Happy Hour Oregon Wine Tasting Featuring Bethel Heights Winery with Special Guest Betsy Reed Wednesday, May 27, 2026 6:00 PM
"It's a hard grape to grow. As you know. Right? It's, uh, it's thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It's, you know, it's not a survivor like cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it's neglected. No, pinot needs constant care and attention. You know? And, in fact, it can only grow in these really specific, little tucked-away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression."
Miles - Sideways
I remember my first trip to Oregon in the summer of 1994 for the IPNC (International Pinot Noir Celebration) this is one of the best wine parties that I have ever attended. The festival is limited to 500 attendees as it is hosted by McMinnville College and that is all they can accommodate in their lecture facilities. I remember not only was the quality of the wines at the highest level but the people in attendance were some of the most passionate Pinot Noir lovers that I had ever come across. And although winemaking began in the 19th century in this state it is only recently that its potential has been recognized by the rest of the world.
It was in 1979 when serious wine producers started to look at the potential of this area as Eyrie Vineyards' 1975 South Block Pinot Noir placed in the top 10 of Burgundy-style wines at the Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiads, and was rated the top Pinot Noir. This send the news around the wine world and shortly after Robert Drouhin, head of Burgundy's legendary Maison Joseph Drouhin, was visiting America's west coast promoting the Drouhin Burgundies. The California wine industry was just starting to receive its first recognition back then, but there was little if anything going on in Oregon. Robert's first visit to the Northwest and its earliest vineyards left him with the impression that it quite possibly would be Oregon, not California, that would ultimately prove to be the best place to grow the great grape of Burgundy - Pinot noir.
Inspired by his trip to Oregon and the results of 1979 tasting that was held in Paris, where, for the first time, the best new Oregon Pinot noirs were tasted in competition with the finest Burgundies. Robert decided to hold his own blind tasting in 1980 at the Drouhin cellars in France, with several of the best Oregon Pinot noirs going up against the finest Drouhin Grand Crus. It was a Drouhin Grand Cru that took first place this time, but an Oregon wine (the now legendary 1975 Eyrie Vineyards South Block) placed 2nd by a very narrow margin with the French experts. News of this tasting brought the first widespread international attention to Oregon Pinot noir.
After a few years’ time Robert's daughter Véronique just graduated with an advanced degree in enology from the University of Dijon, and wanted to expand her experience by working in Oregon. Véronique interned with Adelsheim Vineyards, Bethel Heights, and Eyrie for the 1986 vintage. Later on, Robert mentioned to David Adelsheim that it might be interesting to buy a piece of land in Oregon, to see what it might produce. What started as a passing thought began its transformation into reality when Adelsheim phoned the Drouhins in Beaune not long thereafter to tell them of a property that was for sale that they might be interested in. The rest is history and with one of Burgundies foremost wine producing families moving to Oregon the writing was on the wall that this wine producing region would soon get its much-deserved recognition as one of the world's premier Pinot Noir growing regions.
Today, the state of Oregon in the United States has established an international reputation for its production of wine. Oregon has several different growing regions within the state's borders which are well-suited to the cultivation of grapes; additional regions straddle the border between Oregon and the states of Washington and Idaho. Wine making dates back to pioneer times in the 1840s, with commercial production beginning in the 1960s.
American Viticultural Areas entirely within the state include the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, Umpqua Valley, and Rogue Valley AVAs. Parts of the Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla Valley, and Snake River Valley AVAs lie within Oregon.
Currently there are over 1000 wineries in Oregon and a bustling tourism industry has developed around wine tasting. Much of the tourism focuses on the wineries and tasting rooms in and around the Yamhill Valley southwest of Portland.
You don’t have to travel to Oregon to taste some of the top wines being made here as we have one of the top wineries from Oregon in town on Wednesday, May 20th. Join us as we welcome Betsy Reed from Bethel Heights winery for a tasting of new releases from Bethel Heights winery.
The fee for this tasting is $95 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
Happy Hour Oregon Wine Tasting Featuring Bethel Heights Winery
with Special Guest Betsy Reed
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
6:00 PM
2024 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Vineyard Estate Eola-Amity Hills
2021 Bethel Heights Estate Chardonnay Eola Amity Hills
2022 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Casteel Willamette Valley
2015 Bethel Heights Vineyard Chardonnay Casteel Estate Eola-Amity Hills
2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate Eola Amity Hills
2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Aeolian Eola Amity Hills
2017 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Aeolian Eola Amity Hills Magnum
2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir "Casteel" Eola-Amity Hills
2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Lewman Vineyard Willamette Valley
Menu
Salmon Sliders with Dill Aioli
Duck Confit Tacos with raspberry Coulis and Mint chiffonade
Charcuterie Pizza
Crispy Pork Belly with Cherry Jelly
Tuna Tartar served on Cucumber Crisps
The fee for this tasting is $95 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
All the wines from Bethel Heights Winery on SALE!!
2024 Bethel Heights Vineyard Estate Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills
Price: $42.00 Your Price: $37.80
Our Estate Chardonnay spans all 5 blocks we have planted between Bethel Heights and Justice Vineyard and I believe provides the best overview of our Chardonnay program. The trademark acidity of our neighborhood is certainly present here and bridges the abundant fruit from Bethel Heights to the flinty, savory edge of Justice.
2023 Bethel Heights Vineyard Estate Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills, USA
Price: $38.25 Your Price: $34.43
(92 Points) Plush and sleek, with a vibrant core of green apple, lemon curd and cinnamon flavors that glide on the steely finish. Drink now. (TF) Wine Spectator, Review Date: 06/2025
2021 Bethel Heights Estate Chardonnay Eola Amity Hills
Price: $36.00 Your Price: $32.40 Quantity in Stock: 7
(93 Points) "You will be hard-pressed to find a better Willamette Valley Chardonnay in this price range. The 2021 vintage of the estate Chardonnay is filled with tropical aromas of an icy lemon granita, lime sorbet and a touch of pineapple. A lithe palate and gentle acidity float flavors of mango, green tea and lemon icing." Wine Enthusiast.
2019 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Estate Eola Amity
Price: $30.00 Your Price: $27.00 Quantity in Stock: 1
(95 points) "The 2019 Chardonnay Estate has detailed scents of fresh quince, white flowers, roasted almonds and flinty tones, offering up more nuance over time. Medium-bodied, it has a satiny texture and layer after layer of floral fruit on the extended finish, its fresh acidity calling you in for another sip." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
2014 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Estate Eola Amity (1.5 Liter)
Price: $75.00 Sale Price: $59.00 Quantity in Stock: 3
(92 Points) An outstanding value in a top-level Oregon Chardonnay, this beautifully rendered, barrel-fermented wine is a showcase of sharply defined flavors. The tree fruits are highlighted with details of spice and new wood, clearly delineated and well-matched. Wine Enthusiast
2022 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Casteel Willamette Valley
Price: $84.00 Your Price: $75.60
(95 Points) A ripe and fleshy iteration of the Casteel Chardonnay from Bethel Heights shows an impressive depth of fruit. The Casteel is a barrel selection from the oldest vines planted in 1977 and the adjacent block planted in 1994, on the Eola-Amity Hills estate site. Weighty aromatics of lemon curd and roast almonds are lifted by notes of briny oyster shells and dried white flowers. The palate shows a rich ripe stone fruited density. Grilled peach, honeyed apricot and white tea leaves mingle with sappy Meyer lemon pulp and a tangy candied orange peel finish. Decanter, Review Date: 07/2024
2018 Bethel Heights Vineyard Chardonnay Casteel Estate Eola-Amity Hills
Price: $84.00 Your Price: $75.60
(94 Points) The winery offers a splendid slate of Chardonnays, all from estate-grown fruit. This reserve bears the owners' name, is barrel-fermented and shines with a rich mix of fruit, oak and butter. What propels all the mainstream flavors is the acidity, underscoring the apple, pear and peach fruit, and keeping the finish lively. A touch of minerality along with the pretty barrel toast makes the finish as luscious as the beginning. — Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast
2016 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Casteel Willamette Valley
Price: $78.00 Your Price: $70.20 Quantity in Stock: 5
(95 Points) Tasted from magnum, the 2016 Chardonnay Casteel opens with intense mineral notions on the nose, aromas of pulverized stone and petrichor over lemon meringue, Red Delicious apples, hazelnuts, honey toast and clotted cream. Medium-bodied with a light creamy texture, it has beautiful white flowers in the mouth with honey nut and apple pie nuances and a streak of crushed rock running with the very bright acidity, finishing very, very long and honeyed. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2014 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Casteel Willamette Valley Magnum
Price: $125.00 Your Price: $112.50 Quantity in Stock: 4
(92 Points) “An outstanding value in a top-level Oregon Chardonnay, this beautifully rendered, barrel-fermented wine is a showcase of sharply defined flavors. The tree fruits are highlighted with details of spice and new wood, clearly delineated and well-matched.” Wine Enthusiast.
2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate Eola Amity Hills
Price: $40.50 Your Price: $36.45
(93 Points) The 2023 Pinot Noir Estate has slowly unfolding scents of rhubarb, blackberry, blood orange, lavender and iron. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, floral flavors. It’s framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, nuanced finish. It will benefit from time in a decanter. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate Eola Amity Hills Magnum
Price: $97.50 Your Price: $87.75
2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate Eola Amity Hills
Price: $40.50 Your Price: $36.45
This wine blends fruit from all the different sections of our estate vineyard. It truly encompasses the entire breadth of expression at Bethel Heights from the youthful exuberance of our youngest vines planted in 2002. A good amount of black raspberry and dark cherry fruit pretty floral notes and some exotic spices here on the nose a bit of a sauvage like character. A big and fruity wine with a firm hand of acidity silky smooth tannins and a nice balance of spice, earth and fruit. Finish 45+ Excellent +
2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Aeolian Eola Amity Hills
Price: $55.50 Your Price: $49.95
(95 Points) A bright ruby color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Aeolian Estate is lifted and spicy. Made since 2014 from younger vines, it offers aromas of cranberry, cinnamon, crushed flowers, stony earth, and brambly herbs. Medium-bodied, it floats on the palate with ease, with a seamless texture and its spices lingering through the finish. Drink 2025-2040. Jeb Dunnuck
2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Aeolian Eola Amity Hills Magnum
Price: $112.00 Your Price: $100.80
2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Aeolian Eola Amity Hills
Price: $60.00 Your Price: $54.00 Quantity in Stock: 8
Named for the wind that defines our Eola[1]Amity Hills AVA, the Æolian Pinot Noir is our vehicle to explore the dynamic evolving landscape that we farm. The sense of place and specificity that we value most highly in our wines takes many years to evolve. With our oldest vines we allow each block to speak for itself in a separate bottling. The second[1]generation vines at Bethel Heights, on the other hand, are just beginning to find their voice. In these years in between, the Æolian allows us the freedom to dream of what lies beyond the horizon.
2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Casteel Eola-Amity Hills Magnum
Price: $195.00 Your Price: $175.50
2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir "Casteel" Eola-Amity Hills
Price: $90.00 Your Price: $81.00
Aromas of black cherry, pine resin, and black currants with hints of cooking chocolate and cinnamon lingering in the background. Flavors of black berries and dark chocolate play over a sinewy, taut structure of mineral laden acidity and fine-grained tannins. In a vintage that threatened to be over-wrought and soft, we were very pleased that the core of our Estate maintained the energy and focus we have come to expect, to support and carry the fruit long into the future.
2022 Bethel Heights Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir Eola Amity Hills
Price: $81.00 Your Price: $72.90
(95 Points) The 2022 Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard has layered aromas of pomegranate, blueberry, orange bitters, wildflowers and mossy bark. The medium-bodied palate demands your attention with its concentrated, powerful flavors. Abundant, velvety tannins and bright acidity structures its opulent fruit, and it has a long, luxuriously spicy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. (EB) Wine Advocate, Review Date: 07/2024
2022 Bethel Heights PINOT NOIR LEWMAN VINEYARD Willamette Valley
Price: $81.00 Your Price: $72.90
This is our third vintage farming Lewman Vineyard and our second making a singular wine since we purchased the property. We had many excellent options at our disposal, and we elected to focus our attention on the southern blocks, which we felt had the best natural balance on the property. One of the many things that makes this property unique is the way savory and fruit come together: aromas of shiitake mushroom, soy, and cooking chocolate layer over black cherry, blueberry, and blood orange. There is a density and gravity to this vintage and this wine that will reward 3-5 years of patience and I think the real payoff will come in 10-15 years.
2015 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Flat Block Magnum
Price: $159.00 Your Price: $143.10 Quantity in Stock: 1
(94+ Points) “The 2015 Pinot Noir Estate Flat Block has a restrained, earthy nose of mossy bark, fungi and damp soil over a core of cranberries and red currants plus a hint of wild thyme. Mediumbodied, it delivers a fine, refreshing structure of tightly-grained tannins and light acid, framing intense, earthy flavors that finish long and layered.” The Wine Advocate
2015 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir West Block Magnum
Price: $159.00 Your Price: $143.10 Quantity in Stock: 1
(93 Points) “The 2015 Pinot Noir West Block delivers notes of red roses, tilled soil, dried leaves and black truffles over a core of red currants and black cherries. Medium-bodied with lovely, finelygrained tannins to texture the generous red berry and earth layers, it has plenty of freshness and great persistence. The Wine Advocate
A bit about Bethel Heights Winery:
United by their interest in wine, in 1977 Ted Casteel, Pat Dudley, Terry Casteel, and Marilyn Webb abandoned the academic life and, together with Pat’s sister Barbara Dudley, bought 75 promising-looking acres northwest of Salem, with 14 acres of newly planted cuttings in the ground. They moved to the vineyard in 1978 (except Barbara, who was in California working as a lawyer for farmworkers with the Agricultural Labor Relations Board) and started a new life. In 1979 they cleared and planted 36 more acres. In 1981 they harvested their first crop and started home winemaking in Terry’s basement. In 1984 Bethel Heights produced their first commercial vintage of 3000 cases: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Gewurztraminer, all Estate Grown.
For the first thirty years Ted was responsible for managing the vineyards and Terry made the wine. Pat and Marilyn shared responsibilities for marketing and business management. Over thirty years they grew their wine production to 10,000 cases, and made common cause with our fellow pioneers to establish the Willamette Valley as the home of New World Pinot Noir.
Meanwhile, five cousins grew up knowing the tidy rows and wild hidden places of Bethel Heights as their backyard playground, science lab and adventure park. Now they have taken their places as co-owners, co-workers, and stewards of this place.
In 2005 Ben Casteel (son of Terry and Marilyn) took over from his father as Winemaker at Bethel Heights. In 2007 Jon Casteel (second son of Terry and Marilyn) launched Casteel Custom Bottling, a mobile bottling company that serves wineries throughout Oregon, including Bethel Heights of course. Mimi Casteel (daughter of Ted and Pat) worked with the family at Bethel Heights until 2017 when she started farming her own vineyard at Hope Well and launched her Hope Well Wine project. Jessie Casteel grew up among the vines at Bethel Heights, but now lives in Chicago. Jessie brings a creative outlier perspective to the direction of the family business and serves as our ambassador in Chicago and points east.
So where did the name Bethel Heights came from? They found the answer in a small booklet written in 1941 by John E. Smith called Bethel, Polk County, Oregon. According to Smith, “One of the earliest settlers in this vicinity was Rev. Glen O. Burnett who came to Oregon in 1846 and built his house half a mile or so north of the present location of Bethel School. To the heights eastward, he gave the name ‘Bethel Hills’, Bethel being the name of the church in Missouri that he had recently served as pastor.”
The property now known as Bethel Heights Vineyard was originally platted in 1909 and recorded under the name Bethel Heights Walnut Groves. A number of the original walnut trees and their children still flourish around the edges of the vineyard.
Since 1984, both the Estate Pinot Noir and Estate Chardonnay have been the most transparent statement of Bethel Heights terroir that they produce, the sum of all its parts. Old vine storytelling delivered with tension and energy – these wines are the foundation of this producer and a statement to the terroir of their vineyards.
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