Rhone Rangers Heading Back to the Pacific Northwest: Syrah Seminar + Epic Tasting in McMinnville on June 13
Mark your calendars, wine lovers—the Rhone Rangers are returning to Oregon wine country for a full day of Rhône-inspired goodness on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Evergreen Events in McMinnville. It’s going to be a fantastic event, and we cannot recommend it more highly. Anyone in the region or traveling to it would be wise to attend. BevX subscribers will receive a 10% discount on tickets to the Grand Tasting by entering the code TROON at checkout.
The day kicks off with a must-attend seminar: “Expressions of Syrah: Oregon and Washington,” moderated by respected wine journalist Michael Alberty of The Oregonian. You’ll hear from a powerhouse panel of Pacific Northwest winemakers who know these grapes inside and out:
- Oregon: Steve Robertson (Delmas, The Rocks District), Christophe Baron (Cayuse, The Rocks District), Nate Wall (Troon Vineyard, Applegate Valley), Herb Quady (Quady North, Rogue Valley), and Greg Jones (Abacela, Umpqua Valley)
- Washington: Ryan Pennington (L’Ecole No. 41, Walla Walla) and Sarah Goedhart (Hedges Family Estate, Red Mountain)
Expect a deep dive into the incredible diversity of Syrah across the region—from the basalt cobblestone soils of The Rocks District and the dramatic Missoula Flood soils in Washington, to the cooler, lifted expressions of Syrah from the Applegate Valley. The conversation will explore how each of the six featured appellations influences phenolic structure, texture, and overall complexity. It’s a rare chance to geek out with the people actually making these wines.
After the seminar, the fun continues with a walk-around tasting featuring domestic Rhône-style wines from Oregon, Washington, and California. More than 20 wineries will pour a wide range of varietals and blends—including Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache, Syrah, and plenty of white and red Rhône-style blends.
Participating wineries include (Oregon): Abacela, Bionic Wines, Delmas, Long Walk Vineyard, Ocelli Cellars, Quady North, Troon Vineyard, WeatherEye Vineyards; (Washington): Echolands Winery, Hedges Family Estate, J. Bookwalter Winery, L’Ecole No. 41, Sleight of Hand Cellars; and (California): Alta Colina, Center of Effort Wines, Cline Cellars, Foxen Vineyard, Ridge Vineyards, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Tercero Wines, and Thacher Winery.
Craig Camp, General Manager of Troon Vineyard and Rhone Rangers Past President (2023–2024), played a key role in bringing the event to Oregon. “I am thrilled that the Rhone Rangers are hosting an event in the Pacific Northwest,” said Camp. “This is a testament to the strong history of Rhône varieties in the region and their growing importance in Oregon and Washington. The range and styles of wines produced on the West Coast from these classic varieties are truly remarkable, and this event offers a unique opportunity to experience their diversity and character.”
Trade, media, and consumers are all welcome. Choose an all-day pass (seminar with early tasting access) or a tasting-only ticket. Grab your tickets and get the full details at www.rhonerangers.org.
Whether you’re a Syrah superfan, a Rhône-curious explorer, or just looking for a fantastic day in Oregon wine country, this is one you won’t want to miss. See you in McMinnville!