Discover the exquisite Lingua Franca Tasting experience in Willamette Valley, Oregon. Savor terroir-driven wines with a visit to Lingua Franca's Tasting Room today!
Lingua Franca Wines, located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of Oregon, offers a premium wine-tasting experience that highlights its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Founded by Master Sommelier Larry Stone and Burgundy winemaker Dominique Lafon, the winery is known for its terroir-driven wines and organic farming practices. Acquired by Constellation Brands in 2022, it continues to focus on small-scale, high-quality production.
Key Details:
Tasting Options:
Lingua Franca Experience($50): A curated tasting of estate wines.
Comparatif Tasting($100): Side-by-side comparison ofLingua Francawines with Burgundy counterparts.
Location:9675 Hopewell Road NW, Salem, OR.
Hours:Thursday–Monday, 11:00 AM–3:30 PM (by reservation only).
Vineyard:150 acres, with 66 acres under vine (70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay).
The modern tasting room, designed for comfort and focus, enhances the experience while sommeliers guide visitors through the nuances of the wines. Reservations are required and can be made through the winery's website. Perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore Oregon's renowned wine region.
Lingua Franca Wineryoffers two distinct tasting experiences, each guided by expert sommeliers who share their knowledge about winemaking and the unique characteristics of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Both options are designed to provide a personal and terroir-focused experience.
Priced at $50 per person, the Lingua Franca Experience is the winery's signature tasting, available exclusively through prepaid reservations. This experience features a curated selection of estate wines, showcasing their range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Guests get a closer look at how Master Sommelier Larry Stone and Burgundy winemaker Dominique Lafon collaborate to craft wines that highlight the vineyard's unique terroir. Sommeliers guide visitors through the tasting, explaining how the vineyard's soil, climate, and other characteristics influence the distinct flavor profile of each wine.
For those seeking a deeper exploration, the Comparatif Tasting is available at $100 per person. This experience offers a side-by-side comparison ofLingua Franca'sestate wines with select Burgundy Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
"A comparative tasting of our wines alongside a selection of our favorite Burgundy Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays." - Lingua Franca Website
This comparative format provides fascinating insights into the stylistic differences between Oregon’s terroir and Burgundy’s traditional expressions. It also highlights the thoughtful winemaking decisions that shapeLingua Franca'sapproach. These tastings are designed to be both educational and engaging, reflecting the winery's dedication to precision and detail.
Tastings atLingua Francaare available by appointment only, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience for every guest. Reservations must be made in advance through the winery's website. Simply navigate to the "Visit" page and click "Reserve Now" to secure your spot.
For private events, including vertical tastings and customized experiences, guests can submit an inquiry via the "Events" page. Occasionally, the winery hosts special events like "Blind Tasting with Larry Stone", where attendees can enjoy wines curated by the Master Sommelier. Tickets for these exclusive events start at $128 per person.
The prepaid reservation system ensures each tasting is thoughtfully managed, preserving the intimate atmosphere and providing exceptional service to every visitor.
Lingua Franca'sapproach to winemaking is all about showcasing the essence of its vineyards. By combining meticulous vineyard care with time-tested winemaking methods, they bring out the true character of their terroir. This philosophy is shaped by the collaboration of Master Sommelier Larry Stone and Burgundy winemaking icon Dominique Lafon. Together, they’ve blended traditional Burgundian practices with the unique qualities of Oregon's Willamette Valley, creating wines that tell a story from grape to glass.
Lingua Francaspecializes in two standout varieties:Pinot NoirandChardonnay. These wines have become the cornerstone of the estate.
ThePinot Noiris celebrated for its purity and balance, offering a true reflection of the vineyard's unique terroir.
TheChardonnay, shaped by the cooler climate of the Willamette Valley, boasts a refined complexity that showcases the team's expertise. Each bottle captures the distinct personality of its vineyard block.
At Janzen Farm, a sprawling 150-acre estate,Lingua Francais deeply committed to sustainable farming. They use organic and biodynamic methods to nurture the soil and bring out the purest expression of the land. With a focus on low-yield, precision viticulture, every vine is carefully tended to produce fruit that mirrors its origin.
Lingua Franca'swinemaking team is a powerhouse of expertise and dedication. Director of Winemaking Thomas Savre, Senior Winemaker Joe Ferris, and Vineyard Manager Brandon Hasart work together to blend traditional methods with modern precision. Their goal? To ensure each vintage captures the essence of its season.
Even after Constellation Brands acquiredLingua Francain 2022, the team has stayed true to the hands-on, small-scale approach that defines the winery’s character. Their collaboration ensures that every wine remains a genuine reflection of its terroir.
TheLingua Francatasting room offers an inviting space where the wines and the vineyard's character truly take center stage.
Designed by Skylab Architecture and furnished by Andee Hess of Osmose Design, the tasting room features a sleek, modern aesthetic. Its minimalist approach creates a clean, unobtrusive backdrop, allowing the focus to remain on the estate's Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Every design element has been carefully chosen to complement the wine-tasting experience, offering a seamless blend of sophistication and comfort.
With an abundance of natural light and a thoughtfully designed layout, the space feels intimate and welcoming. It’s the perfect setting to explore the complexities and subtleties of each wine. Knowledgeable sommeliers are always available to guide guests through the tasting flights, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
The tasting room is known for its polished service and carefully curated flights, offering visitors a chance to deepen their appreciation for terroir-focused winemaking. Options includeThe Lingua Franca ExperienceandThe Comparatif Tasting. The latter pairsLingua Francawines with Burgundy Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, providing a side-by-side exploration that highlights the unique characteristics of each wine while showcasing the winery's commitment to precision and craftsmanship.
Make sure to reserve your tasting session ahead of time. Here's what you need to know to plan your visit.
Lingua Franca Winerywelcomes guests for tastings fromThursday to Monday, between11:00 AM and 3:30 PM PT. Each session lasts75 minutesand can host up to6 guests. Please note, the winery remains closed onTuesdays and Wednesdays. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to their hospitality team athospitality@linguafranca.wine.
Lingua Franca Winerybrings together the rich traditions of Old World winemaking and the unique character of Oregon's Willamette Valley. With the combined expertise of Master Sommelier Larry Stone and Burgundy icon Dominique Lafon, the winery has developed a philosophy centered on expressing terroir through sustainable and thoughtful practices.
The winery’s dedication to organic and biodynamic farming ensures that every bottle captures the purity and harmony that define this celebrated wine region. Guided by the expertise of Thomas Savre and his team, the wines reflect the distinct qualities of the vineyard’s east-facing slopes, delivering a true sense of place in every sip.
This commitment to excellence extends to the winery's welcoming visitor experience. Tastings are designed to be intimate and educational, offering more than just a sampling - they provide a deeper understanding of the wines and their origins. The modern yet understated tasting room, with its clean lines and breathtaking views of the vineyard, perfectly complements the elegance of the wines.
For anyone passionate about exploring Oregon’s wine country,Lingua Francaoffers an experience that’s both genuine and unforgettable. With its focus on world-class craftsmanship, sustainable farming, and showcasing the Willamette Valley’s unique character, it’s no wonder the winery earned a spot in Wine & Spirits Magazine's Top 100 Wineries in 2018.
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