristics that make their wines unique.  The site of their vineyards covers much of the land once farmed by Oregon pioneers who took to the unique location and despite its challenges and lack of water, made it home as they worked the land.  Cooper Mountain is one of rich heritage.

In 1978 Cooper Mountain Vineyards began when Dr. Bob Gross and his wife Corrine planted the first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines.  The two of them tended the vines and carefully nurtured them as they established in the unique soils of Cooper Mountain.

The vines were well cared for and matured gracefully to produce true Oregon Pinots.  At first the fruit was sold to other wineries to be crafted into wine by some of Oregon's finest winemakers.  In 1987 Cooper Mountain Winery opened to offer its first vintage to the public and began a quest that has led to 123 acres, four varietals, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc, and a commitment to alternative farming practices that benefits the environment and ultimately produces better wines.

Today Cooper Mountain Vineyards is recognized as a leader in a vineyard movement that is rapidly gaining acceptance.  Biodynamic® farming has an increasingly important role in vineyard and winery management. The practices that once seemed to have little benefit are finally being understood.  Gross, Winemaker Gilles de Domingo and Vineyard Manager Gerry Sanchez, are on the forefront of this effort.

Why are Biodynamic® practices relevant?  The use of natural preparations, rather than manmade chemicals, work to enhance the vines by repairing and building our soils to provide ideal growing conditions. Beneficial cover crops grow naturally and encourage equally beneficial insects.  Their soil samples reveal active microorganisms that are of great benefit to soil environment.

The Vineyards

Cooper Mountain has 123 acres divided among four very different vineyard sites.  From a 600 foot elevation with shallow volcanic soil to rich flood plane that first brought farmers to Oregon they have vineyards that provide diverse flavors and characteristics that give the winemaker many tools.

Cooper Mountain Offerings

Cooper Mountain produces three tiers (Estate, Reserve, and Five Elements) of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay as well as a single bottling of Pinot Blanc.

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Cooper Mountain Vineyards