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