A Gift for Every Wine Lover on Your List

Don’t panic this holiday season; the perfect gift is actually out there. For oenophiles who want to take their grape love to the gifting level, here’s a list of carefully chosen wine-related gifts. Each item is crafted with wine in mind by Oregon artisans. A bottle, gift pack or gift certificate for a tasting from any of the region’s finest wineries is surely appreciated, but a creative wine gift might just put you down in history as the best gift giver ever. Be forewarned, you’ll forever be expected to gift über cool presents. Are you ready for the challenge? Read more in 1859 Magazine here…

Big News From Argyle Winery

Press Release:

ARGYLE REBRANDS, SETS STAGE FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Winery Expands Production as Next Generation Winemaker Takes the Reins 

DUNDEE, Ore. – Nov. 14, 2013 – For the first time in its 26-year history, Argyle Winery is unveiling new labels that set a dramatic tone for the winery’s products and better visually connect its award-winning sparkling and still wines under a unified brand. In response to and in anticipation of future growth, the company is also expanding production with the purchase of a larger facility as Nate Klostermann assumes the day-to-day head winemaking role under the watch of founding winemaker Rollin Soles.

Branding Conveys Argyle’s Quality

Elegant and contemporary, the winery’s new labels reflect the attention to detail in Argyle’s winemaking as well as offer customers better visual cues for choosing wines from the trusted brand.

Argyle’s clean new look and progressive series approach make wine selection easy:

• Wines with a single diamond on the label are part of the Grower Series, paying tribute to Argyle’s history as growers first, farming more than 400 acres in the Willamette Valley.
• Wines with two diamonds distinguish the Artisan Series, which features select wines representing the best examples of the specific craft of Argyle’s viticulture and winemaking for sparkling and still wines.
•  Wines with three diamonds signify the Master Series, simply Argyle’s best wines – only the rarest, most age-worthy wines made in small quantities often from single vineyards. 

“For the first time since our humble beginning, we are introducing new packaging that conveys Argyle’s quality,” said Chris Cullina, Argyle’s director of sales and marketing. “The naming series is based on the story of our land, people and tradition of winemaking, and the new graphics help consumers distinguish our different wines at first sight.”

Response to the new labels from distributors and key accounts has been overwhelmingly positive. They welcome the heightened sophistication and believe the packaging’s elegance and refinement rings true to the nature of Argyle’s wines.

New Production Facility For Maintaining Quality

Starting in 2014, Argyle will house its winemaking and cellaring operations in a new facility in Newberg, Ore., that allows the winery to maintain its sparkling wine production while providing room for growth.

“As the popularity of our sparkling wine has grown, so has our need for more space,” said Klostermann. “Bottle fermenting all of our sparkling wines, allowing them to age on proprietary yeasts for three to 10 years, requires more room.”

The new production facility, housed in a former manufacturing building, keeps with Argyle’s tradition of repurposing existing buildings and will allow the winery to continue expanding production from its current capacity of 50,000 cases. The popular tasting room will remain in the historic Victorian farmhouse that previously was Dundee’s town hall.

Collaboration Continues

Nate Klostermann assumed the role of head winemaker in February 2013 after eight years under the mentorship of founding winemaker Rollin Soles. An enologist respected for his acute palate and attention to detail, Klostermann is a recognized expert in blending still and complex sparkling wines. Soles will continue working with Klostermann on viticulture and winemaking, signing off on all wines before they are bottled. Klostermann also collaborates with vineyard manager Allen Holstein and his staff of skilled vineyard stewards, many who have been with the company for more than 20 years.

Argyle has been handcrafting fine wines since 1987, when it was founded to produce ‘method champenoise,’ vintage sparkling wine in Oregon. Today, Argyle not only produces some of the finest vintage American sparkling wines, it also crafts world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Its wines are available at the fine restaurants, wine shops and select grocers, as well as online. For more information, go to www.argylewinery.com.

Contact: Matthew Domingo

(503) 231-3086

matthew@maxwellpr.com

Unique Oregon Wines That Surprise

“The only thing that should surprise me here is that some things still surprise me.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Okay, so who doesn't like a good surprise? There are few things in life more delicious than a pleasantly unexpected experience or one that exceeds your expectations. When I drink a glass of wine and discover it exists in this happy place that lies somewhere between my predictions, assumptions and reality—I realize how much I love surprises.

To be honest, not many wines surprise me these days. But when they do, it’s not something I keep to myself. The following wines are non-Pinot noir jaw-droppers that I must confess recently left me marveling at the wonder and brilliance of Oregon wine. Read my article in 1859 Magazine for my surprising wine picks.