Belle Pente
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Belle Pente
Jill & Brian O'Donnell established Belle Pente Vineyards in 1994, with the first wine produced in 1996. Brian is from New York City, and Jill from St Cloud, Minnesota. They met while living in California, and moved to the Willamette Valley in 1992. Both were award-winning home brewers, and Brian began making wine for family and friends in 1986.

On the night of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, they resolved to begin a transition out of their Silicon Valley careers to start up a small premium vineyard & winery. Brian is currently responsible for production, and he and Jill share marketing and administrative duties. Daughter Riona arrived just in time for the 1999 vintage, and now serves as Director of Social Media Marketing.
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Belle Pente sources grapes from our estate vineyard site located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of Oregon's Willamette Valley. We also source from unique, high quality, independent vineyards. Since the beginning, we've taken a two pronged approach to insuring that our winery is supplied with the finest raw materials possible.
At Belle Pente (bell-pont') we are dedicated to producing high quality artisanal wines in partnership with nature and with respect for the environment. The name means "beautiful slope, " describing our hillside vineyard site in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of Oregon's Willamette Valley, and reflecting the inspiration we draw from "old world" winegrowing traditions: that great wine is made in the vineyard and merely nurtured in the winery.
The following recommendations are based ontastings over the past several months. Please remember that personal preferences vary, however, and drinking a wine too young is generally better than too old! For older wines, it is best to stand the bottles upright for 2-3 days prior to opening (to allow any sediment to settle to the bottom).
As the owner/operator of a small winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley, I urge you to consider the unintended consequences of the potential increased tariffs on European wine. Although on the surface it would seem like we should be embracing these actions, the reality is that the risks of negative impact on our business far outweigh any potential benefits.
Reviews (13)
Tonya Fisher
Tonya Fisher
Dec 05, 2021
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A small family run winery run by caring craftspeople. Very knowledgeable, amazing wines, both pinots and other white varieties.
Kelly Anderson
Kelly Anderson
Aug 26, 2021
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A rustic and delicious winery creating wine in grand biodynamic tradition. Keep an eye out for Dolly the Llama protector of fruit, goats and sheep!
I. Park
I. Park
Jul 20, 2021
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Brian and Jill are amazing hosts. Their wine is exceptional and the conversation and ambiance is top notch. It is laid back but don't be fooled -- these might be some of the best Pinot Noirs produced in the state.
Michelle Poteaux
Michelle Poteaux
May 19, 2021
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A most delightful day, spent at Belle Pente with Brian as we talked all thing wine and the absolute delicious wines he makes. It was an honor to be there today.
Andrew Rice
Andrew Rice
Jan 06, 2021
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Been visiting with Brian for years now. Could not think of a more charming host that makes absolutely fabulous wines!
Sharon B.
Sharon B.
Nov 17, 2018
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Dismal customer service. I ordered 4 bottles of 2013 Pinot Girgio online and checked the website to ensure the bottles were in stock. I received 4 bottles of 2014 and was advised by Brian O the website
had not been updated. I paid $42.00 for shipping also. My invoice also stated I had received 4 bottles of the 2013.

He had no interest in keeping a customer happy and made no effort
to remedy the situation.

Sharon B
Merilee Miller
Merilee Miller
Jun 27, 2018
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The red wines were quite good, the fee ($20) was definitely over-priced, and only waived with $300 purchase. Probably won't bother going back.
Mathew Sherwood
Mathew Sherwood
Aug 28, 2017
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Our favorite WIlamette Valley winery by far. A small winery, but amazing wines, and such friendly and skilled vintners. By appointment only, but wellworth driving past the large vineyards and tasting rooms to visit.
Eric F.
Eric F.
Dec 04, 2016
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Very nice folks here, but the wine left a fair bit to be desired.

The Open House was fun with your choice of half a dozen or so tastings for the nominal entry fee, yet the Pinot Noir left little impression in their undefined fruit and lack of depth and complexity.

On the upside, the cheeses served were delicious and paired very well with the wines.
Steve McCall
Steve McCall
Oct 11, 2016
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One of the best WV producers. Pinots are always elegant and excellent, and they make a nice riesling too. Normally only open by appointment.
Neal C.
Neal C.
Jun 06, 2016
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First review!

This is a beautiful winery at the top of a hill. The proprietor is informative and helpful, best reached by email. The wines are expressive and you can appreciate how they relate to the soil, climate and area. It is only accessible via a dirt road however.
Margaux Tessier
Margaux Tessier
Jun 26, 2015
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Not a winery for common wine amateur. There is just a table and a winemaker, plus his amazing pinots and Riesling. A nice place for connoisseurs.
Kathleen Anson
Kathleen Anson
Sep 27, 2011
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Not much to look at, and no official tasting room, but they are making some interesting wines here, particularly some that are unusual in the Willamette Valley, like Riesling. Friendly staff, good prices.