Discover Why Local is Better: The Appeal Behind Three Feathers
Three Feathers Vineyard is a small, locally owned family farm where, among other things, we grow our own Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes. We use these local grapes, and these grapes only, to produce our Limited Edition Wines.
Why is that important? Why is that desirable?
Our vineyard and wines are typical of what the Oregon wine industry used to be; vineyards under 20 acres producing their own wine from their own grapes. In the past 10 years, since we planted our vineyard, there has been an explosion of new growers, wineries and tasting rooms.
Then the world took notice and large-scale corporate Wine Businesses came into the valley. They bought up many small existing vineyards to add the prestigious Oregon Wines to their portfolios. These companies were from California, Washington, France and even Spain.
Now, of the top 100 producers of wine in Oregon, 50% of the production is by companies owned outside of the State. This has an effect on our industry here. These companies are driven by very slim profit margins and make their money on volume. This volume drives prices down. Decisions are made that affect all the growers they buy from and they are not concerned about the long-term effect on our local businesses.
The loss of more and more locally owned and operated vineyards gives an urgency to asking for support from an informed public. Not all wineries advertise their out-of-state ownership, so sometimes it is hard to tell.
Local Wines are Unique and Seasonally Crafted
Locally produced wines, such as ours, expect every vintage to be different. We are dependent on seasons and growing conditions, the same as wines have been made over the centuries. Industrial wine production cannot afford to have variation. The wines are blended and modified in the winery to produce sameness and consistency.
The Appeal Behind Three Feathers
As a small, family and women owned company we would like to see more attention paid to supporting Local Vines and Local Wines. The Local movement is real and gets a lot of attention. These are family farms that protect the land and produce world-class wines. The grapes and the wine are a product of individual attention, care and love of craftsmanship and respect for the individual growing seasons.
We assure you that we live, grow, and produce here and are proud of our local, Oregon wines. We hope you will appreciate them as well and when you purchase Oregon wines that you look for brands that you know are grown and produced here.