Panther Creek Cellars

Panther Creek Cellars, established in 1986, is situated in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, renowned for its Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. The Willamette Valley, with AVAs such as Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, and Eola-Amity Hills, has rich, complex soils formed by ancient lava flows, uplifted seabeds, and alluvial deposits, contributing to the region’s unique terroir. These geological features enhance the depth and character of Panther Creek’s wines, reflecting the essence of their origins.

Ken Wright, a pivotal figure in Oregon’s wine history, founded Panther Creek Cellars. Wright’s approach focused on creating bold, fruity, and collector-worthy Pinot Noirs, garnering significant accolades. His work included producing single vineyard designate wines from renowned vineyards like Shea, Temperance Hill, and Freedom Hill. In 1989, Wright relocated Panther Creek to McMinnville’s Power Station, establishing a solid foundation for the winery. By 1994, Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent became the consulting winemaker, maintaining and enhancing the winery’s award-winning style.

Enter Tony Rynders, a maestro with two decades of Oregonian wine wisdom, now orchestrating Panther Creek’s legacy. Rynders continues to build on the winery’s storied legacy, focusing on wines that express the personality of their vintage and vineyard. The fermentation process at Panther Creek is carefully managed to preserve the integrity of the fruit. The wines undergo gentle handling and extended aging in French oak barrels, allowing for the development of nuanced flavors and aromas that are characteristic of great Oregon Pinot Noir.

The winery emphasizes sustainable farming practices, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. Panther Creek employs organic and biodynamic techniques to nurture their vines, ensuring the health of the soil and surrounding ecosystem. These methods not only promote biodiversity but also result in higher quality grapes. The vineyards’ diverse soils, from basaltic landmasses to marine sedimentary rocks, contribute to the wines’ complexity, offering a distinctive sense of place in each bottle.

Panther Creek Cellars has earned recognition for producing some of Oregon’s most concentrated and age-worthy wines. Renowned wine critic Robert Parker, Jr. praised the winery as one of the most consistent, high-quality producers in the region. The winery’s dedication to crafting expressive wines that complement a variety of foods while standing on their own has solidified its reputation. Through sustainable practices and meticulous winemaking, Panther Creek continues to contribute to the rich winemaking history of the Willamette Valley.