Today we share a new winery out of Oregon (PHOTO by Alba Betancourt and Nate Watters). Open Soul was started by Oregon native Jordan Hostetter who has worked a range of jobs including general manager at several top Washington spots. Hostetter has completed the Walla Walla Community College program in winemaking and enology and wanted to start his own project, focusing on his Oregon roots.
Wines were sourced from both the Willamette valley and the Columbia Gorge. Kate Payne Brown has served as consulting winemaker. In Jordan Hostetter’s wine journey he has been most drawn to the incredible wines of Burgundy and those with an old-world soul. He sought to focus on limited production wines that emulate the wines that have inspired him. The new wines were very good and very consistent. I really enjoy the 2024 Open Soul ‘Mistral White’ White Wine (OB, 91) which is fresh and vibrant, showing a great salinity. I think this winery has some serious potential based on the first set of wines. Learn more about this exciting project at https://opensoul.wine/ and here are my reviews of the inaugural releases by Open Soul and Jordan Hostetter.

2024 Open Soul ‘Mistral White’ White Wine- A Southern Rhone-inspired blend from the Columbia Gorge AVA, the 2024 Open Soul ‘Mistral White’ White Wine is fresh and beautifully-textured stuff. Gooseberry and salted pear notes combine with hints of apricot on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 Open Soul Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2024 Open Soul Rose offers vibrant acidity and a smooth mouthfeel upon entry. Tart red fruits collide with kumquat rind, damp earth and copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Open Soul ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Open Soul ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir was stored in mainly neutral French oak before bottling. It delivers plenty of crunchy red fruits that mingle well with orange zest, salty soils and bergamot notes. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91