Inside Blakeslee Vineyard Estate: estate-grown wines, white pinot noir, and events in Sherwood

SHERWOOD, Ore. — Nestled in the Chehalem Mountains just a few miles from the heart of Sherwood, Blakeslee Vineyard Estate is a 20-acre destination that combines scenic beauty with thoughtfully crafted wines.The estate features a welcoming tasting room known as the Piazza, which draws visitors from across the region.

The vineyard’s new general manager, Deb Yannariello, is preparing for a busy wine-growing season that will include special events and year-round tasting flights. Guests can sample a range of estate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir, and the less commonly produced White Pinot Noir.

Yannariello brings prior wine industry experience to her role, having previously owned 503 Uncorked, a wine bar in Sherwood, for over 11 years.

“That’s what got me into the wine industry,” she said.

Blakeslee Vineyard Estate has been owned by Sheila and Bill Blakeslee since 2005.

“We’ve had a friendship for many years, and this new relationship came about unexpectedly but with perfect timing,” Yannariello said. “I’ve known the owners for over 15 years, the opportunity came up, we started chatting and as of January 7, I’m the new general manager.”

The sprawling complex was formerly known as Quail Hill Vineyard.

“Historically, the Estate produced filberts and Christmas trees through the 1970s and 1980s,” the Blakeslee website noted. “During the late 1990s the property was converted to Pinot Noir grapes.”

The website continued, “In 1998, winemaker Patricia Green of Torii Mor Winery was recognized by Wine Spectator for producing Oregon’s first bottle of $100 Pinot Noir using Quail Hill fruit from this site.”

Having joined Blakeslee in January, Yannariello spoke enthusiastically about the property.

“It’s gorgeous,” she said. “The owners live on the property. In the spring and summer, the gardens are like nothing you’ve ever seen. Sheila has an incredible eye for gardening, and the grounds are absolutely stunning.”

All Blakeslee wines are produced exclusively from estate-grown fruit, with an annual production of approximately 1,500 cases. While winemaking does not take place on-site, the wines are crafted at the facility of winemaker Joe Dobbes, who brings decades of experience to the process. Dobbes is also known for Dobbes Family Estate, Wine By Joe, and his newest label, Iterum.

Blakeslee wines are not sold in retail stores and have received numerous accolades, including multiple recent awards for the 2021 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir.

The Piazza tasting room offers curated tasting flights for both club members and non-members. For non-members, a six-wine flight is available for $30.

Among the wines produced by Blakeslee is White Pinot Noir, a variety you don’t see as often on restaurant tables or at the dinner table.

“You’re still using the Pinot Noir grape, you’re just taking it off of that skin contact immediately so it doesn’t get any of that coloring, because all the coloring is coming from the skin,” Yannariello said. “It’s probably my favorite of all the wines. I love Pinot Noirs, but the White Pinot is so good.”

She added, “We start guests with a sparkling wine, move through the whites, and then finish with the reds. Once they complete their flight, many guests choose to purchase a bottle and take in the lovely view of Mount Hood.”

During the spring and summer months, visitors are invited to relax throughout the property, including poolside seating for club members, the patio, and Adirondack chairs set out on the lawn. “It’s a truly beautiful place,” she said.

A variety of events are planned throughout the year and will be listed on the Blakeslee website at www.blakesleevineyard.com. An adults-only Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 4, offering vineyard-wide searches for eggs and prizes. In May, guests can look forward to a Kentucky Derby party featuring themed games and a large-screen viewing of the race. Additional live music events are also planned in the coming m

Blakeslee Vineyard Estate welcomes both club members and non-members, and visitors often travel from well beyond the Sherwood area. “I recently met a lovely couple visiting from Alaska,” Yannariello said.

The vineyard is currently open Friday through Monday and beginning March 1, Blakeslee Vineyard Estate will expand its hours to Thursday through Monday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We welcome walk-ins all the time,” Yannariello said. “And we hope guests enjoy the wine and the experience so much that they decide to become members.”

Summing up the estate’s offerings, Yannariello added, “All of the wines are spectacular. It’s the perfect combination of exceptional grapes, outstanding soil, and a fabulous winemaker making for a memorable experience.”