In Honor of David Lett, Oregon’s Papa Pinot

Oct 12

In Honor of David Lett, Oregon’s “Papa Pinot”

It’s a very sad day here in Oregon with the announcement that David Lett, our pioneering "Papa Pinot", died Thursday at the age of 69.

At the tender age of 25, David Lett came to Oregon with a vision of making great wines. Although professors at the University of California Davis advised against planting in Oregon, the ambitious U.C. Davis graduate arrived with 3,000 grape cuttings and a theory. In 1965, he planted Pinot noir in Oregon and made history by planting the first Pinot gris in America – a true pioneer which later fostered a fitting nickname for Lett, "Papa Pinot". In 1966, he opened Eyrie Vineyards as many other growers followed suit.

Photo credit: Eyrie Vineyards

Photo credit: www.avalonwine.com

Shortly thereafter, Lett entered a number of international competitions and defeated many of France’s burgundies. The competitions immediately placed Oregon on the map as a world class Pinot noir producing region, and producers from around the world took notice and attracted vintners like Domaine Drouhin, which built a state-of-the-art Oregon winery in the late 80’s. Since then, the Oregon wine industry has continued to flourish.

For forty years, David’s Pinot noir style remained classic and elegant, as he followed traditional and old-fashioned winemaking principles. David’s son, Jason, who took over the reigns of winemaking three years ago, plans to follow his example when it comes to his own winemaking principles and philosophy.

David is a legend in his own right and many will dearly miss him. Our condolences go out to his family and close friends.

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