David Lett facts for kids

David Lett, owner-winemaker at The Eyrie Vineyards in Oregon with a bottle of the 1975 Eyrie Vineyards South Block Reserve—the bottle that put Oregon on the world's Pinot noir map.

David Lett (1939 – October 9, 2008) was a very important person in the world of wine. He started a famous vineyard called The Eyrie Vineyards in Oregon, United States. David was known as a "pioneer" because he was one of the first people to grow special wine grapes in Oregon. He helped make Oregon famous for its delicious wines.

David Lett: Oregon's Wine Pioneer

Early Life and a Big Idea

David grew up on a farm in Holladay, Utah. He studied philosophy and medicine at the University of Utah. Later, he went to the University of California, Davis to learn about making wine and growing grapes. He had a big dream: to find a perfect place outside of France to grow a special grape called Pinot noir.

Planting New Grapes in Oregon

In 1965, David moved to Oregon. Many experts told him not to, but he believed in his dream. He planted the very first Pinot noir grapes in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. He also planted other wine grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot gris.

In 1966, David and his wife Diana bought land near Dundee, Oregon. They named their vineyard "The Eyrie Vineyards." They chose this name because they saw a nest of hawks, called an "eyrie," at the top of their land. They made their first Pinot noir wine in 1970. David Lett was the first person to grow both Pinot noir and Pinot gris grapes in Oregon. This is why people called him "Papa Pinot."

The Famous 1975 Pinot Noir

One of David's wines became very famous. It was The Eyrie Vineyards 1975 South Block Reserve Pinot Noir. This wine surprised the world of wine! It did very well in a competition called the "Wine Olympiad." This competition happened first in Paris, France, in 1979. Then it happened again in Burgundy, France, in 1980. This success helped put Oregon wines on the world map. The winery itself is located in McMinnville, Oregon.

David Lett's Legacy

David Lett passed away on October 9, 2008. He is remembered as a true pioneer. His hard work and belief in Oregon's potential helped create a thriving wine industry there. Thanks to him, Oregon is now known for producing some of the best Pinot noir wines in the world.