Kathken Vineyards

Ken & Kathy Slusser grow 40 acres of Pinot noir and Pinot gris on the west side of Salem, Oregon, in the Eola Hills. They're in the same general area as Amalie Robert, Van Duzer, Cherry Hill Winery, and the Temperance Hill Vineyard. They've owned and operated their vineyard for over 15 years, and sell grapes to some of the region's best wineries. They also offer a summer Blues concert series that's popular with local music lovers.

The Kathken Vineyard site is at 700 ft to 900 ft with a south west exposure. Of the 51 acre site, 40 acres are planted to producing vines, 34 acres of Pinot Noir (various clones but predominately Pommard and Wadensvil) and 6 acres of Pinot Gris. All plants are on a Geneva Double Curtain or a Carbonneau "Open Lyre" trellis system, which is a high maintenance system, but Ken believes that, coupled with the vineyard's elevation, is a trellis type that produces optimum quality fruit.

SHOP FOR WINE

Kathken Pinot gris Estate 09 $15.95 Retail $14.35 Qty. Ken came over with his wines and we were in for a pleasant surprise. Here's a small Estate winery with some well priced and Most pleasant wines. The well balanced Pinot gris has lots of creamy pear and creamy white peach flavors and scents, a... read more

Kathken Pinot noir Signature Reserve 08 $29.95 Retail $26.95 Qty. Aromas of cocoa, tobacco and blackberries. Dark garnet in color, with flavors of cherry pie. Balanced acidity with soft tannins. This wine should cellar well.... read more

Kathken Dolce Dessert Wine 375 ml $23.00 Retail $20.70 Ken took his wines to California's Copia last year, and this dessert wine was quite a hit. Made from Pinot gris grapes, it combines intense, creamy flavors with enough acidity to be refreshing while sweet. An Avalon Dessert Wine Club selection.... read more