My latest in WineBusiness.com
Zenith Vineyard Hosts Equinox 2025
by L.M. Archer
Despite high winds, driving rain, and looming tariffs, record crowds filled spacious Zenith Vineyard winery in Eola-Amity Hills to attend Equinox 2025.
The standing-room only consumer event featured over thirty Eola-Amity Hills wineries pouring cool-climate Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and sparkling wines, paired with artisanal small bites.
Attendees also had the option of bidding on four different silent auction packages, offering guest night stays at participating winery lodges and local B & B’s, plus exclusive private and barrel tastings. A bonus auction item included a 24-bottle basket of wines from award-winning area wineries. All proceeds benefitted Eola-Amity Hills Winegrowers Association.
“When I became president of the Eola-Amity Hills, I wanted to bring this event back,” said Mark Bjornson of Bjornson Vineyard, President Emeritus of Eola-Amity Hills Winegrowers Association (EAHWA), and winegrower at Bjornson Winery. After a ten-year hiatus, the event returned in 2024.
In particular, Bjornson touted 2025 Equinox Committee Chair and EAHWA board member Elle Holcomb, current Eola-Amity Hills Winegrowers Association President Emeritus Tim Ramey, and winemaker wife Pattie Bjornson for building upon last year’s success.
Elevating the Region
For local producers, the event offered an opportunity to elevate the region’s profile. “We are very excited about Equinox raising the profile of Eola-Amity Hills,” said Dan Diephouse, co-owner with wife Jeanne Feldkamp of boutique sparkling house Corollary Wines. “We believe Eola-Amity is just a really special place for cool climate wines, and sparkling wines.”
Located northwest of Salem in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Eola-Amity AVA features cool winds from the nearby Pacific Ocean, which pass through a gap in the Oregon Coast Range called the Van Duzer Corridor. These winds, combined with high elevations, contribute to late ripening grapes with thick skins, and high acidity.
“I think the AVA has its own little special niche in wine style,” concurs Dan Duryee, general manager and winemaker for Zenith Vineyard. “Van Duzer Corridor winds build thick skins. We have some tannins and minerality in these wines.” READ MORE HERE.
I’m delighted to share my coverage of Equinox 2025 in Wine Business Monthly with you here.
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