notes on two recent tastings in the valley
I spent a lovely Saturday this past weekend back in the Valley, wine tasting with a friend. With blue skies, warm sunshine, and the first real feeling of spring, it was one of those days that reminds you why the Willamette Valley is so special. Surrounded by fresh air and quiet vineyard views, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
We visited Furioso Vineyards and Maysara Winery: two incredible wineries, each with completely distinct identities. From sweeping views to thoughtful hospitality and standout wines, here’s a closer look at both experiences.
Furioso vineyards
Our first stop was Furioso, nestled in the Dundee Hills. The tasting room is stunning, with a seamless blend of modern design and natural beauty. The expansive outdoor patio overlooks the estate vineyards and valley below, while the interior space is sleek and art-driven, even earning recognition as one of the top 25 most beautiful tasting rooms in the world.
The owner is an artist, and his work lines the walls, adding depth and personality to the space. Glass floor panels offer a glimpse into the barrel room below, creating a subtle connection between the tasting experience and the winemaking process.
We opted to sit outside, taking in panoramic vineyard views (with a clear sightline to Mt. Hood). Furioso sources fruit from both their estate vineyard and the Trovato Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and the setting makes that connection to place feel immediate.
Our host, Emmett, curated an extensive tasting of eleven wines from their spring menu. His approach was thoughtful and engaging, balancing technical insight with genuine conversation. At one point, we found ourselves deep in a discussion about oak influence, which felt very on-brand given the team’s international background (French head winemaker, Italian assistant winemaker). The hospitality here truly stands out: attentive without being overbearing, and deeply rooted in storytelling.
Here are my notes from the tasting!
2025 Tocai Friulano
Aromatic notes of white peach, ripe pear, and subtle petrol on the nose (atypical, but a characteristic of the ’25 vintage). Light-bodied and refreshing.
2020 Trovato Chardonnay
Expressive aromatics of rich yellow vanilla cake or custard on the nose, and ripe stone fruit (smells like summer to me haha). The palate is bright, showing toasted coconut and juicy peach, with a lightly bitter finish adding structure.
2020 Piano Piano Chardonnay
Richer in profile, with notes of pineapple, butter cake, and brûléed sugar. The palate remains balanced despite its weight, offering a more layered Chardonnay.
Melon de Bourgogne
Nutty aromas of macadamia and walnut (a sign of lees aging), complemented by pear and subtle floral notes. The palate shows honeysuckle, cantaloupe, and delicate orange dreamsicle.
2022 Spirito Blanc de Blanc
Fresh and lifted, with notes of lemon zest and shortbread. Dry on the palate, with bright acidity.
2023 Gina Pinot Noir
Vibrant and fruit-forward, with notes of blackberry and a touch of licorice. Naturally settled juice gives this wine a softer, more delicate texture. Light-bodied and highly drinkable (I pictured myself drinking this on the beach during sunset with some charcuterie). 🙂
2022 Pietro Pinot Noir
More structured, with floral aromatics of dried rose alongside subtle oak influence. The palate shows greater tannin presence and depth, offering a more classic, age-worthy style.
2023 L’Altra Pinot Noir
A standout. Bright cherry, cola, and ripe red fruit dominate. Medium-bodied with excellent harmony, approachable and elegant yet complex. (I took a bottle home, which says everything).
We also tried the 2019 L’Altra Pinot Noir, 2021 Block 10 (100% Pommard Trovato Vineyard), and 2023 Five Peaks Pinot Noir–though at that point, I was admittedly a bit too immersed in the experience to take detailed notes…haha.
Overall, Furioso delivers a beautifully curated experience: striking design, expressive wines, and thoughtful, elevated hospitality. I’ll absolutely be back.
Furioso Vineyards Visitor Info
Location: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley
Known for: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, small-lot, naturally fermented wines
Food: Snacks, known for their toasts
Vibe: Scenic, relaxed, modern
Furioso’s website
Maysara winery
Maysara is located about 30 minutes southwest of Furioso in the Eola-Amity Hills. It’s a certified biodynamic winery, meaning they take a holistic, organic approach in the vineyard and practice minimal intervention in the cellar. Their philosophy centers around the idea that healthy soils produce high-quality wines without the need for added chemicals or excessive manipulation—and honestly, you can taste that intention in the glass.
Arriving at Maysara feels like part of the experience. After entering the property, you continue down a winding gravel road past steep vineyard hills, a glistening pond, and open farmland before reaching the tasting room. I was slightly confused at first, but trusted my GPS—and I’m glad I did.
The tasting room itself is small but charming, with a mix of outdoor tables, a cozy stone cottage-style bar, and a more modern space connected to the fermentation area. We chose to sit outside, and it ended up being the perfect afternoon. The setting is peaceful and rustic, with a small stream nearby, farm animals grazing in the distance, and sweeping views of vineyards and forested hills. It’s the kind of place where you immediately slow down and settle in. Our server mentioned that the estate spans an impressive 532 acres, with roughly 260 acres planted to vine, which gives a real sense of the scale and intention behind the property.
The Maysara family has Persian roots, and each wine is named after figures from Persian folklore, adding a meaningful storytelling element to the tasting experience. We opted for the classic flight, which included two whites and three Pinot Noirs. Notably, neither of the whites were Chardonnay, which was a refreshing change in a region where it’s so prominent.
My friend and I oped for the classic flight, and we were genuinely impressed by the quality of the wines, especially at that price point. Paired with the setting, the overall value feels hard to beat. We were also struck by how youthful and expressive the Pinot Noirs were, even at around ten years of age.
Here are my tasting notes:
2024 Arsheen Pinot Gris
Highly aromatic, with notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, and lemon candy. The palate is balanced and slightly textured, with a bright, clean finish. (Another bottle coming home with me).
2024 Autees Pinot Blanc
Notes of honey, apricot, and fresh apple. Slightly off-dry in perception, but well-balanced by acidity, making it approachable without feeling heavy. A good option for those who prefer ‘sweeter’ wines.
2016 Jamsheed Pinot Noir
Earth-driven, with aromas of black cherry, leather, and forest floor. The palate shows dark fruit layered with savory notes, supported by delicate tannins.
2016 Cyrus Pinot Noir
Complex and expressive, with notes of baked cherry, spiced plum, and subtle oak. Despite its age, the wine retains a remarkable freshness, with vibrant fruit still at the forefront.
2016 Asha Pinot Noir
Bright and lifted, with cranberry, plum, and floral rose notes. A slightly tart edge gives it energy, while its structure remains elegant and refined—impressive for a wine of its age.
Across the board, the Pinot Noirs showed surprising youthfulness for nearly a decade in bottle, which is a testament to both vineyard practices and careful winemaking.
Maysara is a must-visit for those seeking a quieter, more grounded tasting experience. Between the tranquil setting, thoughtful philosophy, and exceptional value, it’s a memorable stop in the Valley.
Maysara Winery Visitor Info
Location: Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley
Known for: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, “nature to nature” biodynamic philosophy
Food: Light snacks such as olives & almonds
Vibe: Countryside, rustic, calm
Maysara’s website
Final thoughts
Overall, both wineries are completely different expressions of the Willamette Valley, unforgettable in their own way. Furioso offers a polished, design-forward experience with layered, expressive wines and elevated hospitality. Maysara leans into nature, tradition, and tranquility, with wines that reflect intention and place.
If you’re planning a day in the Valley, I’d highly recommend experiencing both!
Until the next 2 🍷
Thanks for reading 🙂
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