Vercingetorix (VX Vineyard)

The winery, Vercigetorix or VX for short, is a name derived from a Gallic hero named Vercingetorix, whose father brought his Celtic clan into Burgundy around 100 B.C.. Vercingetorix united the clan against Caeser and the Romans and adopted a scorched earth policy sparing the precious vineyards and his clan's settlement, Averticum. Vercingetoris is honored by the Burgundians to this day for his efforts on behalf of the region.

VX Vineyard is a family operated Newberg, Oregon, winery and 10-acre vineyard, producing less than 500 cases of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. The winemakers are Kelly Kidneigh (Pinot Gris) and John Grochau (Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc). The first estate Pinot Noir was from the 2003 vintage.

The vineyard was planted in 2000 in a former apple orchard and the rows of Pinot Noir are trellised with a double curtain arrangement in which vines grow on both sides of a row.

The vineyard and farm have been owned by the Hall family since 1959 and in January 2009, the farm and vineyard were purchased by the children of founder, Bruce Hall.

Vercingetorix produces Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Tasting weekends from 12:00 - 5:00 from Memorial Day through Thanksgiving at the 210-acre Willamette Farms, 8000 NE Parrish Road, Newberg, Oregon (503-538-9895). The wines can be ordered by phone.