Jackson Family Wines (JFW), a California-based wine producer known for its Kendall-Jackson brand, has purchased three Oregon vineyard properties with nearly 400 acres near West Salem and Monmouth for an undisclosed amount.
The purchase includes the Zena East and Zena Middle vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, and the Maple Grove Vineyard near Monmouth. The West Salem vineyards are planted with 42 acres of pinot noir, while the Monmouth vineyard is currently not planted with any grapes but is developed and completely trellised.
Earlier during the 2012 harvest, JFW purchased Oregon-grown pinot noir grapes and was impressed by its quality, which forced them to purchase the vineyards.
JFW chairwoman Barbara Banke was quoted by the StatesmanJournal.com as saying that, "I admire pinot noirs from the Willamette Valley and its sub-appellations like Eola-Amity Hills."
The purchase of vineyards will enhance the reputation of pinot noir grapes grown in the Willamette Valley region.
Willamette Valley Vineyards founder Jim Bernau told the website that there is high scope of growth in the market.
"I welcome the further development of the Oregon wine industry," Bernau added.
