Tag Archives: Willamette Valley wine
Clark County transplant managing balancing act with wine and family
After years of following, Pam Walden, owner/winemaker of Willful Wine Company, is leading and her graceful confidence is contagious. A relative newcomer to Vancouver, Washington, Clark County wasn’t specifically on her radar. When I asked her how she ended up on the North Bank, her response was honest and unapologetic. “Some guy,” she laughed. “I […]
Tasting blind: a fun way to test your wine skills
If the phrase ‘blind wine tasting’ sends shivers down your spine and conjures up inadequate feelings reminiscent of your SAT test then you haven’t enjoyed a chill NW blind tasting. “The blind tasting event started on a whim,” said Ben Stuart, winemaker at Burnt Bridge Cellars in Vancouver, Washington. “The idea literally hit about 15 […]
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 […]
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 […]
McMinnville rolls out new wine passport program
Over 500 wineries is a daunting number even for the most ardent wine fan so it’s nice when visitor centers take some of the guess work out of a few days of exploration. Just in time for the unofficial start of summer, Visit McMinnville has rolled out the Wine Walk. A passport program highlighting 20 […]
Oregon winegrowers repairing the reputation of a noble grape
Some like it lightly oaked, others prefer a bright and lively acidity. We’re talking about chardonnay and before you say “I do not like chardonnay”, keep in mind that overly-oaked chardonnay has been all but lost to feathered bangs, jelly shoes and scrunchies. That’s right, there are trends—even in wine making— that sometimes just do […]
Simple wine and food pairing tips to try at home
It happens at every wine tasting event; someone puts a glass to their lips to try what is touted to be a phenomenal representation of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon. Expectations are high and then quickly dashed as the liquid mixes in their mouth and lingers on their palate. Egad, it might even be spit out! […]
Willamette Valley pinot noir supports African farmers
Over Thanksgiving weekend 2015 a very special Willamette Valley pinot noir, destined to improve the lives of families thousands of miles away, was released. Every purchase of 2013 Grow Africa Pinot Noir supports the work of Grow International in West Africa. Grow International—the parent company—was founded by family man and agriculture advocate, Jerry Tindall. His […]
Meet the wine pro: Making wine her second act
The inquisitive side of local wine consultant Lynda Lathrop makes her immediately likable. For all her knowledge, there’s no snobbery and she can find value in a $10 bottle of Trader Joe wine as effortlessly as she can a Napa Valley cabernet but her palate for vino was not developed until later in life. “I […]
Chateau Bianca Winery
My husband and I spent last Friday and Saturday in the Willamette Valley with our closest friends celebrating her birthday and we had a terrific time. The stand-out winery for me was Chateau Bianca which is located in Dallas, Oregon. Our pourer, Rick, spent a lot of time with us and Chateau Bianca […]