Winemaker Matt Vuylsteke to continue producing wines for both labels, ensuring diverse offerings from throughout the Pacific Northwest
Portland, Ore. (August 23, 2021) – 51Weeks Winemaking, a micro-winery focused on small lots of interesting varietals from throughout the Pacific Northwest, will be brought under the umbrella of the new Amaterra Winery, which will open in the tree-filled slopes of Portland’s West Hills later this year. While continuing to produce its own wines, Amaterra will also serve as the winemaking facility for 51Weeks vintages. Amaterra and 51Weeks will also share winemaker Matt Vuylsteke, who founded 51Weeks in 2012 with his wife Nancy, and joined the Amaterra team in 2017.
“I could not be more excited about 51Weeks officially joining the Amaterra family,” said Vuylsteke. “The two labels represent very different and equally beautiful approaches to winemaking, and I think guests of Amaterra will truly appreciate the diversity this partnership brings. Adding 51Weeks wines to our menu of offerings will round out the Amaterra experience, particularly ensuring we have the appropriate pairings for various foods and palates.”
With a minimally invasive approach to winemaking, 51Weeks wines are a direct reflection of the sense of place found in its grapes, which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Pinot Gris, as well as Rosé (made with Sangiovese, Barbera and Grenache). As such, 51Weeks wines demonstrate the deep reverence for their corner of the map and the winery’s devotion to crafting unique, beautiful wines.
“Adding 51Weeks to the Amaterra portfolio will also bring expanded distribution channels, with wines available in our restaurant and for wine club members, as well as online,” continued Vuylsteke. “This will enable both brands to flourish alongside each other, and I’m eager for people to experience these wines in new ways.”
Meaning ‘for the love of the Earth,’ Amaterra is a state-of-the-art winery that will also be home to a chef-driven restaurant and numerous indoor/outdoor event spaces. Amaterra, which will open later this year, will focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, both from estate-grown grapes, as well as those grown in celebrated Willamette Valley AVAs, including Chehalem Mountains, Tualatin Hills, Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge, Eola-Amity Hills and the Van Duzer Corridor. The winery intentionally sources its fruit from sub-AVAs across the Willamette Valley to showcase the breadth and distinctive nature of the region’s different growing areas.
About 51Weeks
Founded by Matt and Nancy Vuylsteke in 2012, 51Weeks is a micro-winery focused on small lots of interesting varietals sourced from throughout the Pacific Northwest. With a minimally invasive approach to winemaking, 51Weeks wines are a direct reflection of the sense of place found in its grapes, which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Pinot Gris, as well as Rosé (made with Sangiovese, Barbera and Grenache). As such, 51Weeks wines demonstrate the deep reverence for their corner of the map and the winery’s devotion to crafting unique, beautiful wines. For more information, visit: 51WeeksWinemaking.com.
About Amaterra
Meaning “for the love of the Earth,” Amaterra is a state-of-the-art winery and restaurant opening later this year amidst the tree-filled slopes of Portland’s West Hills. Just minutes from downtown Portland, the new facility is set to serve as a destination for both residents and visitors alike, and will feature a 12-acre vineyard, chef-driven restaurant, outdoor event lawn and expansive valley views. The gravity-flow winery will produce 10,000 cases of wine annually, which will be predominantly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For more information, please visit: AmaterraWines.com.
