Averaen

Setup by the team behind Banshee Wines in Sonoma, Averaen was born out of their love of cool climate Pinot Noir, which took them northwards beyond California into Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The strong winds from the nearby Pacific Ocean, and the mx of ancient volcanic soils and marine sediments from a prehistoric ocean floor, lend a particular intense minerality and complexity to the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that thrive in these climes. Working with a variety of growers from across Willamette Valley, from the warmer climates of the Dundee Hills to the chilly Van Duzer Corridor, the focus is on sustainable viticulture and sensitive winemaking to allow the nuances of the sites come through in the final wines. From the first release in 2016, the winery has grown to encompass several Pinot Noirs (which make up around 75% of the production) alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The wines have established a fine reputation in the USA and are unusually good value for a region better known for Burgundian price excesses.