Two Wines. One Oregon Spirit.
Both of our 2024 vintage wines come from Oregon's Willamette Valley, dry-farmed and hand-picked from vineyard partners we choose ourselves. One red, one white, the same idea: wine worth opening on a Tuesday.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and the things people actually ask...
What does Bearboat Pinot Noir taste like?
Dark cherry and black raspberry up front, then a silky, smooth texture across the palate. Balanced acidity keeps it bright and food-friendly from first sip to last. Fruit-forward without being jammy — the kind of red that leaves the glass faster than you planned.
Is Bearboat Chardonnay oaky?
Lightly. It is barrel-fermented in French oak, but only 15% of those barrels are new, so oak works as a seasoning rather than the main event. Expect a light touch of toast behind juicy peach and nectarine — not a plank of vanilla.
Where do Bearboat wines come from?
Oregon's Willamette Valley. The Pinot Noir splits evenly between the Chehalem Mountains and the wider valley; the Chardonnay leans 71% Chehalem Mountains. We do not farm our own ground — we work with vineyard partners we choose ourselves, on volcanic and Laurelwood soils between 350 and 600 feet.
What makes Willamette Valley Pinot Noir different?
Cool nights and a long, unhurried growing season. The Willamette Valley sits far enough north that the fruit ripens slowly, which keeps acidity bright instead of letting it go jammy. Our vineyard partners farm volcanic and Laurelwood soils between 350 and 600 feet, dry-farmed and hand-picked. That combination is why Oregon Pinot Noir tends to taste lighter on its feet than Pinot from warmer places.
What food goes with Bearboat?
The Pinot Noir likes grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or roasted duck. The Chardonnay wants grilled fish, roast chicken, or a creamy soft cheese. Neither waits for an occasion — that is rather the point.
Where can I buy Bearboat wine?
Use our finder to search shops and restaurants by city or ZIP. We work through distributors rather than shipping direct, so what is on the shelf depends on where you are — and if your local shop does not carry it yet, they can usually order it in.
Is Pinot Noir sweet?
No. Bearboat Pinot Noir is dry, as is nearly every Pinot Noir you will meet. What throws people is how fruit-forward it is — dark cherry and black raspberry. Your nose reads that as sweetness; the wine itself finishes dry, with balanced acidity keeping it bright.
Is Pinot Noir dry?
Yes. Ours ferments until essentially no residual sugar is left, which is what dry means on a label. It sits at 13.5% alcohol with bright acidity — the reason it works alongside food instead of fighting it.
Should Pinot Noir be chilled?
A little, yes. Twenty minutes in the fridge before you pour is about right, or roughly 55°F. Full room temperature makes the alcohol louder and flattens the fruit. Cool it slightly and the dark cherry and black raspberry step forward.
Is Chardonnay sweet or dry?
Dry. Bearboat Chardonnay ferments fully dry at 13.5% alcohol. The impression of richness comes from texture rather than sugar — six months resting on the lees, stirred weekly, which builds a creamy weight people often mistake for sweetness.