May 14, 2026 (Eola-Amity Hills, OR) — The Eola-Amity Hills Winegrowers Association’s 2026 Equinox marked a milestone year, welcoming 270 guests for a vibrant celebration of the region’s 20th Anniversary as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA). Hosted at Zenith Vineyard and Lingua Franca Winery, the event brought together wine lovers, industry professionals, and media for an immersive experience rooted in community and craftsmanship.
For the first time, Equinox expanded beyond its signature Grand Tasting at Zenith Vineyard to include educational tasting panels hosted at Lingua Franca. These sessions offered attendees a deeper exploration of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, highlighting site expression, winemaking approaches, and the continued rise of the Eola-Amity Hills as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. The panels were met with strong demand, underscoring growing interest in more in-depth, educational wine experiences.
The panel Precision & Power: The New Frontier of Oregon Chardonnay explored the rise of Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay and its growing global recognition. Featuring Larry Stone of Lingua Franca Winery, Ben Casteel of Bethel Heights Vineyard, and Mark Royer of Royer Vineyard, and moderated by nationally-recognized wine consultant and journalist Julia Coney, the discussion highlighted soil type, clonal varieties and vintage differentiation, all contributing to the region’s hallmark balance and precision.
“It was an honor to moderate the panel celebrating the Eola-Amity Hills AVA 20th Anniversary,” said Coney. “Eola-Amity Hills AVA is still young and what they have done in those 20 years is nothing short of remarkable. World class wines are being made in the region and I look forward to seeing their evolution for many years to come.”
The panel Basalt & Time: Mapping Two Decades of Terroir through Pinot Noir focused on winemaking philosophy, geological site differentiation, and the effects of changing climate on vineyard farming practice. Panelists Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra, Christopher Butler of Cristom Vineyards, and Joe Dobbes of Iterum Wines, moderated by James Suckling Staff Taster and Writer Courtney Humiston, reflected on how geology, climate, and experience have shaped Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir.
“Eola-Amity Hills is such an exciting place to be growing grapes and making wine,” said Humiston. “I love the tension, energy, verve and minerality in the chardonnay, sparkling and pinot noir wines. These are wines that truly express a sense of place – and what a beautiful place it is.”
The Grand Tasting kicked off at Zenith Vineyard with a special tasting of Bethel Heights Vineyard’s sold-out High Wire Chardonnay – the first Oregon wine to be awarded 100 points by Decanter – for guests who purchased Premier Entry tickets. Thirty-one winemakers presented wines embodying the unique terroir of the Eola-Amity Hills while sharing their stories and winemaking philosophies. “The dedication to site expression by producers in Eola-Amity Hills is unique.” said Dr. Matthew Horkey @DrMattyH. “It’s Burgundian in nature mixed with the ingenuity of the American spirit. For me, it is one of, if not the most exciting wine regions in the country.”
Guests also enjoyed culinary offerings thoughtfully paired to complement the wines and elevate the overall experience from acclaimed chefs, including James Beard Award–nominated Jonathan Jones of Bryn Mawr Vineyards and Sarah Shafer of Grounded Table, along with Cozy Taberna, the Joel Palmer House, Loam, Willaby’s Catering, and Truffle Shuffle. A silent auction of wine country experiences and a raffle of two cases of Eola-Amity Hills wines raised funds to support the Eola-Amity Winegrowers Association’s mission to support and promote the vineyards and wineries of the AVA.
In further celebration of the AVA’s 20th anniversary, Eola-Amity Hills wineries and vineyards will host a variety of special celebratory offerings throughout 2026. 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.
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 is an annual wine and food tasting event celebrating producers and winemakers across the AVA on May 2, 2026.
The Eola-Amity Hills Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit organization governed by a collective board of vineyard owners and industry professionals, united in their mission to promote and showcase the AVA.
