Behind the Wine Label - Part 2

Personality can be defined as the evident traits in one’s character as it impresses another. To say that every wine embodies its own personality would not be a bold enough statement. How each winemaker influences their wine’s personality is reminiscent of parent’s influence on some of the personality traits of their child. Each wine may start from the same place, but both nature and nurture will predict the qualities it expresses in the end.

In the second part of the Behind the Wine Label series, we’ll take a closer look at some of Oregon’s male winemakers and how they’re imprinting their personality stamp on their wines. Read more about these impressive and memorable personalities here.

40 Miles of World-Class Wine - Columbia Gorge Passport Weekend

Upon leaving the Preview Grand Tasting for the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Passport Weekend this past Monday, what I came away with (besides very purple teeth) was a sense of urgency to visit all the wineries I’ve not yet visited and an overall positive impression of a region that’s doing more than just one thing right.

What really struck me, besides all the great wines and food from Nora’s Table, was how several of the wineries have taken alternative approaches to traditional packaging. Naked Winery, for example, has produced a line of wines in recycled and recyclable plastic bottles that’s simply perfect for summer outings called Outdoor Vino (you might have even already seen this wine on the "Bad Tattoo" episode of Portlandia). Quenett Winery is making Copa de Vino, single servings of wine available in plastic cups that allow imbibers to toast life where ever they go, and Springhouse Cellars has been putting their wine in reusable growler-like glass bottles, reducing the amount of new bottles they use as well as offering their patrons a substantial savings on the wine.

Though there were many standouts at the Passport Preview Tasting, several wineries left an indelible imprint on my palate. In fact, one was so good, I had to ignore the "It's Hip to Spit" cup in my hand and ask for a glass to enjoy after I tasted everything else. Though I truly enjoyed a variety of wonderful wines that day, the following is a list of the ones that really spoke to me:

AlmaTerra Wines - 2007 Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre

Aniche Cellars – 2010 Sirius (a co-fermented Barbera and Zinfandel)

COR Cellars – 2009 Malbec

Jan Mark Cellars – 2010 Chardonnay

Marchesi Vineyards – 2009 Barbera

Maryhill Winery – 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

Memaloose Wines – 2009 Cabernet Franc and 2009 Grenache/Syrah/Viognier

Phelps Creek - 2009 Cuvée Alexandrine

Quenett Winery – 2010 Chardonnay and 2009 Zinfandel

Syncline – 2011 Rosé (Sinsault/Mouvedre/Counoise/Carignon)

The Pines 1852 – 2008 Big Red (a gorgeous blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel for just $16)

Viento – NV Brut Rosé (my hands down favorite of the day, a gorgeous sparkler of Pinot Noir and Riesling)

Waving Tree - 2008 Barbera

Wy’East Vineyards – 2011 Pinot Gris

For just $15, you’ll enjoy a variety of benefits from each participating winery, such as waived tasting fees, barrel tastings, library tastings, food and generous discounts on purchases (with potential savings up to $800!). The Passport Weekend spans two states and affords wine lovers an opportunity to discover a “World of Wine in 40 Miles” while learning what makes this region both unique and special.

With 26 wineries participating, and April marking the beginning of prime wildflower viewing in the scenic Gorge, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of the season and journey to the Columbia Gorge for Passport Weekend (April 13^th-15^th). Visit their website for more information and to purchase your Passport to fun.

Latest List of Top 10 Favorite Oregon Wineries

Please, I beg you.

Quit asking me this question.

Seems whenever someone finds out I’m in the wine industry or hears of my blog, their first question to me invariably is “So, what’s your favorite Oregon winery?” I wonder whether they’re just trying to make polite conversation or trying to avoid doing any research for themselves. While I often say, "Read my blog and find out for yourself," (the word "lazy ass" might occasionally cross my mind but never my lips), I also realize that my post about my favs is also rather dated. So, as a New Year's gift to my handful of readers (and to myself, if it means one less person asks me this annoying question), I give to you my newest compilation of Top 10 Favorite Oregon Wineries. And as evidenced by the fact that my former Top 10 list has practically tied for the most visited page on my blog, (along with this one, but sadly for a whole other reason altogether), I hope the gift is appreciated and enjoyed. While several of the wineries on my previous Top 10 still remain some my all-time favorites (like De Ponte and Lenne), a few new ones have crept onto the list as well… all are well worth the visit.

1.     Colene Clemmens

2.     JK Carriere

3.     Cristom

4.     Christopher Bridge

5.     Anne Amie Vineyards

6.     Solena Grand Cru

7.     Owen Roe

8.     White Rose

9.     Patton Valley Vineyards 

10. SoterVineyards

Top 10 Favorite Wineries to Chill Out in Summer

This weekend's summer-like weather in Oregon reminded me that the warm season has probably already set in, perhaps even taking a choke hold around much of the country. As I continued my winery trek, with blue skies and a warm glowing sun finally accompanying me, it dawned on me how many people might now be looking for the optimum places to hang out and soak up some of this yummy sunshine while sipping some of the best wine around. Since I've already done so much of the legwork, allow me to share with you the following list of what I think are some of Oregon's best-kept secret winery outdoor spaces:

1. Bethel Heights

2. Adelsheim Vineyard

3. Cana's Feast Winery

4. Winderlea Wine Company

5. Vista Hills Vineyard

6. Elk Cove Vineyards

7. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars

8. Van Duzer Vineyards

9. Stoller

10. Anne Amie Vineyards

Though the season is typically not too long (summer really doesn't take hold until July in Oregon), the state takes its summer sunshine seriously. This list is just a sampling of the many great tasting rooms with lovely patios and decks to absorb scenic vineyard and valley views. Dig into my list of wineries and find out which ones are doing up the season just right, you'll find Bocce, disc golf, luncheons, bruncheons, views, music, hikes and much, much more. Summertime, and the living is easy. Until we sip again…

Cheers!