Marchesi Vineyards & Winery
A little piece of Italy in the heart of Oregon …
Marchesi Winery is a young property founded in 2004 by Franco Marchesi. It is located in Columbia Valley (Oregon) and more specifically in the area of Mount Hood. In addition to being recognized as the specialist Italian varietals in Oregon it offers, between gastronomy, wine, decor and atmosphere delicious Mediterranean parenthesis to these visitors.
Currently the property covers 5 acres and produced white wines and red wines.
Focus on Franco Marchesi, owner and winemaker of Marchesi Winery
©Marchesi
“I arrived in 1977 in the United States. I was born in Borgosesia (Piedmont) but I quickly left Italy to find work in the UK. I had the opportunity to work on a Norwegian cruise ship that cruised the entire globe with base in San Francisco. I learned the sommelier profession on the ship at the time it was easier. Through this position I was able to travel, discover vineyards, wines and I fell in love with the world of wine. I also learned a lot by myself as a wine merchant.
After more than twenty years in San Francisco I went to settle in the Columbia Gorge (Oregon). Here latitude is exactly the same as in my city of birth. The climate, the terroir and soil are very similar to those of Piedmont. I fell in love with this region and its fantastic views. ”
Why did you choose to create a vineyard in Oregon and more precisely in this area?
“I arrived here in the early 2000s by choice and not by default. My last wife wanted to come to the area for Windsurf. At first I kept working on San Francisco for a while, I was regularly round trips by plane. I came here by always fun to see my family and to restore what was to become my Winery.
In the early 2000s there were here two Wineries, today there are over 30! When I bought here in 2004, in Hood River, it was an old orchard (apple) abandoned extending over 5 acres. I quickly started to work the soil to prepare the vineyard to plant vines and to restore the buildings to accommodate productive tools. In 2004 I planted my first vines here (Barbera). When I started I was getting help and advice from friends Italian winemakers.
I was doing all this weekend when I got to go. Although I started this business as a hobby I soon decided to devote most of my time to my vineyard. However I also continues to manage my trading activity in wines.”
©Marchesi
Why did you choose to produce wines made from Italian varietals?
“I do something for pleasure and nobody else does. Italian varieties are my passion and I was convinced that they could perfectly match the terroir. I especially like how they glisten. Italy and its wines are my passion and my roots. My grandfather Achille was winemaker in Piedmont.
First I wanted to make wines for me, the wines I like. Then I have produced just for my friends and for my clients. Production has grown gradually. Today I produce on average 4000 cases per year. ”
Why did not have chose to create a vineyard in Italy?
“It’s too complicated especially in these times of crisis. There are too many regulations in Europe in this field.
What is nice here also is that everyone helps each other, there is a good atmosphere. ”
What allows to recognize Marchesi wines in a blind tasting?
“The originality of the wines. These are true wine that is expected / the characteristics of the grape varieties. I wanted to make unique wines and not fall into the facility as much. There is a climate and unique terroir here, we must adapt and not produce commercial varieties. ”
From a personal point of view I would say that the density, fat and silky material are markers that identify the wines of Marchesi Winery.
Do you have plans for Marchesi Winery?
” I would start producing balsamic this year or next year. I have also the desire to continue to produce such a wine that does. ”
Side story:
Every year in september Marchersi Winery offers to members of its Wine Club to go to Italy accompanied by Franco Marchesi to discover the wonderful vineyards of this country.
Always side anecdote during my visit I was pleasantly surprised that the Winery was chosen to host a wedding party.
Thanks to Franco Marchesi and his team for the warm welcome.
Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
Marchesi Vineyards & Winery
3955 Belmont Dr,
Hood River, OR 97031
+1 541-386-1800
