After years of exploring Oregon’s wine scene, I keep coming back to A to Z Wineworks. They’ve mastered the balance between quality and affordability, proving that great wine doesn’t have to break the bank. Founded in 2002, they’ve grown into Oregon’s largest wine producer without losing sight of what makes their wines special, accessibility, consistency, and a true reflection of the region.

What I love about A to Z is how they source grapes from over 50 vineyards across Oregon, creating wines that capture the state’s diverse flavors. Their Pinot Noir is a standout, with bright red fruit, smooth tannins, and just the right amount of acidity that makes it an easy go-to for pairing with almost anything. It’s no surprise it has landed on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list multiple times.

Beyond the wine itself, A to Z is also a certified B Corporation, which means they’re serious about sustainability. They focus on responsible farming and eco-friendly packaging, making it easier to enjoy a great bottle while supporting ethical winemaking. For me, A to Z Wineworks is proof that you don’t have to choose between quality, affordability, and sustainability, you can have it all in one bottle.

Key Takeaways

• A to Z Wineworks is Oregon’s largest wine producer, known for consistent quality and affordable prices
• The winery specializes in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and other cool-climate varietals
• Founded in 2002 by four wine industry veterans with a mission to offer excellent wines at reasonable prices
• Certified B Corporation committed to sustainable practices and social responsibility
• Sources grapes from over 100 Oregon vineyards to create their signature blends
• Pioneering force in making Oregon wines accessible to a broader audience
• Award-winning portfolio that consistently receives critical acclaim

The Story Behind A to Z

When four wine industry veterans, Deb Hatcher, Bill Hatcher, Sam Tannahill, and Cheryl Francis. Founded A to Z Wineworks in 2002, they had a revolutionary vision. Rather than creating exclusive, high-priced wines, they wanted to democratize quality Oregon wine. Their mission was simple yet ambitious: to offer excellence and value from A to Z. Each founder brought unique expertise to the venture: Bill Hatcher’s experience as the managing director of Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Deb Hatcher’s marketing prowess, and Sam Tannahill and Cheryl Francis’s winemaking expertise from their work at some of Oregon’s most prestigious wineries.

The name itself reflects this philosophy, A to Z sources grapes from across Oregon’s diverse wine regions, from the Willamette Valley to the Columbia Gorge, creating wines that capture the essence of Oregon’s terroir. This comprehensive approach allows them to craft consistent, high-quality wines that showcase the best of what Oregon has to offer. The founders understood that by working with multiple vineyards, they could create wines that maintained quality and consistency while keeping prices accessible to everyday wine enthusiasts.

The early years were marked by steady growth and innovation. Starting with just a few thousand cases, A to Z quickly gained recognition for their exceptional Pinot Noir. Their breakthrough moment came in 2006 when their Pinot Noir was named a “Best Buy” by Wine Spectator, cementing their reputation for delivering outstanding value.

Sustainable Practices and Social Responsibility

What particularly impresses me about A to Z is their commitment to sustainability. As a certified B Corporation since 2014, they’ve proven their dedication to social and environmental responsibility. The winery implements sustainable farming practices across their vineyard network and maintains strong relationships with their growers. This certification isn’t just a badge of honor, it represents a fundamental commitment to using business as a force for good.

Their commitment extends beyond the vineyard. A to Z has implemented energy-efficient practices in their winemaking facility, uses lightweight bottles to reduce their carbon footprint, and actively participates in community development programs. This holistic approach to sustainability has earned them recognition as a leader in responsible business practices within the wine industry.

The winery’s sustainability initiatives include:

• Solar panel installation at their production facility
• Water conservation through advanced irrigation systems
• Habitat preservation for local wildlife
• Support for agricultural research and development
• Employee wellness programs and fair labor practices
• Community engagement and educational outreach

The Wines: A Deeper Look

A to Z’s wine portfolio is a testament to Oregon’s diverse growing conditions. Their approach to winemaking combines traditional methods with modern technology, resulting in wines that consistently over-deliver at their price points.

Pinot Noir

The flagship wine of A to Z perfectly represents Oregon’s most famous varietal. Their Pinot Noir offers remarkable value, consistently delivering the characteristic cherry and raspberry notes, with subtle earth and spice undertones that Oregon Pinots are famous for. What I find most impressive is how they maintain such quality while producing over 100,000 cases annually.

The wine undergoes careful fermentation with select yeasts, followed by aging in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. This balanced approach results in a wine that shows both fruit purity and complexity. Recent vintages have displayed particularly noteworthy characteristics:

• 2019: Bright red fruit with hints of cola and baking spices
• 2020: More structured, with darker fruit and earthy notes
• 2021: Elegant and balanced, showing classic Oregon Pinot characteristics

Pinot Gris

Oregon’s second most planted grape variety shines in A to Z’s interpretation. Their Pinot Gris captures the variety’s fresh, crisp character with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and subtle floral elements. It’s a wine that I frequently recommend as an introduction to Oregon white wines.

The winemaking team employs temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve the delicate aromatics, resulting in a wine that consistently shows:

• Vibrant acidity balanced with subtle richness
• Complex fruit character ranging from citrus to stone fruit
• Mineral undertones characteristic of Oregon terroir
• Excellent food-pairing versatility

Chardonnay

A to Z’s Chardonnay represents a balanced approach to this classic variety. Unlike heavily oaked California styles, their version shows restraint, allowing the natural fruit characteristics to shine through while maintaining complexity and depth. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation and sees limited oak aging, resulting in a wine that bridges the gap between crisp, unoaked Chardonnays and richer, traditional styles.

Rosé

Their rosé wine, primarily made from Sangiovese, offers a fresh, vibrant expression that’s perfect for warm weather enjoyment. It’s consistently one of Oregon’s best-value rosés, delivering complexity and refreshment in equal measure. The winemaking team employs careful pressing and temperature control to extract just the right amount of color and flavor from the grapes.

Winemaking Philosophy and Techniques

What sets A to Z apart is their blending philosophy. Rather than focusing on single-vineyard wines, they embrace the art of blending, sourcing grapes from over 100 vineyards across Oregon. This approach allows them to maintain consistency year after year while keeping prices accessible.

Their winemaking team, led by Sam Tannahill and Michael Davies, focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the characteristics of each vintage and vineyard to shine through. They employ modern technology alongside traditional techniques, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality.

The winemaking process involves:

• Hand-harvesting of grapes from select vineyard sites
• Careful sorting and gentle pressing
• Temperature-controlled fermentation
• Thoughtful oak aging program
• Extensive blending trials before bottling
• State-of-the-art bottling facility

Impact on Oregon’s Wine Industry

A to Z has played a crucial role in putting Oregon wines on the national map. By producing high-quality wines at accessible price points, they’ve helped introduce countless wine enthusiasts to Oregon’s unique terroir. Their success has demonstrated that it’s possible to produce excellent wines at scale without compromising on quality or environmental responsibility.

The winery’s influence extends beyond their own products. They’ve helped establish Oregon as a region capable of producing world-class wines across multiple price points, not just in the premium segment. Their success has encouraged other producers to explore similar business models, ultimately benefiting consumers through increased access to quality Oregon wines.

Looking to the Future

As A to Z Wineworks continues to grow, they remain true to their founding principles while embracing innovation and evolving with the industry. Their focus isn’t just on making great wine, it’s about doing so in a way that’s sustainable, forward-thinking, and responsive to consumer trends. Recent initiatives highlight their dedication to both quality and responsibility:

• Expanded Sustainable Farming Practices: A to Z has deepened its commitment to sustainability, working with vineyards to promote organic and regenerative farming techniques. Their efforts reduce environmental impact while ensuring healthier vines and better-quality grapes.
• Investment in New Winemaking Technology: By integrating advanced winemaking tools, A to Z enhances consistency and efficiency while preserving the artisanal quality of their wines. From precision fermentation to improved aging techniques, these innovations allow them to refine their wines without compromising their signature balance.
• Enhanced Direct-to-Consumer Programs: Recognizing shifting consumer habits, A to Z has expanded its online and direct sales channels, making it easier than ever to enjoy their wines from home. Exclusive online offerings, wine club memberships, and personalized virtual tastings bring their wines closer to customers.
• Educational Initiatives for Trade and Consumers: A to Z believes that wine is best enjoyed with knowledge. They’ve introduced educational programs for both wine professionals and everyday consumers, helping people understand not just their wines, but Oregon’s rich winemaking heritage.
• Research Partnerships with Oregon Universities: By collaborating with leading academic institutions, A to Z supports research into sustainable viticulture, climate resilience, and innovative winemaking techniques. These partnerships help ensure the future of Oregon wine remains bright.

Conclusion

A to Z Wineworks embodies the best of Oregon wine, high-quality, accessible, and sustainably made. They have mastered the balance between craftsmanship and large-scale production, proving that great wine doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability has earned them both industry recognition and a loyal following.

What sets A to Z apart is their ability to stay consistent while evolving with the wine industry. From adopting new winemaking techniques to expanding direct-to-consumer sales, they continuously find ways to improve while staying true to their mission. Their wines have earned multiple spots on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, a testament to their dedication to quality.

Beyond the wine itself, A to Z is a certified B Corporation, reinforcing their commitment to ethical business practices. Their focus on sustainable farming, eco-friendly packaging, and community partnerships ensures they make a positive impact beyond the vineyard. By investing in research, education, and responsible winemaking, they are helping shape the future of Oregon wine.

As someone who has followed their journey, I can confidently say that A to Z continues to set the standard for affordable, high-quality wine in Oregon. Their success proves that with vision and integrity, it’s possible to create wines that satisfy both critics and casual drinkers while remaining socially and environmentally responsible. In a world where wine can sometimes feel exclusive, A to Z reminds us that great wine is for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find A to Z wines?

A: A to Z wines are widely distributed across the United States and can be found in major retail chains, wine shops, and restaurants. They also offer direct-to-consumer sales through their website in states where permitted. Their wide distribution network makes them one of the most accessible Oregon wine brands.

Q: What’s the price range for A to Z wines?

A: Most A to Z wines are priced between $15-25, making them excellent value for Oregon wines. Their Pinot Noir typically retails around $20, while their white wines are often priced between $15-18. Special releases or limited editions may be priced slightly higher, but still represent excellent value for their quality.

Q: Are A to Z wines suitable for aging?

A: While A to Z wines are crafted for immediate enjoyment, their Pinot Noir can age gracefully for 3-5 years under proper storage conditions. However, their white wines and rosé are best enjoyed within 1-2 years of release to capture their fresh characteristics. The winery focuses on making wines that are ready to drink upon release while maintaining the potential for short-term aging.

Q: Does A to Z make any single-vineyard wines?

A: A to Z focuses on blending wines from multiple vineyards rather than producing single-vineyard wines. This approach allows them to maintain consistency and quality while keeping prices accessible. The blending process enables them to create wines that showcase the best characteristics of Oregon’s diverse wine regions while maintaining their signature style.

Q: What food pairs well with A to Z wines?

A: A to Z wines are very food-friendly. Their Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with salmon, mushroom dishes, and poultry. The Pinot Gris works well with light seafood, salads, and Asian cuisine. Their Chardonnay complements creamy pasta dishes and roasted chicken, while the rosé is perfect with Mediterranean cuisine and light summer dishes. The versatility of their wines makes them excellent choices for both casual dining and special occasions.