David Lett was the first to plant Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and related varieties in the Willamette Valley, and the first Pinot gris in America. He founded The Eyrie Vineyards (EYE-ree) with his wife, Diana Lett, in 1966. Located in the Red Hills of Dundee, about 30 miles SW of Portland, it was named for the red-tailed hawks who make their home in the fir trees at the top of the first vineyard plantings. The winery is in nearby McMinnville. In 1975, the estate produced the first American Pinot Noir to compete successfully with the renowned Pinot Noirs of Burgundy. (Paris, 1979; Beaune, 1980). It remains a family-owned and operated winery today.