Tag Archives: Oregon pinot noir
Resilience of Oregon biodynamic winery byproduct of community
It doesn’t take many encounters with Willamette Valley winemakers to discover the real reason it was named 2016 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine. While the wine is world-class, it is the people who made the Willamette Valley what it is. It has been my observation that wine regions are successful in […]
From launch pad to crush pad: Vidon Vineyard wines take flight
The wine industry is filled with people making this highly stylized profession their second act. Not surprisingly, many of them are Type A personalities who crave the craftsmanship and personalization that come with the vintner designation. Alas, it is true that you can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the […]
Seufert Winery shines with single vineyard focus
If you didn’t see the August cover of Oregon Wine Press, check it out here. It features Tiny Vacay including Dayton’s own The Vintages; a retro trailer neighborhood within the heart of wine country. This RV resort has even more going for it than The Vintages neighborhood. Just outside the gated perimeter is a foot […]
Youngberg Hill magical romantic escape
Let’s play the Willamette Valley version of six degrees of separation. Youngberg Hill, the destination winery “on the hill” in McMinnville, was planted in vines by Ken Wright in 1989—mere months before I met the man who was to be my husband. Seven years later, the first wines carrying the Youngberg Hill Vineyards label were […]
White Rose Estate stands out in a valley of worthy contenders
If you’re a winery in the Willamette Valley it can be hard to stand out unless you have a story, a niche or, frankly, just a really cool tasting room. White Rose Estate has all three bases covered. Story – Aerospace industry manufacturer pursues passion for pinot and lands on a hilltop vineyard overlooking the […]
Yamill Carlton winery is confirmation that struggle breeds strength
Years ago my husband and I entered Bologna by rental car with no GPS. After several genuine attempts to locate our accommodations and the kindness of strangers, we pulled over to call our host. When I described where we were, she proclaimed in a frantic voice softened by a melodic Italian accent, “Is impossible!” Initially, […]
Ghost Hill Cellars captivates centuries-old miner
Everybody loves a good ghost story. What better to pair it with than wines earning high marks in Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Vinous? Back in May I had the pleasure of a Ghost Hill Cellars vineyard tour courtesy of Mike Bayliss. As we rode alongside the rows of his fourth-generation farmland in his work […]
The Allure of Alloro
Rows of cypress, aromatic herbs, olive trees, a terra cotta-adorned villa and spicy wines evoke la dolce vita—the good life found in the Mediterranean climate of Italy. Thanks to the Italian heritage of one vineyard manager, this scene can also be enjoyed in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Located in the Chehalem AVA, Alloro […]
¡Salud! serves up pinot with a purpose for Silver anniversary
2016 marks the 25th anniversary of ¡Salud! and you can be sure the cuvées will be better than ever! A wildly successful program that provides healthcare for Willamette Valley vineyard workers, ¡Salud! earned this recognition by partnering with Tuality Healthcare, premier Oregon pinot noir winemakers and lovers of Oregon pinot from all walks of life. […]
Food truck phenomenon returns to WillaKenzie
For the second year in a row, WillaKenzie Estate is inviting an array of local food trucks to showcase their cuisine alongside award-winning Willamette Valley wines. Beginning Memorial Weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy culinary delights from places like Tamale Boy, 3 Guys Grilling, Big Tony Brown and the winner of Best in Show […]