Oregon Sparkling Winemakers Unite, Launch 1st Official Standards
A growing coalition of Oregon sparkling wine producers announced the launch of Method Oregon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing Oregon as a world-class region for traditional method sparkling wine and sharing the story of the state’s rapidly expanding bubbles movement. Founded by and for sparkling winemakers, Method Oregon
A growing coalition of Oregon sparkling wine producers announced the launch of Method Oregon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing Oregon as a world-class region for traditional method sparkling wine and sharing the story of the state’s rapidly expanding bubbles movement.
Founded by and for sparkling winemakers, Method Oregon brings together more than 45 wineries from across the state—from pioneering producers with decades of experience to emerging brands, all focused on making world-class traditional method sparkling wine. The organization aims to celebrate exceptional wines, sustainable farming practices, and the distinct sense of place that defines Oregon sparkling wine.
“Oregon sparkling wine has reached a tipping point,” said Andrew Davis, a founding board member for Method Oregon, winemaker for Lytle-Barnett, and the founder of Radiant Sparkling Wine Co. “After decades of experimentation and innovation, producers across the state are crafting traditional method wines that stand confidently among the best sparkling wines in the world.”
A New Standard for Oregon Sparkling Wine
Central to the initiative is the Method Oregon mark, a symbol designed to identify wines that meet some of the most rigorous standards for traditional method sparkling production anywhere in the world.
To carry the Method Oregon mark, wines must meet strict requirements including:
- 100% Oregon production using fruit from the Willamette Valley, Columbia Gorge, or Southern Oregon AVAs
- Traditional method production, including a second fermentation in bottle
- A minimum of 24 months of aging en tirage
Beginning in 2029, additional sustainable farming requirements will require that fruit used for Method Oregon wines be farmed with OMRI-approved organic inputs only or in LIVE-certified vineyards farmed without synthetic herbicides. Labels will be required to include disgorgement dates and AVA identification to enhance transparency.
The Method Oregon standard establishes an unusually exacting baseline for traditional-method sparkling wine by pairing a 24-month minimum tirage with mandatory disgorgement date. These requirements go beyond the entry-level standards in many of the world’s best-known sparkling regions.
“When consumers see the Method Oregon mark, they can trust that the wine represents exceptional quality, deep care for the land, and a strong community of producers working together to elevate Oregon sparkling wine,” says Jeanne Feldkamp, a founding board member of Method Oregon and co-founder of Corollary Wines.
Why Oregon Is Ideal for Sparkling Wine
Oregon’s climate and geography make it uniquely suited for traditional method production. The Willamette Valley has a cool climate, long growing season, and marine influence that support natural acidity and slow ripening, while Southern Oregon and the Columbia Gorge have sites with suitable microclimates throughout thanks to higher elevations, wind influence, and cooler aspects. Wide diurnal temperature swings and diverse soils allow grapes to develop ripe flavors while maintaining the vibrant acidity essential for long-aged sparkling wines.
Pinot noir and chardonnay—two of Oregon’s most widely planted grapes and the classic foundation of traditional method sparkling wine—have thrived in the state for more than 60 years.
The result: sparkling wines with freshness, structure, and a distinctive Oregon fruit profile that rewards extended aging.
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Growing Global Recognition
Oregon’s sparkling wines have received increasing attention from critics and media around the world. In 2024 alone, five Oregon traditional method wines were named to Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list.
Publications such as The New York Times, Food & Wine, Jancis Robinson, Forbes, and Wine Enthusiast have recently highlighted Oregon as one of the most exciting emerging regions for high-quality sparkling wine.
The Method Oregon Trail Map: A New Tool For Sparkling Exploration
To help wine lovers explore Oregon’s growing sparkling wine movement, Method Oregon today launched the Method Oregon Trail Map (https://methodoregon.com/trail), an interactive guide to tasting rooms pouring Method Oregon sparkling wines across the state. Filters allow sorting of wineries by region and experience type.
The map invites visitors to travel between participating producers, discover the diversity of Oregon’s sparkling regions, and experience the wines where they are made. By highlighting tasting rooms that are near one another, the map also makes it easy for visitors to plan thoughtful itineraries and explore multiple producers in a single trip.
The Method Oregon Grand Tasting Weekend
This summer, Method Oregon will host the second annual Method Oregon Grand Tasting Weekend, a yearly celebration of Oregon traditional method sparkling wine held each July in the Willamette Valley.
The 2026 event will take place July 24–26 and will include:
- An educational panel moderated by Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine
- Guided tastings
- Production facility tours
- A “Bubbles Block Party” with food trucks and music
- The Grand Tasting featuring 40+ leading Oregon sparkling producers
- A choose-your-own-adventure day of special winery events across the region
The weekend is designed to bring together consumers, trade, and media for three days of education, tasting, and connection around Oregon’s traditional method sparkling wines.
Building Oregon’s Sparkling Future
Method Oregon follows the collaborative tradition established by the state’s pinot noir pioneers, who worked collectively to elevate Oregon’s global reputation.
Today’s sparkling producers are continuing that spirit—sharing knowledge, collaborating on technical tastings, and investing in specialized facilities that support the growth of the category.
With a growing number of wineries focusing entirely on traditional method production, Oregon is rapidly emerging as a destination for travelers seeking exceptional sparkling wine.
“Oregon has always thrived through collaboration,” said Andy Lytle, a founding board member of Method Oregon and co-founder of Lytle-Barnett. “Method Oregon reflects that same spirit—winemakers coming together to tell the story of a region that is redefining American sparkling wine.”