Helioterrra's Inaugural Release is a Reason to Party

With the number of Oregon wineries popping up quicker than mushrooms, and no one really seeming to know how many there actually are anymore, another one bursts onto the scene. I've been a fan of Anne Hubatch's since she was winemaker at Apolloni Vineyards in Forest Grove. Now she's a consulting winemaker for Apolloni, as well as a few other brands, a social media guru and has created quite a splash in Portland with her new private label, Helioterra Wines.

This Saturday, from 12-5pm, sample the wine and
celebrate Helioterra’s Open House Release Party. 

The grand premiere will feature tastings of 
Helioterra’s 2009 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 
and 2009 Vintner’s Select Pinot Noir. 

To sweeten the deal, Vincent Wine Company, another intriguing newcomer 
on the wine scene, will be previewing his 2009 Pinot Noirs, and as if that’s not 
enough firsts, Hubatch will also be showing wines from her co-operative 

and covert venture, *Guild Winemakers.

Open House Release Party

Saturday, September 18th

Noon to 5pm

At the winery:

2621 NW 30th Ave.

Portland, OR 97210

The name Helioterra symbolizes Oregon’s state gemstone Heliolite (also known as Sunstone) and is the combination of the Greek words helio and terra, meaning sun and earth. It was inspired by the inherent relationship between the sun, the earth and the vine—all precursors for fine wine.

Hubatch produced nearly 400 cases in her inaugural 2009 vintage, which she describes as “a grounded, honest expression of her winemaking style, reflecting feminine sensibilities," at Boedecker and Grouchau Cellars’ Portland Wine Project… a sunstone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland and miles from any vineyards. Hubatch selects fruit from Apolloni, Buckhaven and Domaine Coteau Vineyards and ultimately aims to deliver premium wines without top-tier prices. Hubatch plans to release a Pinot Blanc and Syrah next spring, and though she is considering distribution, right now she's focusing on sales in her own backyard.

*I'm about to expose a deep, dark and juicy secret about the Guild Winemakers brand, so shhhhhhh! Promise that you won't tell a soul; we wouldn't want word getting out about how Guild puts the emphasis on value-driven Oregon wines. The Guild White (which is predominantly Pinot Gris) retails for $12.00 a bottle, while the Guild Red, retailing for a very affordable $13.00 a bottle, is a Rhone-style blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Counoise. With case discounts on top of the great price, they're practically paying you to drink it!

Case discounts will offered for all three brands and if futures were ordered, they’ll be available for pick-up. Click here for more information or to RSVP.  Follow Helioterra Wines on Twitter here or friend them on Facebook here.

I look forward to sipping with you on Saturday!

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