Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills

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.

EDUCATIONAL PANELS AT LINGUA FRANCA
9675 Hopewell Road NW Salem Oregon 97304
$50 per panel | Limited to 50 guests each

12:00–1:30 PM
Precision & Power: The New Frontier of Oregon Chardonnay
Exploring site expression, winemaking philosophy, and the climate and soils behind Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay’s growing global recognition.
Panelists: Larry Stone MS (Lingua Franca), Ben Casteel (Bethel Heights), Mark Royer (Royer Vineyard)
Moderated by Julia Coney, Wine Consultant & Journalist

2:00–3:30 PM
Basalt & Time: Mapping Two Decades of Terroir through Pinot Noir
Reflecting on how geology, climate, and experience have shaped the AVA’s Pinot Noir over twenty years.
Panelists: Maggie Harrison (Antica Terra), Joe Dobbes (Iterum Wines), Christopher Butler (Cristom Vineyards)
Moderated by Courtney Humiston, James Suckling Staff Writer

EVENING GRAND TASTING AT ZENITH VINEYARD
5657 Zena Road NW, Salem, OR 97304

4:00 PM — Premier Entry | $125
Early access, priority parking, and a complimentary pour of Bethel Heights’ 100-point High Wire Chardonnay

5:00–8:00 PM — General Admission | $75
Walk-around tastings with winemakers and growers from across the AVA, curated culinary pairings, and a silent auction featuring exclusive getaways and premium wine. All proceeds support the Eola-Amity Hills Winegrowers Association

Participating Wineries:
Aubaine Wine, Bethel Heights, Bjornson Vineyard, Bracken Vineyard / Perkins Harter, Bryn Mawr Vineyards, Corollary Wines, Cortell Collection Wines, Cristom Vineyards, David Paige Wines, Dukes Family Vineyards, Evening Land Vineyards, Evesham Wood, Five Points Vineyard, Finite Cellars, GC Wines, Holloran Vineyard Wines, Hundred Suns Wine, Iterum Wines, Kuenzi Family Vineyard, Lingua Franca, Lytle-Barnett, Meliora Wine Co., Olive Hamilton Russell, Royer Vineyard, Satyr Fire, Sun Break Wines, Varnum Vintners, Vincent Wine Company, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Zena Crown & Zenith Vineyards

Participating Wineries: 

• Aubaine Wine

• Bethel Heights

• Björnson Vineyard

• Bracken Vineyard/Perkins Harter

• Bryn Mawr Vineyards

• Corollary Wines

• Cortell Collection

• Cristom Vineyards

• David Paige Wines

• Dukes Family Vineyards

• Evening Land

• Evesham Wood Vineyards

• Finite Cellars

• Five Points Vineyard

• GC Wines

• Kuenzi Family Vineyard

• Hamilton-Russell Oregon

• Hundred Suns Wine

• Holloran Vineyard Wines

• Iterum Wines

• Lingua Franca Winery

• Lytle-Barnett

• Rose & Arrow Estate

• Royer Vineyard

• Satyr Fire

• Sun Break Wines

• Varnum Vineyards

• Vincent Wine Company

• Willamette Valley Vineyards

• Zena Crown

• Zenith Vineyard

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Caterers and Sponsors

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.

Participating Caterers: 

• Cozy Taberna

• Willaby’s Catering

• Bryn Mawr Estate Chef Jonathan Jones

• Loam

• Joel Palmer House

• Grounded Table

• Truffle Shuffle

Sponsors:

• Bella Collina Bed & Breakfast

• Country Financial

• Allied Works Architecture

• The Cozy Taberna

• Wine Direct Fulfillment

• Constellation Brands

• Chemeketa Community College Wine Studies Program 

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Location and Directions to Equinox, hosted at Zenith Vineyard