Andrew & Annedria Beckham
In 2004, Andrew and Annedria Beckham bought land on Parrett Mountain in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains to build a pottery studio. Andrew was a ceramics artist/high school art teacher and looked forward to making pots in his new studio during hours outside the classroom. Annedria was about to pursue a degree in physical therapy. But then they discovered vineyards on nearby mountain slopes, and their careers took a very different path. By 2005 Andrew was volunteering in local vineyards and wineries, and in the same year planted their first vines. It was the beginning of what is today one of the most unique wineries in North America. When Annedria showed Andrew an article about an Italian woman doing punch downs in clay vessels just as ancient winemakers had done, he said, “I can make those.” The Amphorae Project was born, and Beckham Estate Vineyard became known for its uniquely designed clay vessels, or Novum, and the amazing wines fermented and aged inside. Andrew now sells the vessels commercially, but can’t make them fast enough to meet global demand.
Beckham Estate’s original 6+ acre vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir and Riesling. With the purchase of an additional 20 acres, Andrew and Annedria planted Trousseau Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, and several high alpine Italian varietals. Some or all of these varietals may end up in future wines. For now, Beckham’s tasting room offers three estate Pinot Noir wines aged in oak, and Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Grenache, Syrah, and Vermentino wines made in clay amphorae. Listen to the interview to hear more about these wines, the challenges of creating clay vessels appropriate for winemaking, the effect on wines of fermenting and aging in clay, and much more.
Listen to the Interview: