Wallflower Project Red Wine 2021, Loop de Loop

The Dalles Hills area, within the Columbia Gorge AVA, straddles the border of Washington and Oregon and features a distinctive terroir shaped by its semi-arid climate, elevation, and diverse soil composition. The area features a continental climate with warm, dry summers, cool nights, and minimal rainfall, requiring irrigation to control vine stress and enhance flavor concentration. Winds from the Columbia River Gorge help moderate temperatures, preventing overripening. The soils are a mix of loess, volcanic ash, and basalt, with layers of gravel, sand, and clay from ancient Missoula Flood deposits. These well-draining soils force deep root growth, resulting in wines with strong minerality, structure, and complexity.

This wine invites you into a sensory journey that begins with a bouquet reminiscent of a sunlit Provençal herb garden. Aromas of herbs de Provence intertwine with the freshness of juicy red and blue fruits, evoking images of ripe berries warmed by the afternoon sun. A subtle hint of bramble adds an earthy complexity, suggesting a walk through a wild berry thicket.

The wine dances lightly on the palate, its bright and aromatic nature offering a harmonious blend of fruit and herbaceous notes. The savory mineral finish lingers gracefully, leaving a refreshing impression that beckons another sip. This wine's versatility shines when enjoyed chilled, making it an ideal companion for both casual gatherings and thoughtful contemplation.

About the Winery

Nestled on Underwood Mountain in the Columbia Gorge AVA, Loop de Loop Wines is the creation of Julia and Scott Gulstine, a husband-and-wife duo dedicated to sustainable viticulture and expressive, terroir-driven wines. Julia’s winemaking journey began in Palestine, setting the stage for her experimental, low-intervention approach. In 2021, they acquired the Light Anthology Vineyard, a 9-acre site planted in 2001, overlooking Mount Hood and the Columbia River.

Scott farms using regenerative, organic methods—no synthetic chemicals, no tilling, and dry farming to encourage deep root growth. He plants cover crops, sprays compost teas, and relies on barn owls and raptors for natural pest control. Their commitment extends to an 8-acre restoration project, planting native grasses and flowers to support biodiversity.

Julia’s cellar work reflects a minimalist approach: native yeast fermentations, no fining or filtering, and only tiny amounts of sulfur. The result? Bright, focused wines with savory minerality and a distinct sense of place. Their varietals, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner, thrive in volcanic, sandy loam soils at high elevation, benefiting from the Gorge’s cool nights and long growing season.

Just an hour from Portland, Loop de Loop is a must-visit for those seeking thoughtfully crafted, sustainably made wines. Every bottle tells a story—of passion, place, and purpose—making this winery a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest.