Over 40 years of wine making has taught Ken a simple truth: source is everything. Located, in rural Carlton, Oregon, Ken Wright Cellars is devoted to producing wine that showcase the inherent quality of world class vineyard sites. With a clarity and breadth that is unequaled, Pinot noir is the ultimate vehicle for conveying the aroma, flavor and texture of the location in which it is grown.

In 1986, with family, belongings and 10 barrels in tow, Ken moved to McMinnville and started Panther Creek Cellars. His concept of focusing on vineyard-designate bottling began during those years at Panther Creek and this was cemented as a core philosophy in 1994 when Ken Wright Cellars was founded. Ken Wright Cellars now produces a single vineyard Pinot Noir from 13 different vineyard sites in the Northern Willamette Valley.

Our approach to the craft of wine growing is one of stewardship rather than manipulation. We use organic certified practices as a base and expand upon that with advanced nutrition-based farming. By analyzing both our soil profile and vines, maintaining proper crop levels, personally sampling each vineyard, and hand-sorting each cluster, we ensure that the inherent character in the fruit is revealed in the finished wine. Minimal handling of wine is essential to preserve what it is; a gift of nature.

The 2021 Vintage
Our crop level averaged just under three tons this year which was perfect for the accumulated heat we experienced over the growing season. Disease was nonexistent with the dry conditions of the summer months and the fermentation’s proceeded perfectly with nary a one going “sideways” on us. The new wine in barrel is rich, expressive, detailed and deeply colored.

Savory, floral and spice focused— Fruits of black plum, Bing cherry and cranberry are met with captivating notes of cola, lavender, sassafras and black tea for a densely structured and complex finish.

13.2% ABV

AVA: Yamhill-Carlton

Organic, biodynamic, sustainable, nutrition-based farming.

The vineyards of the Yamhill-Carlton District were planted mostly in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. The primary soil of this area is called Willakenzie, named after the Willamette and McKenzie rivers. It is a sedimentary soil with a sandstone base rock. The sand content is quite high and the soil therefore very well drained. The sites are generally on the lower slopes of a volcanic ridge. Wines of the area possess aromas of red and blue fruits, with added elements of cocoa, leather, anise, clove and fresh-turned earth. Acidity levels are generally lower than other regions, prompting these wines to be lush and agreeable in their youth.

Oregon Promise:

Oregon Promise guarantees full transparency. We want you to experience the unique and special wine that is 100% Oregon.

When you pour a glass of wine that has the Oregon Promise trademark, admire the exquisite color, enjoy the fragrant aromas, take that first sip, you can be assured that what you are experiencing is 100% of the stated grape varietal(s) from 100% of the stated source(s).