David Lett

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David Lett (1939 – 2008) was an influential American vintner and a pioneering figure in the establishment of the Oregon wine industry. Often referred to as "Papa Pinot," Lett was instrumental in proving that the Willamette Valley, with its cool climate, was an ideal location for cultivating Pinot noir grapes outside of Burgundy, France. His efforts not only transformed the landscape of Oregon winemaking but also elevated the status of American Pinot noir on the world stage.

Early Life and Education

David Lett was born in 1939 in Missoula, Montana. He developed an interest in winemaking while studying at the University of Utah. Pursuing this passion, Lett moved to California, where he enrolled in the viticulture and enology program at the University of California, Davis, one of the premier wine education institutions in the United States.

Career

After graduating from UC Davis, Lett gained experience in the wine industry by working in various capacities in California and Europe. In 1965, convinced of Oregon's potential for premium wine production, particularly Pinot noir, Lett moved to the Willamette Valley. There, he founded Eyrie Vineyards, becoming the first person to plant Pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes in the region.

Lett's pioneering work involved meticulous site selection and vineyard management practices tailored to the cool climate of the Willamette Valley. His approach was initially met with skepticism, as the prevailing wisdom at the time doubted that fine wine grapes could thrive in Oregon's climate. However, Lett's perseverance and vision paid off when, in 1979, his 1975 Eyrie Vineyards South Block Reserve Pinot noir gained international recognition at the Wine Olympics held in Paris. This event marked a turning point for Oregon wine, showcasing its quality on the global stage and attracting new investment and talent to the region.

Legacy

David Lett's legacy in the Oregon wine industry is profound. He is credited with not only proving the viability of Pinot noir in Oregon but also with fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation among the state's winemakers. Lett was a founding member of the Oregon Winegrowers Association and played a significant role in establishing the Willamette Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), further solidifying the region's identity as a premier wine-producing area.

Lett's commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking practices has also left a lasting impact on the industry, influencing generations of winemakers in Oregon and beyond. His philosophy of working in harmony with the environment and focusing on the expression of terroir in wine continues to be a guiding principle for many in the field.

Death and Honors

David Lett passed away in 2008 at the age of 69. His contributions to the wine industry have been widely recognized. He was posthumously inducted into the Oregon Wine Hall of Fame and has been honored with numerous awards for his pioneering work and dedication to excellence in winemaking.

See Also

• Oregon Wine
• Pinot noir
• Willamette Valley
• Eyrie Vineyards