The best part about my job is introducing people to new wineries – and even new varietals – that they’ve never heard of. There are a lot of unusual varietals and unusual techniques being used all over Oregon that are extraordinary.

Baco Noir, Counoise and Albarino. These unusual varietals are all being made into amazing, small batch wines here in Oregon by wonderfully obsessed winemakers dedicated to bringing unusual varietals to your table.

So to honor the back-to-school season, we’ve dedicated our September selections at Cellar 503 to learning about unusual varietals and unusual winemaking techniques.

Our first red is a Baco Noir from Girardet Vineyards in Roseburg, the first to plant the grape on the West Coast. Our second red is Counoise from Portland Urban Winery Ram Cellars, an incredibly rare grape outside of France.

Our first white is an Albarino from club favorite winery, Grochau Cellars. Our second white is a radical blend of Pinot Noir and fermented apple juice from Lares Wines. I hope you enjoy these unusual varietals and techniques get you excited to learn more about wine in Oregon and around the world!

Cheers!