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.
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.
Wine Tasting Options
Lingua Franca Winery offers 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.
The Comparatif Tasting
For those seeking a deeper exploration, the Comparatif Tasting is available at $100 per person. This experience offers a side-by-side comparison of Lingua Franca's estate 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 shape Lingua Franca's approach. These tastings are designed to be both educational and engaging, reflecting the winery's dedication to precision and detail.
Reservations and Policies
Tastings at Lingua Franca are 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.
The Wines and Winemaking Philosophy
Lingua Franca's approach 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.
Vineyards in Burgundy
Main Wine Varieties
Lingua Franca specializes in two standout varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These wines have become the cornerstone of the estate.
The Pinot Noir is celebrated for its purity and balance, offering a true reflection of the vineyard's unique terroir.
The Chardonnay, 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.
Farming Practices
At Janzen Farm, a sprawling 150-acre estate, Lingua Franca is 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.
The Winemaking Team
Lingua Franca's winemaking 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 acquired Lingua Franca in 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.
The Tasting Room
The Lingua Franca tasting room offers an inviting space where the wines and the vineyard's character truly take center stage.
The Tasting Room features a warm, inviting glow illuminating its rows of wine glasses.
Design and Architecture
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.
The Atmosphere
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.
Amenities and Service
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 include The Lingua Franca Experience and The Comparatif Tasting. The latter pairs Lingua Franca wines 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.
Planning Your Visit
Make sure to reserve your tasting session ahead of time. Here's what you need to know to plan your visit.
Planning Your Visit features abundant natural light filling the spacious, open-plan interior.
Hours and Booking
Lingua Franca Winery welcomes guests for tastings from Thursday to Monday, between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM PT. Each session lasts 75 minutes and can host up to 6 guests. Please note, the winery remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to their hospitality team at hospitality@linguafranca.wine.
Conclusion
Lingua Franca Winery brings 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.
Conclusion, striking geometric pillars define the open-plan layout.
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 Franca offers 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.
Lingua Franca Winery takes pride in its dedication to low-impact, organic, and biodynamic farming methods. These practices not only respect the environment but also allow the vineyard's natural characteristics to shine through in every grape. By focusing on low-yield, precision viticulture, the winery ensures that each harvest captures the unique essence of the Eola-Amity Hills region.
The winemaking process at Lingua Franca combines traditional Burgundian techniques with a deep understanding of Oregon's specific climate and soil. This blend of tradition and adaptation results in wines that are both pure and beautifully balanced. With a skilled team leading the way, Lingua Franca offers a truly memorable experience for wine lovers seeking something special.
The Comparatif Tasting is a thoughtfully designed wine flight that pairs Lingua Franca wines with select Burgundy Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. This unique experience allows guests to explore the subtle differences in terroir by comparing Lingua Franca's wines to some of the most celebrated wines from around the globe. It's an ideal choice for both seasoned wine lovers and those simply curious to learn more.
This experience is available for $100 per person and requires prepayment. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the art of winemaking and the intricate flavors that each region brings to the table.
How does Lingua Franca Winery ensure their wines capture the unique character of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA?
Lingua Franca Winery focuses on bringing out the unique character of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA by using organic, biodynamic, and low-impact farming methods. Their estate vineyard is thoughtfully planted with a mix of rootstock and budwood tailored to the area's varied soil types, including Nekia, Gelderman, and Jory soils.
By embracing precision viticulture and maintaining low-yield practices, the winery ensures that each bottle captures the essence of the land. This attention to detail results in wines that showcase the purity and balance that have made Lingua Franc a a standout name in winemaking.