Equinox 2026: Grand Tasting & Educational Panels

Early bird pricing use code "EARLYBIRD" for $5 off of your Grand Tasting admission

Equinox 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, bringing together the wines, people, and perspectives that have shaped one of Oregon’s most distinctive winegrowing regions. This one-day celebration features intimate educational panels at Lingua Franca in the afternoon, followed by an evening Grand Tasting at Zenith Vineyard highlighting wines from across the AVA paired with culinary offerings from local chefs.

Equinox is designed for both wine professionals and engaged consumers seeking a deeper understanding of the Eola-Amity Hills, its history, its terroir, and its continued evolution.

Equinox is the primary annual fundraiser for the Eola-Amity Hills Winegrower's Association, the non-profit organization of producers, vineyards and associate members dedicated to the promotion of the image and identity of the Eola-Amity Hills as a top-quality wine region in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The Grand Tasting features a silent auction including exclusive weekend getaways and premium wine. All proceeds go to the Eola-Amity Hills Winegrower's Association.

Panels are ticketed separately from the Grand Tasting for $50 per panel.

The afternoon panels offer focused, moderated conversations and wine tastings with respected voices in wine, exploring the AVA through the lenses of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Each panel includes light bites and is limited to 50 guests to encourage meaningful dialogue.

Limited to 50 tickets

12:00–1:30 PM

This panel examines the rise of Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay and its growing global recognition. Panelists will discuss site expression, winemaking philosophy, and how the region’s climate and soils contribute to precision, balance, and longevity in Chardonnay.

Panelists:
Larry Stone, MS — Master Sommelier and Founder, Lingua Franca
Ben Casteel — Co-Owner and Winemaker, Bethel Heights Vineyard
Mark Royer — Founder and Vineyard Manager, Royer Vineyard

Moderator:
Julia Coney, Wine Consultant & Journalist

Limited to 50 tickets

2:00–3:30 PM

Focusing on Pinot Noir, this panel explores how geology, climate, and experience have shaped the Eola-Amity Hills over the last twenty years. Panelists will reflect on the evolution of viticulture and winemaking in the AVA and how a clearer understanding of terroir has emerged over time.

Panelists:
Maggie Harrison — Founder, Creative Director, and Winemaker, Antica Terra
Joe Dobbes — Founder and Winemaker, Iterum Wines
Christopher Butler — Associate Winemaker, Cristom Vineyard

Moderator:
Courtney Humiston, James Suckling Staff Writer and Taster

Grand Tasting is ticketed separately from the Panels: $75 for General Admission and $125 for Premier Entry.

Premier Entry at 4:00 PM

Premier Entry guests enjoy early access, priority parking, and a complimentary 2 oz pour of Bethel Heights’ 100-point “High Wire” Chardonnay.

General Admission at 5:00 PM

The evening culminates in the Grand Tasting with walk-around tastings featuring participating Eola-Amity Hills wineries, paired with curated culinary offerings. Guests will have the opportunity to taste broadly across the AVA, engage directly with winemakers and growers, participate in a silent auction, and celebrate the region’s 20-year milestone in a stunning vineyard setting.

Established in 2006, the Eola-Amity Hills AVA is defined by a unique fusion of geology, soil and climate, producing wines of unparalleled acclaim with balance, structure, and longevity. Equinox 2026 honors the growers, winemakers, and community who have shaped this extraordinary place over the past two decades.

Info: A guided exploration of library Chardonnay wines, with leading producers discussing site, structure, and the role of time in shaping expression.

Info: Taste the story of the AVA through time with rare library Pinot Noirs and reflections on the region’s pioneering past.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Road Northwest, Salem, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App