Behind the tasting room counter of Marchesi Vineyards sits a bright red and stainless steel, 107-year-old meat slicer that was shipped over from Italy by the winemaker’s father before he died. It is a testament to the deep roots of accomplished vintner Franco Marchesi, much like that of the Italian varietals that thrive on his property in the Columbia Gorge American Viticultural Area — a location that mimics the growing conditions of his Piemonte homeland down to the same latitude.
It is Marchesi’s passion for his heritage and extensive knowledge in all areas of wine — from sommelier to buyer to importer and now grower and vintner — that give him and his offerings the depth of authenticity needed to stand out in an industry that can often seem saturated. His Old World wines have consistently garnered acclaim at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition since 2009 and Los Angeles International Wine Competition since 2012 and it is one of the most beloved vineyards in the Hood River area — voted Best Winery & Tasting Room of the Gorge four years in a row.
First plantings began in 2003, and Marchesi boasts estate-grown pinot grigio, barbera, dolcetto, arneis (a white grape from Piedmont), and pinot noir. Other Italian varietals, including primitivo, sangiovese and nebbiolo, are sourced throughout the Columbia Valley and Columbia Gorge AVAs.
The tasting room itself is like sitting in a green house in the middle of a garden oasis. Wicker furniture atop tapestry rugs and tabletops adorned with ceramic carafes and a supply of traditional Grissini breadsticks to help neutralize the palate between sips creates a cozy atmosphere that’s carried outside under umbrellas and vine-strewn arbors on dry days.
