Phelps Creek Vineyards in Hood River is the epitome of teamwork

There are many wineries in Oregon, but in my opinion, the most beautiful view is from Phelps Creek Vineyards in Hood River. Here, Robert Morus, a former Delta Air Lines captain, and his wife Lynette Barss-Morus, general manager, enjoy breathtaking views of vineyards, forests and orchards stretching to the horizon. They also have an impressive team that creates wines as impressive as this view.

Phelps Creek Vineyards

Phelps Creek Vineyards is best known for its bias toward making wines from varieties well adapted to the cool climate of the Columbia Gorge. The main varieties are pinot noir and chardonnay, but "alternative whites" such as pinot gris, riesling and gewurztraminer are also produced.

One of''s particularly recommended wine is the 2021 Phelps Creek Vineyards Cuvée Alexandrine Pinot Noir ($62, 13.8% ABV). Morus is confident that this wine will not yield to any wine from the Willamette Valley. The 2021 was one of the best vintages for Cuvée Alexandrine. It has intense notes of black currant and cherry accompanied by electric acidity and powerful tannins. This wine can easily lie in the cellar for another ten years.

One of the special highlights is that the Phelps Creek winery team includes a French winemaker, Alexandrine Roy, representing the fourth generation of the Roy family winemaking in Burgundy. After the harvest in Burgundy is over, she flies to Oregon to assist with the wine production at Phelps Creek.

It's also worth noting that''Phelps Creek Tasting Room is now located at the site of the former Viento Wines winery on Country Club Road in Hood River. In addition, the Creekside Cafe, located in the tasting room, offers lunch from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, and live jazz music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday evening.

History and crew

The winery's history began in 1990 when Morus and his family planted their first vineyards.

Fruit from these vineyards Morus sold early in his career to other wineries such as Sineann Winery, St. Paul, King Estate, Eugene and Sherwood-based Ponzi Vineyards. In 2006 was''The first commercial vintage from Phelps Creek has been released.

The winery's team today includes seasoned professionals such as winemaker Bill Swain, guide Irineo Magagna, and vineyard and cellar manager Ira Kreft. In addition, the team has experts from Portugal and France, including winery operations manager Katharina Simoes and winemaking consultant Alexandrine Roy.

In June 2023, assistant winemaker Lauren O'\''Brien joined the team, transferring from House of Smith winery in Washington. Morus says O'\''Brien is preparing to become a winemaker in the future.

Developing vines and where to buy wines

Not long ago, Morus discovered wild grape vines along the Phelps River, south of''Pioneer Vineyard. "The vines are growing on trees and look like they're 40 to 50 years old," Morus says. "We don't know what grape varieties they are, but they are very flavorful. "

Phelps Creek Vineyards is available at Liner & Elsen in Portland or West Seattle Wine Cellars in north Seattle. You can also try Phelps Creek wines at Salty'\''s on the Columbia River in Portland or Votum in Hood River. And, most impressively, the winery is represented by two wines at The French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, California.

The Phelps Creek Vineyards tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 301 Country Club Road, Hood River.