Troon Vineyard Named ‘Top 10 Hottest Brands’ of 2012

by Wine Business Monthly

Troon Vineyard has been named one of the “Top 10 Hot Brands” in America. The well respected industry publication Wine Business Monthly announced the list in its February 2013 issue. This prestigious award is perhaps the most impressive accolade this 41 year old boutique winery has received. Other past Oregon winery recipients include Willamette Valley Vineyards, Domain Drouhin, Abacela Winery, A to Z Wineworks, Willakenzie Estate and Wine by Joe.

A celebration was held in conjunction with the annual Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, California on Tuesday, January 29th to reveal the top ten list. Cyril Penn, Editor of Wine Business Monthly, took some time to comment on the meaning and thought behind this award. “The award was started to recognize high growth small brands (under 100,000 cases annual production), but has transitioned into recognizing interesting winery leaders in a region.”

He went on to comment specifically that Troon Vineyard’s inclusion was based on:

  • Being a pioneer in an up-and-coming wine region
  • Focusing on an unknown varietal for the American market
    [Vermentino]
  • Being subjected to an editors’ tasting panel

 Chris Martin, who is entering his 10th year of ownership of this now 41 year old vineyard, said “We couldn’t be more excited. This is the culmination of the hard work and countless hours that our team has put in over the last couple years and most importantly a validation of Mr. Troon’s decision to plant vines on our site over 40 years ago.” He went on to say, “It has been my job and honor to continue the legacy of pioneering new and interesting programs and varietals in the Applegate Valley and in Southern Oregon.  We look forward to this being a spring board to even greater things as we look to introduce our wine in more new markets in 2013 and beyond.”

Mr. Martin decided to plant Vementino in 2007 after discovering it on a trip through Italy years ago. “I loved it for its freshness, low alcohol and food friendliness” said Martin. “At first, people discouraged me from planting it, but I really felt after tasting some nice releases from the Paso Robles area, that it could work well here. To me it is most exciting to have the opportunity to create the benchmark wine for a varietal. That is our goal with Vermentino.”

Troon Vineyard holds a reputation for being a pioneer in the Applegate Valley and in Southern Oregon. As the first vineyard planted in the modern era (1972), the first winery in the western Applegate (1993), the first to plant Zinfandel (1972), the first to plant Vermentino (2007), and now the first in the Applegate or Rogue area to receive this award, Troon continues to set the pace for the Southern Oregon wine industry.  Troon Vineyard also continues its commitment to sustainable farming by maintaining a Salmon Safe and LIVE certification and fostering a sustainable community through numerous philanthropic endeavors, including annual fundraising for the local fire department, food bank and river preservation. www.troonvineyard.com