As Spring looms?heavy, like a full moon?on the horizon, we begin to crave lighter fare. And with wines like Knudsen Vineyards 2014?Chardonnay from the Dundee AVA in Oregon, it’s easy to think about how we’ll accommodate the fresh and bright foods of the coming season by accompanying them with great wine.

Knudsen Vineyards is one of the oldest vineyards in the Dundee Hills. Planted in 1974, this prestigious vineyard?site has been supplying fruit to some of Oregon’s most esteemed producers for years. In 1990, they were the first to plant the widely accepted Dijon clone Chardonnay in the state, ushering in a new era of Oregon Chardonnay. After 40 years of wine production, Knudsen Vineyards finally took?the bull by the horns, and in 2013 released their first?bottling of Chardonnay.

This wine is a prime example of why Chardonnay does so well in the Willamette Valley. Grapes are picked at the optimum time to preserve the steely acidity, and though it’s aged in 20% new French oak, the fruit flavors are the star of the show.?Crisp, clean and tingly tary, discover the layers of complexity with every sip?zippy lemon zest, quince paste, orange blossom and almond cookies that are structured by the backbone of stony minerality.

This versatile food wine will be pleasure serving with a variety of menu options. Superb?with salty soft cheese, with main courses like halibut and minted pea pur?e, chicken with rosemary, saut?ed sea scallops with herbed cream sauce, or with side dishes like chanterelles in garlic, butter and sea salt.

And with the Oregon Chardonnay Celebration coming up, you can not only learn why Chardonnay expresses itself with such beauty, but you can taste for yourself. Experience the educational seminar and Grand Tasting with more than 40 wineries on Saturday, February 27th at the Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg. For tickets or?for more information, visit oregonchardonnaycelebration.org.