Thistle Wines

Quality winegrowing in America was in its infancy in the 1970’s. The Spurrier tasting in Paris in 1976 gave the first international credibility to California Cabernet and Chardonnay. Three years later, again in Paris, and the following year in Beaune, The Eyrie Vineyards 1975 Pinot noir brought international attention to Oregon, a wine region unfamiliar to almost anyone except a handful of hardy pioneers. With these two tastings, Oregon won its first recognition as the New World home for Pinot noir. The Eyrie Vineyards, founded by David and Diana Lett in 1966, is located in the Red Hills of Dundee, about 30 miles SW of Portland. It was named for the red-tailed hawks who make their home (EYE-ree) in the fir trees at the top of the first vineyard plantings. The winery is in nearby McMinnville.

In 1975, The Eyrie Vineyards produced the first American Pinot noir to compete successfully with the renowned Pinot noirs of Burgundy. (Paris, 1979; Beaune, 1980).
Jason Lett has recently taken over from his father as winemaker and vineyard manager at The Eyrie Vineyards. David and Diana continue to be intimately involved with the wines and the work at their pioneering winery.