Valcan Cellars

Valcan Cellars is a family-owned wine label in Corvallis, Oregon, where winemaker Juan Pablo (JP) Valot brings his Mendoza, Argentina, roots to Oregon-grown grapes. He and cofounder Doris Cancel combine their surnames to give Valcan its name. Their family backgrounds also shape the label: paired birds inspired by Taíno petroglyphs honor Cancel’s Puerto Rican heritage, with touching beaks forming an infinity symbol.

Malbec is the strongest reason to pay attention. Valcan takes the grape well beyond its familiar red-wine role, making white Malbec, rosé, pét-nat—a lightly sparkling style—and Doris, a traditional-method sparkling red Malbec labeled Brut Nature, indicating little or no added sweetness. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, orange Pinot Gris, Tempranillo, and Petite Sirah broaden the range. Syrah earns a particular distinction: Valcan’s 2015 vintage carries a Best of Show award from the 2019 Oregon Wine Competition.

The tasting room and wine shop are temporarily closed, so Valcan is not currently a walk-in stop for a Corvallis wine outing. Wine orders and private-event inquiries go through [email protected]; a future tasting-room location remains unannounced.