Science on Tap: The Mystique of Terroir — Geology and Wine

The next Science on Tap is “The Mystique of Terroir: Geology and Wine” at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St., Portland. Tickets are $15 to $45. Complete details are available at scienceontaporwa.org/events/alberta_feb_23_wine/.

Terroir is the environmental conditions, especially soil and climate, in which grapes are grown and that give a wine its unique flavor and aroma. What special quality of the Willamette Valley’s terroir yields such exceptional wines? How do the soil, climate, and conditions lend themselves to lovely Pinot Noirs, but not Cabernets or Merlots? How does the region’s geologic past affect where and how to grow grapes? How do Washington and Oregon compare to other wine-growing regions in the United States and other countries around the world? Scott Burns, professor of geology and past chair of the Department of Geology at PSU, and wine enthusiast, explains. For more information on this event or about Science on Tap, visit Science on Tap OR WA.