Abbey Road Farm — this is an 82-acre farm, winery, tasting room, bed and breakfast, and event venue in Carlton, one of our favorite places in Oregon wine country. Unlike many wineries in the state, Abbey Road Farm produces more than 16 grape varieties, including Trousseau (Gris and Noir), Grüner Veltliner, Mondeuse, Mencia and Godello. Keep in mind that 69% of the 32,000 acres of wine grapes planted in the Willamette Valley are Pinot Noir. Veteran winemaker Blair Trathen and assistant winemaker Dallas Way bottle most of these varieties as standalone wines, rather than blends. Read on for more information about the winery and the three wines we sampled.
Abbey Road Farm Story
In 2017, Daniel and Sandi Wilkens acquired Abbey Road Farm with the goal of establishing a distinctive destination in Oregon wine country. As a result, Abbey Road Farm includes an indoor-outdoor tasting room, an event venue, and Silo Suites Bed and Breakfast, consisting of five suites housed in beautifully renovated grain silos. Each spacious suite features “cozy beds, indulgent claw-foot soaking tubs, and lavish amenities.” A covered porch overlooks picturesque gardens. As well, you can indulge in a multi-course breakfast prepared by on-site Chef Will Preisch.
You can taste wine in the indoor tasting room, or enjoy the vineyard views outside. You can even take your glass and stroll around the property. And you can visit farm animals like goats, roosters, pigs, miniature donkeys, and yes, cute little alpacas. Abbey Road Farm also offers a lovely renovated horse-riding arena for events and celebrations with a capacity of up to 200 people. Note: We haven’t visited yet, but we’ve seen many captivating photos of Abbey Road Farm.
The Wines
Now, let’s talk about the wines. Abbey Road Farm director of winemaking Blair Trathen is a New Zealander with additional winemaking experience in Australia, South Africa and the U.S. He settled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 2008, where he made wine for A to Z Wineworks, REX Hill Vineyards and Shea Wine Cellars before joining Abbey Road Farm in 2022. We sampled three of his estate wines: 2023 Sparkling Rosé, 2022 Gamay Noir Carbonic, and 2022 Trousseau Noir. However, Blair and assistant winemaker Dallas Way uniquely craft Oregon wine from more than 16 grape varieties. This year, for the first time in Abbey Road Farm history, they are also creating sparkling wine in the traditional Champagne method. By the way, Abbey Road Farm wines are available online and ship nationally.
2023 Estate Sparkling Rosé ($34)
Grace your Thanksgiving holiday with this sparkling 2023 rosé. Aromas of cranberries, watermelon, strawberries and pink grapefruit echo the palate of light bubbles. Blair blended a 50% split of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, fermenting and aging it in stainless steel for four months. The result is a refreshing burst of flavor threaded with minerality. We served it with mildly spiced beef tacos. The higher acidity cut through the spice, and it was delicious. This sparkling rosé also pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors, which makes it perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.
2022 Estate Gamay Noir Carbonic ($36)
If you like carbonic wines, be sure to try this fruity Gamay Noir. Aromas and flavors of mints, wet stone, red and dark fruit, baking spices and cola entice. A black pepper spiciness enhances the finish, thanks to a bucket of fermenting Syrah juice placed in the stainless steel on top of the Gamay grapes. “An air tight lid was placed over the fruit. Fourteen days later the wine was pressed off into one clay Amphora and one neutral French oak barrel.” Drink this carbonic wine young, and chill it for about 15–20 minutes before serving.
2022 Estate Trousseau Noir ($42)
Trousseau is a grape that originates in the Jura region of eastern France. Subsequently, you can now find plantings in the U.S., Portugal, Australia, and Argentina. Trousseau Noir is also known as Bastardo, Merenzao, and Verdejo Negro. Apparently its name comes from the shape of the berry clusters, which are thought to resemble a bride’s trousseau. This is the first time we’ve tasted Trousseau Noir. We found aromas of cherries, strawberries and oranges, leading into flavors of cranberries, baking spices and cured meats. We served it with Kentucky Bourbon pork chops, but you could also pair this versatile, food-friendly wine with charcuterie, cheeses, mushroom dishes and grilled meats.
Summary: Abbey Road Farm
In conclusion, Abbey Road Farm wines take you beyond the Oregon favorites of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Instead, you’ll find a wine buffet of different grapes to taste. In addition, the property sounds magnificent, with vineyard views, cute farm animals and more. As well, who knew that grain silos could be so luxurious? Yes, we will stop by on our next trip to Carlton.
Meanwhile, find us on Instagram and Facebook, and here at Write for Wine – It’s Wine O’Clock Somewhere.
Credit for the top three photos: Abbey Road Farm.
Cheers!
Margot and Dave