For the first time, Equinox expands to include moderated discussions on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir history
February 19, 2026 (Eola-Amity Hills, OR) — In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Eola‑Amity Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA), the Eola‑Amity Hills Winegrower’s Association announces Equinox 2026, set for Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Salem, Oregon. Kicking off Oregon Wine Month, this year’s event expands the beloved wine and food tasting experience to include new moderated panel discussions, a first in Equinox history, alongside the signature Grand Tasting.
Equinox is an exceptional celebration of the AVA’s vibrant community of growers and winemakers, bringing together more than 30 member wineries with local cuisine, wine shop offerings, and community partners. Over the past two decades, Eola-Amity Hills wines have earned widespread critical acclaim from top wine critics, including a recent 100 points to Bethel Heights “The High Wire” Chardonnay from Decanter, further reinforcing the AVA’s reputation as one of Oregon’s most distinctive cool-climate regions.
This year, Equinox introduces two educational panel and tasting sessions, taking place at Lingua Franca, prior to the Grand Tasting, offering deeper insight into the region’s defining wine styles and rich heritage:
Panel 1: Precision & Power: The New Frontier of Oregon Chardonnay, 12-1:30pm
This panel examines the rise of Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay and its global growing recognition. Panelists will discuss site expression, winemaking philosophy, and how the region’s climate and soil contribute to precision, balance, and longevity in Chardonnay.
Panelists:
- Larry Stone — Lingua Franca, Founder and Master Sommelier
- Ben Casteel — Bethel Heights, Co-Owner, Director & Winemaker
- Mark Royer — Royer Vineyard, Founder & Vineyard Manager
Moderator: Julia Coney, Wine Consultant and Wine Journalist
Tickets for Precision & Power: The New Frontier of Oregon Chardonnay are $50 and available for purchase on EventBrite.
Panel 2: Basalt & Time: Mapping Two Decades of Terroir through Pinot Noir, 2:00-3:30pm
Focusing on Pinot Noir, this panel explores how geology, climate, and experience have shaped the Eola-Amity Hills over the last 20 years. Panelists will reflect on the evolution of viticulture and winemaking in the AVA and how a clearer understanding of terroir has emerged over time.
Panelists:
- Maggie Harrison — Antica Terra, Founder, Creative Director & Winemaker
- Christopher Butler — Cristom Vineyard, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager
- Joe Dobbes — Iterum Wines, Founder & Winemaker
Moderator: Courtney Humiston, Writer & Taster, James Suckling and Owner, Delphinium Wine
Tickets for Basalt & Time: Mapping Two Decades of Terroir through Pinot Noir are $50 and available for purchase on EventBrite.
Equinox Grand Tasting will take place at Zenith Vineyards and is a walkaround celebration of wines from Eola‑Amity Hills Winegrower’s Association member wineries, paired with local food offerings and opportunities to engage with vintners. Culinary partners include Bryn’s Mawr Vineyards’ Culinary Director, James Beard nominated Chef Jonathan Jones, The Cozy Taberna, Grounded Table, Joel Palmer House, Loam, and Willaby’s Catering. This event serves as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization: Eola-Amity Hills Winegrower’s Association. At the Grand Tasting there will be a silent auction for chances to win exclusive weekend getaways and premium wine. All proceeds are donated to the EAHWA.
Premier Entry Admission tickets are $125, allowing guests to enter at 4pm. Premier entry ticket holders will have the opportunity to taste Bethel Heights “The High Wire” Chardonnay. General Admission Access tickets are $75, with entry at 5pm. All tickets are available for purchase on EventBrite. Early Bird Pricing is available through April 1st, $5 off General Admission or Premier Entry with the code EARLYBIRD at checkout. This discount does not apply to panels.
More than 30 Eola-Amity Hills Winegrower’s Association member wineries will pour their wines at Equinox 2026, showcasing the breadth of producers and styles that define the region.
- Aubaine Wine
- Bethel Heights
- Björnson Vineyard
- Bracken Vineyard/Perkins Harter
- Bryn Mawr Vineyards
- Corollary Wines
- Cortell Collection
- Cristom Vineyards
- David Paige Wines
- Dukes Family Vineyards
- Evening Land
- Evesham Wood Vineyards
- Five Points Vineyard
- GC Wines
- Kuenzi Family Vineyard
- Hamilton-Russell Oregon
- Hundred Sons
- Holloran Vineyard Wines
- Iterum Wines
- Lingua Franca Winery
- Lytle-Barnett
- Rose & Arrow Estate
- Royer Vineyard
- Satyr Fire
- Sun Break Wines
- Varnum Vineyards
- Vincent Wine Company
- Willamette Valley Vineyards
- Zena Crown
- Zenith Vineyards
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Eola-Amity Hills wineries and vineyards will host a variety of special celebratory offerings. To learn more about how member wineries are celebrating, visit www.eolaamityhills.com/20th-anniversary. For all other info regarding Eola-Amity Hills AVA and upcoming events, visit www.eolaamityhills.com.
Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills is sponsored by Allied Works Architecture, Bella Collina Bed & Breakfast, Chemeketa Community College Wine Studies Program, Constellation Brands, Country Financial, The Cozy Taberna, and WineDirect Fulfillment.
ABOUT EOLA-AMITY HILLS AVA
Located in the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon, the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, founded in 2006, is renowned for its world-class vineyards and distinctive wines. Characterized by rolling hills, volcanic soils, and a unique cooling influence from the Van Duzer Corridor, the region produces grapes with exceptional balance, complexity, and expressive varietal character. Home to celebrated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other cool-climate varietals, Eola-Amity Hills has earned recognition among the top wine-growing regions in the world. Its thriving community of dedicated growers and winemakers reflects a commitment to craft, sustainability, and innovation, making the AVA a cornerstone of Oregon’s dynamic wine landscape. Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills, a wine and food tasting event, will take place on May 2, 2026.
