“For the perfect flâneur, for the passionate spectator, it is an immense joy to set up house in the heart of the multitude, amid the ebb and flow of movement, in the midst of the fugitive and the infinite. To be away from home and yet to feel oneself everywhere at home.”
– Charles Baudelaire, The Painter of Modern Life
At Flâneur Wines they live by the idea that some of the best things in life are uncovered without intention, and that life—like a good wine—should be enjoyed and appreciated.
Pulled to Oregon from every corner of the country, the team at Flâneur are all united by the idea that winemaking doesn’t need frills. It needs hard-working people who understand the nuances of the vines and the complexity of a single grape. It needs exquisite attention to detail and an appreciation for the terroir. But most of all, it needs a group of people who share a deep appreciation of nature and the beauty it brings to both wine and life.
They chose the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley of Oregon for a reason. The climate and environment of the region are unique, with daily fluctuations in temperatures and rainfall. One year is wet and cold, the next is dry and warm. They celebrate the eccentricities and unpredictability of nature, and want their wines to reflect this remarkable terroir. While each vintage retains underlying similarities, they let each year’s grapes speak for themselves.
Out of respect for the natural power of the land, they farm organically and sustainably to grow grapes that are delicious and that celebrate the environment. The vineyards are dry-farmed, meaning there’s no irrigation. Flâneur vines have to work hard to reach for water, building character and strength — for more intense flavor and aroma.
Upon bringing their hand-picked grapes to the winery, the team carefully assesses and samples each bin of fruit as they as they are put on the sorting line. From there, each batch takes a different path. Some wines are comprised of grapes solely from the Flanerie Vineyard, with its spicy, more savory tones. While other wines hail from the higher elevation of the La Belle Promenade Vineyard with its distinct florals and plush textures. And some use a combination of grapes from both estate vineyards, showcasing how the two soil types come together in perfect harmony.
The result is a collection of vintages that give drinkers an experience where every sip is unique and each glass tells a story.
