Food & Drink 2024 | 21 Oct24379 Best Winery Tasting Room Experience 2024 – Pacific Northwest USA Nestled in Willamette Valley, Oregon, Saffron Fields Vineyard is a woman-owned estate boasting carefully crafted wines, breathtaking views of the rolling countryside, and a uniquely serene Japanese garden. Located in a region celebrated for its Burgundian-style wines, Saffron Fields Vineyard specialises in Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé, all produced by renowned winemaker Tony Rynders. As the vineyard is named in the Food and Drink Awards 2024, we speak with its Owner, Angela Summers. The story of Saffron Fields Vineyard began in 2003, when Angela Summers and Sanjeev Lahoti visited Oregon to explore their love of Pinot Noir. It was Thanksgiving week, and whilst Sanjeev had travelled to Oregon many times on business, it was Angela’s first serendipitous visit that forever altered the course of their lives. The pair discovered a former dairy and grass seed farm on Laughlin Road, Yamhill. Looking out over the Coast Range and surrounding vineyards, Angela and Sanjeev were enamoured by the potential they could see. They soon made it their own and embarked on their journey of turning this old property into Saffron Fields Vineyard. In the early days, Angela, Sanjeev, and their two Yorkshire Terriers stayed in the property’s caretaker cottage, though it was admittedly more suited for wine storage in that time. Their vision quickly evolved, and the pair established a comfortable residence on the property as they expanded the farmstead to make way for a meticulously curated orchard and garden. Angela and Sanjeev began planting their vineyard in 2007, and in 2009, sold their first harvest to esteemed winemaker Tony Rynders. Upon barrel tasting this vintage the following spring, the pair were overwhelmed by the quality of the wine, especially for such young vines. Their vision of grape farming was now accompanied by a dream of producing their own wine. Their first Yamhill-Carlton bottle was produced with the 2010 harvest, and in 2013, Angela and Sanjeev opened a hospitality centre with sweeping views of the vineyard and Coast Range. Now, Saffron Fields Vineyard offers guests an all-encompassing experience that extends far beyond its peers. Visitors enjoy wine against a gorgeous landscape with a stunning backdrop of carefully chosen art. Alongside wine tastings, the vineyard offers charcuterie parings beside its lively koi pond in a garden masterfully designed by Hoichi Kurisu, with views that stretch to the Coastal Range. The vineyard is made up of 32 acres dedicated to Pinot Noir and 2.5 acres to Chardonnay, all dry farmed using sustainable practices. “In such a competitive industry, our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship truly sets us apart,” Angela states. “This sustainability-first approach not only resonates with environmentally conscious consumers, but also aligns with our vision of producing wine that respects both nature and the community.” Saffron Fields Vineyard holds SalmonSafe and LIVE certifications, reflecting its dedication to preserving the natural beauty of Oregon, ensuring that its winemaking practices enhance rather than harm the ecosystem. From the vineyard to the gardens, every aspect of the vineyard displays Angela’s passion for sustainability, translated into a space that is as beautiful as it is environmentally responsible. This commitment is central to the winery’s philosophy, which is upheld by each member of the team to ensure complete cohesion across all operations. “Our culture values authenticity, education, and respect for the land,” says Angela. “Team members lead vineyard tours that delve into the rich history of our ancestral lands, highlighting how these soils contribute unique mineral qualities to our wines. We foster this culture by encouraging team members to immerse themselves in every element of the winery experience, creating a welcoming, knowledgeable, and inspiring environment that defines our brand.” 2024 has been a year of success for Saffron Fields Vineyard, having recently launched its first sparkling Pinot Noir, Symbolism. Crafted using the Methode Champenoise, Symbolism is four years in the making and provides a creamy and luxurious profile, pairing beautifully with every course. Launched in November, Symbolism is the latest instalment in the Art Wine series, joining Impressionism and Expressionism to reflect both Angela’s passion for art and the vineyard’s elevated, modern approach to winemaking. “With Symbolism, we aim to add a celebratory, versatile wine to our portfolio, appealing to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and those looking for a unique and memorable experience,” says Angela. “This release not only represents our dedication to quality and innovation, but also aligns with our ongoing commitment to artistry in both winemaking and presentation. We’ve looked forward to sharing this exciting addition with our guests and wine club members, creating more opportunities for special moments and lasting memories.” Contact: Angela Summers Company: Saffron Fields Vineyard Web Address: https://saffronfields.com/
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