Oregon winery's innovative turn amid wildfire crisis

In the wake of the 2020 wildfires that wreaked havoc across Oregon, Patricia Green Cellars faced a dilemma that threatened to undermine an entire year's harvest. The wildfires left the winery with 12,000 gallons of smoke-tainted Pinot Noir, a situation that could have led to a significant financial loss. However, head winemaker Jim Anderson, in collaboration with Big Wild Spirits, a local Oregon distillery, embarked on a creative venture that transformed this potential disaster into an innovative opportunity. The result is the creation of two unique spirit blends, marking a bold pivot from traditional winemaking to the distillation process, thereby salvaging the tainted harvest in a remarkable manner.

The collaboration between Patricia Green Cellars and Big Wild Spirits has culminated in the launch of two brandy/whiskey blends under the new brand name Patty Green: Multifarious and Purple Karma Pinnacle. Multifarious, a blend comprising 80% whiskey (malted barley distillate) and 20% brandy, offers a complex palate of dried fruits, spices, molasses, tea, oak, and ginger snaps. The barrels used for this blend, including some that previously housed Pinot Noir, underwent meticulous sanding, toasting, and charring to eliminate any residual wine flavors, ensuring a unique tasting experience.

Purple Karma Pinnacle, on the other hand, shares the same whiskey-to-brandy ratio but brings its own distinct character to the table. Named after the barley variety used in its whiskey mash bill, this blend was aged for two and a half years in ex-Pinot Noir barrels, developing flavors of fruit, tobacco, spice, and an oaky sweetness. Both products demonstrate the innovative spirit of Patricia Green Cellars, turning adversity into an opportunity for creative expression and diversification.

Despite the promising quality of these spirits, Patricia Green Cellars may face challenges related to their market reception. One potential hurdle is the high alcohol content of the blends, with Multifarious bottled at 98 proof and Purple Karma Pinnacle at an even more robust 112 proof. While higher than the typical commercial whiskey, the winery believes this contributes to the blends' rich mouthfeel and complexity, though they recommend moderation in consumption, suggesting the addition of ice or water to suit individual preferences.

Another challenge could be the spirits' premium pricing, with Multifarious retailing at $80 and Purple Karma Pinnacle at $200. These price points position the products at the higher end of the spirits market, necessitating that they stand on their quality and uniqueness rather than novelty alone. This strategy aligns with Patricia Green Cellars' broader pricing approach, which sees its range of wines priced from $45 to $150, reflecting the winery's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Despite these potential obstacles, the limited production run of the spirit blends—135 cases of Multifarious and 37 cases of Purple Karma Pinnacle—suggests a targeted approach to their release. Available for purchase directly from the winery's website, these blends represent an intriguing new direction for Patricia Green Cellars, known for its expertise in Pinot Noir and sustainable vineyard practices.

Patricia Green Cellars, a specialist in Pinot Noir, has demonstrated resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. By venturing into the realm of spirits, the winery not only salvaged a compromised harvest but also expanded its repertoire, showcasing the versatility and creativity at the heart of Oregon's wine industry. This initiative serves as a testament to the potential for wineries to adapt and thrive, even in challenging circumstances, and may inspire others in the industry to explore new avenues for their products.