Skip to content

David Lett | Oregon winemaker, 69

David Lett, 69, considered the father of Oregon's pinot noir industry, died of heart failure Thursday at his home in Dundee, Ore.

David Lett, 69, considered the father of Oregon's pinot noir industry, died of heart failure Thursday at his home in Dundee, Ore.

Mr. Lett, founder of Eyrie Vineyards in Dundee, was the first to plant the pinot grape in Oregon's Willamette Valley, more than four decades ago. Oregon pinot noir wines have since earned a global reputation for high quality. - AP