How can wines from the same valley taste so different...
even when the grape is the same?

This guided comparative tasting moves from Oregon’s broader growing conditions, to how different grape varieties respond, to how soil and microclimate influence Pinot Noir across three Willamette Valley AVAs.

• Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026

• Time: 6:30–8:00 PM

• Location: Petit Philippe | La Cave Cellar Room | 4001 Park Road

• Drop-In Seat: $100
  (Atelier Members receive priority reservations + enhanced wine credit)

Event Details

• Duration: 90 minutes

• Format: Guided comparative tasting workshop + discussion

• Led By: Ella Rychlik

• Wines Tasted: 6 curated wines

• Seating: Limited to 25 guests

• Experience Level: All levels welcome

Workshop Overview

Willamette Valley gives us a broad sense of where a wine comes from, but the vineyards within it do not all grow under the same conditions. Soils change. Some sites receive stronger winds; others sit at higher elevations. Slope, exposure, and local climate all affect how grapes develop—and how fruit, acidity, texture, and structure show up in the glass.

This workshop starts with Oregon’s broader growing conditions, then looks at how different grape varieties respond, before narrowing in on one grape across three distinct places.

By moving from broader contrasts into a side-by-side Pinot Noir comparison, we’ll practice recognizing the differences first, then connect them back to where the grapes were grown and how the wines were made. The AVAs are part of that conversation, but the real focus is understanding why bottles that look similar on the label may not taste the same.

What we will explore

We’ll move through three guided tastings, starting with Oregon’s broader growing conditions, then comparing how different grapes respond, and finally looking at one grape across three Willamette Valley AVAs.

OREGON SPARKLING | Climate and Regional Potential

One sparkling wine to establish Oregon’s broader climate and explore why sparkling has become a growing part of the region’s wine story.

OREGON WHITES | Varietal Expression and Emerging Directions

Two white wines to compare how different grape varieties respond to Oregon’s growing conditions and explore styles receiving greater attention across the region.

OREGON PINOT NOIR | Soils, Microclimates, and Place

Three Pinot Noirs from Eola-Amity Hills, Dundee Hills, and Chehalem Mountains to compare how soil and microclimate shape fruit, structure, and finish across the valley.

What you'll learn to taste

Using our Atelier tasting equation, taste = aroma + flavor + mouthfeel, we’ll connect what is in the glass to the grape, growing conditions, and place behind each wine.

We’ll focus on:

• how acidity, fruit development, body, and texture work together to shape balance across Oregon wines
• how bubbles and lees influence texture, lift, and finish in sparkling wine
• how different white grape varieties show Oregon’s growing conditions through aroma, fruit, weight, and texture
• how Pinot Noir changes across Eola-Amity Hills, Dundee Hills, and Chehalem Mountains through fruit, acidity, tannin, savory detail, and finish
• how grape, place, and winemaking overlap when comparing wines side by side

You’ll leave with a better sense of why Oregon wines can vary so much across grape and place—and more confidence choosing Willamette Valley wines beyond simply recognizing the grape or producer.

What’s Included

Your seat includes:

• A 90-minute guided, interactive workshop

• 5–6 curated wines selected to highlight Oregon’s stylistic range

• Interactive small-group format (25 guests max)

• Q&A with the PETIT PHILIPPE team

• A wine credit toward bottles tasted during the workshop

Wine Credit:

• Drop-In Guests receive a $5 credit

• 3- & 6-Workshop Members receive a $10 credit

• 12-Workshop Members receive a $15 credit

(Valid toward wines tasted in class, applied same evening.)

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is ideal for:

• Anyone curious about Oregon and Willamette Valley wines

• Pinot Noir drinkers who have noticed that bottles from the same region do not always taste alike

• wine drinkers interested in how climate, soil, and microclimate affect what ends up in the glass

• Enthusiasts interested in Oregon grapes and styles beyond Pinot Noir

• anyone who wants more confidence comparing wines side by side

No prior wine knowledge required.

What is the Wine Atelier Program?

Wine Atelier is PETIT PHILIPPE’s monthly workshop series designed to help you build wine knowledge gradually, confidently, and in community.

Each workshop stands alone, but together they create a full year of guided exploration across regions, styles, and foundational topics.

Atelier Members receive:

• Advanced reservations for all workshops

• Preferred pricing

• Enhanced wine credits

• Guest passes and flexible transfers

If you plan to attend multiple workshops this season, membership offers the best value and guaranteed access.

Explore Atelier Membership Options →

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t attend after purchasing?
If you are unable to attend, you may exchange your seat for store credit with advance notice. Some Atelier Memberships include flexibility to transfer a seat to another guest with advance notice. No-shows will forfeit the option to transfer or exchange for store credit.

Are workshops refundable?
Tickets become non-refundable 2 weeks prior to the workshop.

When should I arrive?
Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in and be seated.

Is this class beginner-friendly?
Yes. No prior knowledge required!

Reserve Your Seat

Seating is intentionally limited to maintain an intimate and interactive format.

Discover why Oregon has become one of America’s most precise and compelling wine regions.