YC’s Seein’ Signs

While signs of spring begin to pop up around the state, signs of another kind have cropped up, too. The Yamhill-Carlton Winegrowers Association has installed three of four stone monuments at key gateway entry points into the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.

The existing signs are located at: 1) Highway 240 and Ribbon Ridge Road; 2) the intersection of Kuehne Road, Hendricks Road and Abbey Road; and 3) on Highway 47, south of Gaston. The fourth sign will be installed on April 18 at 10 a.m., on Highway 47, just south of Carlton.

Made of quartzite sandstone, the multi-ton boulders were hand-carved with diamond tip rock routers by RSC Stone Creations of Portland.

Travelers passing the large, impressive signs will have no doubt which Willamette Valley AVA they’ve entered.

“The gateway signs are symbolic of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA’s ancient marine sedimentary soils,” said Ken Wright. “The AVA’s soils translate into wines that exude a complexity of spice and floral aromas that are layered onto dark fruit flavors.”

Want to learn more about the Yamhill-Carlton AVA? Join many of its member wineries at Anne Amie Vineyards for the group’s annual Spring Tasting, May 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to taste wines and nibble on bites prepared by celebrated local chefs.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Attendees can ride the trolley from the nearby town of Carlton. More information is available at www.yamhillcarlton.org.