Cliff Creek Cellars

Some of you enjoy Southern Oregon wines, and there are a few tasting rooms in Carlton and McMinnville to sip and sample these wines (Troon and Folin in downtown Carlton, Spangler in McMinnville).  Now Cliff Creek joins the ranks, and opened their tasting room in downtown Newberg Thanksgiving 2012. Cliff Creek has a fun tasting room in downtown Newberg located in an old bank building (pictured).  If you enjoy Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and other red blends from the south, then you might want to stop in and taste here.  My favorites were their Syrah, Red Red Wine and Cadence (port).  We did buy a case of the 2011 Red Red Wine (for $99.00) as was a great buy. Tracy was the best pourer, but all staff so friendly!  Great experience!

 

Yamhill Carlton AVA 2013 Event

This past Saturday was a huge event that is held every May where all the wineries in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA pour their wines (held at Anne Amie vineyards).  So with a huge crowd who came to taste 30 wineries/wines in one venue (for a $25 tasting fee/person to sample as many as you want), it was packed yet fun!  Many wineries present we have tasted their wines before, but some smaller boutique wineries that caught our attention and new to us:  Belle Pente, Roots Wine & Vineyards, and Big Table Farm.  All excellent wines featured our small group thought, and learned they are appointment only to taste at their vineyards.  With over 600 people attending this event, it is better to get there first thing or towards the afternoon, as too many wine enthusiasts were there all at noon it seemed, but fun to at least try once.  Kristen & Dan

Murto Vineyards/Cleo's Hill Wines

 

Yesterday Linda and I were invited to Murto Vineyard's, a local winegrower's vineyard land and home to "sample" a tour that she gives for wine enthusiasts who visit the valley. What a treat if you desire to learn more about the grape growing process--from management of the vines which starts in December, and ends after harvest time in October. So very interesting and lots of hard work, and Linda and I learned a great deal!  Robin Murto (pictured), who is co-owner of Murto Vineyard along with her husband Mike, bought their home with 8 acres in the 1990's. They had no idea what to do with the land until some first wine pioneers in the valley gave them advice to plant Pinot noir grapes (Dick Erath for one). Then several years later they bought and additional 20 acres with vines already planted that was adjacent to their property. Those vines are some of the oldest in the valley, planted in 1978. The Murto's have 5 local wineries who buy their grapes every year (the older the vines the more expensive the grapes), and they try to hold back a few rows to make some wine for their own label, Cleo's Hill.  After the tour in the vineyards (and some beautiful views to enjoy as well, bring your camera), Robin poured two Pinot noirs (2008 and 2009) and one Pinot gris which she pairs with some light bites. If this is something of interest to you, which we highly recommend, we would be more than happy to make an appointment for you. What a great way to get up close and learn firsthand from a winegrower, and a gracious and charming one at that!  No charge either, and you can buy wines after the tasting if you so desire.  Kristen & Linda

 

Bergstrom

Bergstrom Wines have probably been my favorite wines for many years. When I like practically everything that has been poured, I figure the winemaker knows what he's doing.  We learned they have a wine club of over 1400 members, which is a BIG wine club, but the winemaker and owner is known to make excellent wines in the valley. Once you taste you can see why the club is so big. They also put on fabulous events for their club members.  Wines can range from $30 to $100+, and their tasting room is a bit small, but worth the trip to taste some of the finest wines in the around (my opinion of course)!  We left with a case of their 2010 Gregory ranch ($30/bottle) of Pinot noir, and some others we just loved.    Kristen & Dan

Hyland Estates

Hyland Estates is just off Hwy 99 in Dundee, and a great place to stop to try a perfect Chardonnay.  I thought it was produced in stainless steel, my favorite usually, but learned the winemaker ages it in new french oak.  They also feature a dry Pinot gris and Reisling (winemaker likes the french style and not german (more sweet) in making these wines.  They have some great Pinot noirs as well.  Kristen & Linda

Cana's Feast - Update October 2012

Much to my disappointment in visiting the winery this past week (last there was dining on my birthday in September 2011), the winery looks as if they fired their groundskeeper.  Every plant was dead or dried up, and you'd think this was a foreclosed property and abandoned in some ways by the look of things!  "What happened" I kept asking myself, as this winery has always been outstanding including their wines.  Their chef I learned left last year (and perhaps it went downhill from there), and so they have also closed the Cucina. They pour wines now where the restaurant used to be, and even inside I was surprised how "disarry" things were.  I am not this negative normally in my reviews, but seriously, I will now be careful when sending guests there to "proceed with caution" as their wines are still delicious, but winery not so spectacular any more.  Kristen

Stoller Family Estate Vineyards - Update

 

Wow!! Stoller's new facility is a must see if you are visiting Yamhill County area wineries.  Linda and I stopped in yesterday, and as we stepped inside, their magnificent views were framed by large scale windows and an oversized "garage" glass door. We just awed at how wonderfully they built this facility to take advantage of those views! Marcus was pouring and is one of our favorites staff persons at Stoller.  He will educate you on Stoller wines, as well as hold a great converstation with you. Good job Stoller, much success in your new facility.  We will continue to send many your way, not only for your great wines, but now an incredible tasting room with views that just can't be beat.  Kristen & Linda 

Ponzi Vineyards

Ponzi Vineyards (pictured) is a bit off the beaten path off Scholl Ferry Road in Washington County, but you will also find their wines to taste at their family run Ponzi Wine Bar (open 11-5pm daily) and Dundee Bistro directly on Hwy 99 in the heart of Dundee. They have been around for some time in the Willamette Valley. Founded in 1970 Ponzi is known for producing fine Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and White Riesling, as well as Arneis and Dolcetto, two rare Italian varietals. They also have a new gravity flow, state-of-the-art wine making facility also located in Washington county, which is rarely open to the public.  But they do have an Harvest Tour this month to view the facility and enjoy food with wine for $45/person.   Kristen 

Joe Dobbes Special Wine Tour Offerings

 

Dan and I enjoyed a special treat at Joe Dobbes Winery a few months back--an informative, behind the scenes tour learning the unique way wine is made (and why some wines are more expensive than others--now we know why!)  Joe Dobbes offers several tours, and this excerpt is taken from their brochure:
"For guests seeking an intimate and educational wine experience, Dobbes Family Estate invites you to join us in our Reserve Tasting Suite to indulge in one of four distinctive seated tastings complete with a plate of cheese, charcuterie and accoutrement. Guests looking to go behind the scenes to learn about the process of winemaking from start to finish will be thoroughly impressed with our Winery Tour and Tasting." Orion, pictured, was our tour guide and host.  He was superb!  He patiently and enthusiastically answered all of our questions as we toured the facility. We ended our time tasting wine paired with delicious food.  Fun experience, and we highly recommend this tour if you will be visiting Oregon's wine country.  Inquire with us if you will be coming to stay, and we will make an appointment for you as they do need at least 24 hours notice.   Kristen & Dan

Le Cadeau

 

Le Cadeau is a neighbor of the Inn we just discovered, but Tom & Deb Mortimer cultivated their dream vineyard in the Chehalem AVA back in 1997.  Another reason we may not have heard about them is they have a large fan base back east where they distribute a lot of their wines (they are from Minneapolis but full-time Oregonians now).  Le Cadeau is only open to the public Labor Day weekend (and by private appointment all other times).  Dan and I made sure we got over there this weekend to meet Tom & Deb, who were gracious and informative hosts.  Le Cadeau features only Pinot noir with price points between $50-85, higher end but all smooth and wonderful.  Here is some perspective they have for making wines as taken from their website: "We showcase various attributes of the vineyard – clones, soils, and “aspect” – by bottling small production cuvees from different sections of the vineyard".... and "great Pinot noir is made in the vineyard."  And if you want to learn more about how a vineyard is formed, they have a great short or long version story of planting their vineyard on their website with photos.  Those of you who love a good Pinot noir (Raptor Ridges' winemaker is one winemaker they use to make their wines) that either you can drink right away or allow to cellar for some time, then call to make appointment to taste their wines at the vineyard (pictured).   Kristen

Durant Vineyards

Durant has a new and beautiful tasting room, and located in one of the best areas in Dayton (just past Sokol Blosser on Hwy 99).  Durant is surrounded by these wineries--Vista Hills, Winters Hill, De Ponte, White Rose, Domaine Serene and Drouhin--one could spend a day just tasting on this hill.  Durant has outdoor seating to enjoy the views, and if you are so inclined, bring a lunch with you (however, in late August we brought lunch and many bees joined us--not fun).  Durant features different winemakers who make their wine but they grow their own grapes on the estate (like Bella Vida Vineyards model).  Their wines seem to be more dry to my palette, and feature Pinot Gris, Noir and Rose for tasting.  Durant Vineyards owns Red Ridge Farms which is a short walk next door with herbs, plants, garden accessories and more for sale.  Red Ridge Farms is known for making olive oil, so for something different and fun, walk to Red Ridge Hills for a yummy olive oil tasting after wine tasting (or vice versa!).  Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Kristen

Bella Vida Vineyards

Bella Vida Vineyards has a new and spectacular building that captures the most amazing views of the Willamette Valley.  It is all just breathtaking, and I believe their wines, views and building showcase some of the best in Oregon's wine country.  I have always loved their wines, so was excited to finally get back there to taste and see the new tasting room. Steven and Allison Whiteside are the owners of Bella Vida Vineyards, and we were graciously welcomed by Allison upon arrival (which is rare to see the owner behind the counter pouring wines!).  Allison explained to us their "Three Winemakers - One Vineyard" model--Bella Vida makes their wines from their estate grapes but uses three different winemakers to make their wines.  So we started with their yummy 2011 Pinot "Gris-Ling,"(blend of Pinot Gris and Reisling), then tasted three 2009 Pinot noirs.  My favorite (and now on my favorite wines list) was the 2009 Tardy Pinot noir (winemaker at Torii Mor made this one), which we bought a bottle, and also a bottle of the Pinot Gris.  The winery was busy, but Allison made you feel like you were the only ones there.  She was warm and hospitable interacting with all of us, and sharing some personal stories of her own.  Make sure this is a must stop while you are here in Oregon's wine country. You won't be disappointed.  I hope they update their website soon with photos to reflect just how beautiful and wonderful it all is!   Kristen & Dan

 

Van Duzer Vineyards

Beautiful winery with miles of views to enjoy while sipping wine, Van Duzer Vineyards is about 5 miles outside of Amity heading south on Hwy. 99 to Salem.  They have a wide selection of wines including Pinot noir, Gris, Rose, Rieslings, Port and even a Cabernet.  You can find some of their wines at grocery stores as well.  The wines are exquisite and more expensive, but worth the trip.  So, if you are heading south and you plan to visit Coehlo, Bethel Heights and Left Coast Cellars, make sure you don't miss Van Duzer on this trip.  They are a little more off the beaten path up a long gravel road, but the day we visited the winery was full of club members picking up wine (so they do drive out there to get it!).  So bring a lunch with you, or stop in downtown Amity first to the quaint Amity Food & Coffee house to pick up some edibles to enjoy with a bottle of Van Duzer wine (or any of these wineries mentioned above--Left Coast Cellars also has a cafe inside it).   Kristen & Dan

Beckham Estate Vineyard

Beckham Estate Vineyard is a small family run winery just around the corner from the Inn.  Andrew & Andrea Beckham (pictured) planted their vineyard in 2005, and all wines are made from their estate grapes.  They currently feature three Pinot Noirs and one Rose. Andrew also is a potter of Raku ware, a form of Japanese pottery.  It is beautiful and for sale at their quaint tasting room.  Very friendly people!  Bring a lunch and enjoy a bottle of wine and views.  Open Saturdays 11am to 5pm, and by appointment all other days of the week.  Kristen & Dan

De Ponte Cellars

Dan and I were first introduced to De Ponte Cellars (sounds like Doo Ponte) at The Painted Lady restaurant last year.  Their wine made such an impression, we knew we had to visit the winery at some point.  Their tasting room is in a great location where you could take one day to visit all the wineries on this hill including De Ponte--Vista Hills, White Rose, Winters Hill, Domaine Drouhin & Serene.  De Ponte is now open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm with a $10 tasting fee. We enjoyed the many areas to sit, relax and sample their wines, and one spot for a picnic lunch with bottle of wine is pictured--super views!   Tasting staff are very nice and hospitable, and well worth the trip.  You will find mostly Pinot noir here, but we did taste a Rose as well.  We left with a bottle of 2009 Dundee Hills Pinot noir.  Kristen & Dan

Bethel Heights Vineyards

Beautiful winery on the outskirts of Amity, Bethel Heights Vineyards is a recommended "must go" if you are tasting out the this way on back roads to Salem.  I realized on this trip that I need to steer guests to Amity and beyond as there are fantastic wineries that would take a whole day of tasting.  So here's my recommended route:  first stop at Coehlo Winery in downtown Amity, then head to Bethel Heights (bring your lunch, purchase a bottle of wine, and sit outside and enjoy the amazing views).  Next up, Zenith Vineyard (St. Innocent wines are poured here). Then head back west to Van Duzer (another winery with great views).  Lastly stop in at Left Coast Cellars if you have not had a bite to eat as they have a small cafe inside their winery.  All these wineries are less travelled with smaller crowds, and tasting room staff are hospitable and helpful as you can talk with staff without lots of people to compete with.  Bethel Heights wines were delicious yet more expensive, but worth the trip. We left with a 2008 Estate Pinor Noir (Justice Vineyard).  I would have bought more if I could afford them!   Kristen & Dan

Left Coast Cellars

Left Coast Cellars is near Firesteed out near Amity. Turn right into their gated entrance off Hwy 99E, and you'll drive along a VERY long paved driveway to their tasting room (they also share a driveway with a boutique winery, Johan). The grounds are beautiful.  The tasting room has a cafe inside, and a bar to taste where they currently feature three Pinot noirs, one Pinot blanc and a Rose. We also had our daughter with us this day (very hard to go tasting with a child for sure) but they told us they are very child friendly, which is highly unusual for a winery. The tasting room is large with outdoor and indoor seating to dine and wine.  Staff are great and friendly, too.  Kristen & Dan

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Firesteed

Firesteed is located just south of Amity on your way to Monmouth on Hwy 99E.  It's a beautiful drive to the winery, but make sure you first stop at Coehlo (in downtown Amity) before heading out to Left Coast Cellars, Johan, Van Duzer and Firesteed wineries (all within close proximity of each other).  I've seen Firesteed's label in grocery stores (pictured), and wanted to give them a try.  So, we tasted several Pinot noirs, but my favorite was their 2007 (smooth and no "tanniny" taste) for $30, which we bought a bottle.  This Pinot was first "oaked" then put in stainless steel, a process I had not heard of before.  Surprisingly, they also feature a red blend with grapes from Washington, Cavalla, that costs $6.99.  Yes, $6.99.  We scooped up two of those.  Tasting employees said this wine, and a great Chardonnay we tasted as well, are their biggest sellers.  Another surprise was this big winery and vineyards--the tasting room has no windows to view the property.  I don't understand why anyone would design a tasting room in beautiful green Oregon with no windows (White Rose winery--another one of those tasting rooms which has THE best property views--also has no windows?!?) Anyway, the staff at Firesteed were very nice and knowledgeable...and perhaps worth the drive for a $6.99 bottle of wine.  Kristen & Dan

SineAnn Winery

Their wine was first introduced to Dan and I at a local  event a few years back.  Between SineAnn and Duke wines (which I have yet to blog about), were the stand out wines at this event (I tend to remember memorable wines at these type of things!).  So recalling this fabulous experience, we learned they were open at Thanksgiving at the winery, so we didn't want to miss out.  There were over 10 plus wines to taste (Medici wines were also pouring) in their renovated barn like structure.  We had a great time tasting with generous pours, and we left with two SineAnn bottles in hand.   
   
Normally you need to call in advance to taste at the winery itself (on the side of a hill with nice views), or you can sample at the Dark Horse tasting room near downtown Newberg.  I prefer the winery to taste, which you may be able to meet the winemaker which makes it more special I think.  But either way, I'm sure you will also leave with a bottle or two in hand as well.  Kristen

WildAire Cellars

WildAire Cellars tasting room is located in downtown Carlton.  Dan and I stopped in briefly before a dinner a Cana's feast to try their wines (free tasting which is not the norm).  We enjoyed our visit with the owner, Matthew (pictured), whom he and is wife, Jean, we learned are the two solely running and producing their wines in this small boutique shop.  We bought a bottle of their 2008 Timothy Pinot noir, but now it sold out so we can't recommend you try that one, but there could be one among the many they produce you may like.  Kristen