Rizzo Winery

Winemaking - Our Story

"There is absolutely no substitute for the best.  Good Wine cannot be made of inferior ingredients masked with high flavor. It is true thrift to use the best ingredients available and to waste nothing." - James Beard

Rizzo Winery was established in 2006 when we purchased an old farm in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.  We converted an outbuilding to a winery and planted 9 acres of vines.  Our primary focus is making single vineyard, single varietal wines to showcase the unique varietal and terroir characteristics.  Our white wines include Viognier, Muscat (in a classic style and dessert style), Pinot Gris, and other varietals on a limited availability.  We produce numerous big reds which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, and Tempranillo.   We also craft one big red blend, a Cuvee which consists predominantly of two Cabernets, one from Washington Columbia Valley and one from Oregon Columbia Valley.   The 2014 Bite of Oregon awarded us 'Best of Show' for our 2009 Cuvee.  Fruit for the bigger reds are purchased from specially chosen vineyards in Eastern Oregon and Central Washington.  Each year, we typically crush one or two additional varietals which have included Counoise (pronounced “coon-wahz”), Merlot, Malbec, Barbera, and Syrah.

All Rizzo red wines are single vineyard varietals to showcase both the fruit and the Terroir.  You can see and taste the difference of each amazing wine.  Our reds are unfiltered and aged for a minimum of 20 months in oak barrels.  A combination of new and neutral American, French, and Hungarian oak is used depending on the varietal.  Often, two or more oak profiles are blended to enhance the sensory experience.  Oak is used to nuance the wine in crafting complex wines that highlight everything the varietal, fruit, and terroir have to offer.

Wine Club

What a great way to keep Rizzo Wines in your cellar!   As a Wine Club member, you receive preferential access to limited production and library wines, invitations to participate in member-only wine events, preferred pricing, and first access to new release wines.  Members also receive complimentary winery tours and barrel tasting for you and up to 4 guests.  Additionally, you will always be able to purchase your favorite wines with ease receiving membership discount of 20% on all wine purchases.

Wine Club shipments are 4 bottle selections shipped 3 times per year.  Bold flavors abound, from delicious big reds to wonderful whites; there are four options to suit your tastes.