Big surprise at local wineries

Posted on December 18, 2012 by storiesbygary

Had a really pleasant weekend including a visit to one of my local favorite wineries, Reustle Vineyards. Got an email from them telling me about this weekend, and what was going on in their “cave” this last weekend before the Holidays start.

Two things stuck me head on, Stephen and Gloria always put on quite a wine / food pairing with their new releases, and I didn’t have any plans for the day. And away I went.

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Arriving at Reustle Vineyards, I wasn’t to surprised at the fact that everywhere you looked there were cars and trucks parked, and swarms of wine sippers coming and going. You see, if you have never been there before, when you finally get the chance, you will find that not only are the wines awesome but they owners as well. Friendly, hospitable, with a world class “Cave” tasting room, or I should say rooms. They created this underground cave, with multiple rooms, private tasting rooms as well as a grand chamber with long tables. All wine tastings are always paired with food for you to truly enjoy the flavors of each wine. All I can say is that it is a pretty fine tasting experience.

 

So there I was looking for a parking space, and as luck would have it I found one in a small lot where the employees park, knowing that I am a good friend of this winery, so no worries with the spot. They actually had a major waiting line inside for seating, which was also not surprising, one which I managed to breach a bit.

 

To my surprise and pleasure, while waiting to be seated, in walks a wonderful lady Sally Jarrett and her son and daughter in law. Sally was a neighbor of mine for five years when I first moved to Oregon. Sally and I could tell some stories about life on Singing Waters Lane, but maybe that’s for another story. I will say that we had an experience one day, when I opened a bottle of wine she had in her basement, a very old bottle from France if memory serves me right. What a marvelous example of high dollar vinegar that was.

 

As luck would follow us tom our table, and placed us all together for our wine experience. The tastings and food pairings proceeded, and as usual I had my favorites. They were presenting their newly released 2010 Syrah Reserve with a dark ruby color, with blackberry and black currant on your nose and mid-palate. I found a hint of black pepper and a good bite of tannins, which over time will mellow and soften, making this a strong life partner, well, at least a few years. I have to add that with this Syrah, I had some of the tastiest barbequed pork ribs I have had in some time.

 

Next place of honor is something I fell in love with years ago after tasting it for the very first time at Reustle Vineyards, their Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian grape, grown and produced at Reustle. Reustle Winery was one of four vineyards that I know of in the United States producing this grape, and the first to produce in quantity to market. What they had just released, and I was tasting, their 2011 Grüner Veltliner Reserve, with pear, apple and hints of white pepper, and a minerality to it as it passes your mid-palate. Quite surprising, this rich tasting white has length one would expect only with a great red, but there it is, every time I sip some. I find this wine quite enjoyable with a host of seafood and Asian specialties. Whenever my wife prepares our fresh Alaskan Halibut, she always expects Grüner Veltliner on the table, at least one to two bottles. And she is absolutely correct in this pairing.

 

So there you go, and experience in Oregon wines, wineries and food, and another place for you to visit in the great state of Oregon.

 

Cheers,

 

Gary

 

 

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“Life is Good” if you make it so..

Posted on December 14, 2012 by storiesbygary

My birthday has come and gone again, celebrated with my wife a couple evenings ago. Although I don’t look at them as being very special anymore, when I am able to spend it with my wife, it is always special. She had asked me if I wanted to go out to dinner somewhere special for the occasion. That was pretty sweet of her, along with the fact that IMO, there are only two restaurants worthy of that description in my whole county !

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Instead I opted for a relaxing dinner at home, in front of the fireplace, with a bottle of Sparkling Wine from one of my favorite wineries, Argyle in the Oregon Willamette Valley. I just happen to have twenty or thirty of them in the wine cellar for emergencies like this.,

When asked what I wanted to have, my reply was simple, fresh Oregon Dungeness Crab. It’s in season, it’s my favorite, and its my choice, right ? Off she went to town returning later that day with a very large bag, containing, Oregon Dungeness Crab, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and a Lobster Tail ! Happy Birthday she says, with a big smile, as she explains they were all brought in fresh, and on sale, something she, like many other wives can’t resist.

I got a roaring fire going, water boiling, while she made a kick ass salad ! Just sayin. Clarifying butter, and getting my two Rottewiellers to calm down by the fire, while putting some “luv toons” on the sterio. With the Argyle on ice, I entered my inner sanctum, the wine cellar, for something for us to enjoy, pre sparkling dinner.

I came across a bottle of St. Francis Winery of Sonoma, California 2009 Wild Oak Chardonnay I had purchased on our last visit. Now, there are multiple rows of St Francis Zinfandels in there, because it is both of our favorite in the world. I rarely have any other wines from there, not because they aren’t fantastic, just that I have so many Chardonnay’s from other great wineries.

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I remembered that while tasting at their winery, I had been pleasantly surprised and pleased with the nose and mouth of this oaked Chardonnay. It displayed the true expression of what a Chardonnay should exhibit, after a swirl, pear, honeydew and butterscotch on the nose. Following this it presented itself with crispness on the palate with peaches, apple and sudden zest of citrus note. The oak on both nose and palate was not overpowering and enough to enhance the flavor of this fine Chardonnay.

This was what I wanted at that moment, to enjoy while preparing the feast ahead of us. Bringing it from the cellar brought a smile and nod of approval from “The Boss”, and a quick chilling to the proper temperature of 47 degrees F., and off to the glasses for a toast, sip and swallow.

By the time (about a half an hour or so) the shellfish was ready to plate, we were at the end of that bottle of Chardonnay, and ready for the “bubbly” and dinner. Let it be said that when a plan comes together, the wines are at proper temp, the shellfish is cooked to perfection, and the best woman in the world is at your side,

Life is Good.

Cheers,

Gary

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Hate Me if ya want ! that’s just my opinion !

Posted on December 12, 2012 by storiesbygary

As I draw to the end of 2012 I find myself thinking of all the great things that happened to me this year, the people I met and new friends I now have. The places I traveled to in 2012, three weeks in Hawaii with my lovely wife Marsha, San Diego where my Brother in Law Michael and I proceeded to spend hours with a keg of “Stella” at the Hotel Del Coronado, and many other wonderful trips.

French, American and Australian WineMaker Tastings of 8 wines

French, American and Australian WineMaker Tastings of 8 wines

However, it is the new and sometimes not new but still exciting wine events I attended this year that I am enjoying pleasant thoughts and smiles over today. Every year there are so many wine and or food events worldwide that I have to choose carefully of which to attend. We here in the Pacific Northwest, and lets face it, the West Coast in general, are extremely lucky, because no matter what anyone says, you can grow grapes almost anywhere in the US, but out here, we produce the best wines, IMHO. Hate me if you want, but that’s just how I feel about it.

I was very lucky and honored this year to attend the International Pinot Noir Conference in McMinnville, Oregon, an opportunity not to be missed if given the chance. The Seafood and Wine Festivals in both Newport and Astoria, Oregon, The McMinnville Sip, not to leave out the special “By Invite Only” tastings in the Oregon Willamette Valley of soon to be released Pinot Noir’s. and a plethora of others.

For 2013 I believe it’s time again to visit some other western states and events, in addition to a few I really enjoy here in Oregon, pretty much listed above. Aspen Colorado has beckoned me for years to their wine and food event, and I believe this could be the year. Another event that I have longed to attend, I have finally put into motion and will be attending, the ZAP Wine 3 Day Event in San Francisco this year. For those of you not familiar with this one, it is all about Zinfandel, my passion.

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I was unable to attend the St Francis Winery Zinfandel European Cruise this year because of a conflict. But I will not allow any conflict’s for the Zap this year, that you can count on. A funny thing, well actually serious, I was actually hired to write a magazine article on the Europe Wine Cruise, even thought I didn’t attend. After interviewing attendees, speakers as well as staff from the cruise line and St Francis Winery, I believe I will attend the next one for sure.

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Another plan in the works is three weeks traveling Montana, and then Western Canada, and the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. No, not a wine tour of Montana silly ! Thats all Fly Fishing, but British Columbia, why thats wine and fly fishing both.

So, what wine events are you planning to attend in you world next year. With wineries and wine events in almost every state now, there is sure to be one happening in your neck of the woods. These events are almost always fun, not to expensive (usually), and a great way to socialize and learn about wine.

So ask around, or research your area, or where you will be traveling, and have a little fun. But above all, do it safely.

Stay Thirsty my Friends,

Gary

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“What the Hell did Ya Put in the @@@ Pasta?!!!)

Posted on December 11, 2012 by storiesbygary

crabToday is one of the two days of the year that are well into becoming traditional special event menu days for myself and love of my life. The “other day” would be Christmas Day, one that over the years was always shared with family, but we like others have found that as families age, families get smaller.

Now that we have both lost our parents, and siblings live in other parts of the country, and are involved with siblings and friends, we find we have each other to enjoy the piece and quiet of enjoying some things on our own.

That brings me to this year and the first major “alone together” holiday of Christmas. Without the family around and just us two on our ranch in Southern Oregon this year, my wife is planning on putting up a few decorations, nothing special. I on the other hand, plan to surprise her this weekend, bringing home or maybe from the ranch, a Christmas Tree for us to decorate this weekend. Yep ! Guaranteed to put a smile on her face, and some joy in her heart.

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I already discussed Christmas Dinner with her, and as I have done before, I am having two very large and delicious Whole Maine Lobsters shipped overnight to arrive for the boiling pot of water.

But enough of that, and on to a more current issue, today is my birthday ! We will as we have done over the past few years, celebrate just the two of us, in front of the fireplace, with our two Rotties. My wife is heading in to town to pick up a few pounds of Alaskan King Crab, one of my all time favorites for dinner tonight. Yum !

Now to the “meat” of this article, wine ! With the holidays rushing towards us, many tables will have seafood as a choice for family dinners. Seafood you say ? I remember well the first time many years ago, when invited to my little brother Greg’s house for Christmas Day Dinner, my entire family, as well as his new family on his wife’s side, up from New York City. A serious, traditional Italian Family.

When they served the home made pasta, in a monster bowl, complete with homemade sauce, well, my Mom was a bit surprised, but hell, she loved pasta, and after all, dinner was made by a Italian Family, pasta ? what a big suprise. However, when the bowl got to her, and she used tongs and a monster spoon to serve her pasta, out came a giant crab claw ! Her exclamation “What the hell did you put in the@@@ pasta?” didn’t go over so well, but I won’t go there. Needless to say, never be surprised to find seafood or shellfish on the holiday menu.

So, what wines go best with this king of holiday menu, whether it’s seafood with pasta, seafood on it’s own, or with whatever.

My own personal “FAV’ is always a Sparkling Wine, such as Gloria Ferrer Brut from Northern California. Not only a great tasting sparkling to celebrate with, also pairs well with most shellfish. My second choice, not only an excellent wine, but from an excellent winery here in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is Argyle Winery Sparkling wines, served quite often in the White House.

If you are in a “fizz free zone”, then perhaps a bottle of Ponzi Pinot Gris from the Willamette Valley, or maybe a bottle of King Estate’s Pinot Gris, another of my personal favorites. And don’t overlook a really good Dry Riesling because it will really accent the crab. A local favorite for me here in Southern Oregon is Terry and Sue Brandborg’s 2009 Umpqua Valley Riesling. Brandborg Winery is located in Elkton, Oregon, and can be found in many Oregon stores, as well as on line.

Although I have found, again in my humble opinion, that I adore the above wines with crab and drawn butter, but if you must enjoy a bottle of Chardonnay, then try to fine one that will have some mild sweetness and butter overtones. A choice I have seen on many a table is wines from LaCrema Winery in Northern California.

So on with the holidays, and celebrations with wine.

Clink Clink,

Gary

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Try something new, put some of Argentina on your table

Posted on December 7, 2012 by storiesbygary

 

As you browse the wine section of your favorite wine store or Albertson’s (pretty excellent selection), or even Costco, you will find more and more wines from Argentina. Over the past few years, not only have the processes used in Argentina caught up to the rest of the wine world, but major U.S. Wineries have started investing in the wineries of Argentina.

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For all time in Argentina, wine has been a staple of daily life, sipped like we sip Coke or Pepsi, which IMHO wine is mucho better for you,  and like they find, helps get you through the day.

If you have the opportunity to visit Argentina, there are specific areas and wineries that you must visit. The Salta Region of Argentina is like stepping back in time, visiting the history of wine over 180 years old.The vines here in this splendid historic vineyard region, are some of the oldest in Argentina. The original plantings were brought to Argentina from France in 1854, and were Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are still producing grapes used in today’s wines.

Bodega Coloma Winery, a  historic winery stayed within the same family until 2001 when Donald and Ursula Hess, after a few years of exploring Argentina, decided to purchase it. They had  searched the country for the perfect terroir and weather conditions for growing high quality and unique wines in this prime South American country.. They added new vines along with existing in all four vineyards, and building a state of the art wine facility with the latest technologies for production.

Argentina Malbec and Bread

When visiting Bodega Coloma Winery as it has evolved today, you will find not only the spectacular location of this winery, but also one of the seven jewels in the crown of the Hess Family Wineries around the world today. Guided tours are held every day of the week at the winery, to show you what makes this region and these wines so exceptional. Their Visitors Center with its verandas overlooking the vineyards is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine and the spectacular views. After the tour you will taste the Coloma Estates wines along with some of the other regional wines, along with something Argentina is famous for, their delicious tapas, cheeses and olives.

The wines you will taste here at this winery, produced from the grapes grown here in Argentina are spectacular. The portfolio of wines consists of Malbec Estate, Malbec Reserve both reds, and Torrontes which is the white Argentina is most famous for producing.

So during the upcoming holidays, instead of grabbing the usual selection of cabs, Syrah’s, or Chardonnay’s, why not include a bottle or two from Argentina and taste the difference.

Cheers,

Gary

 

 

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Torrontes, a delicious white for the holidays ?

Posted on December 6, 2012 by storiesbygary

With the holidays fast approaching, my thoughts always seem to bend towards what new wines can I introduce to my friends, to complement their holiday meals. This year I had the opportunity of trying a new and exciting wine for me, “Torrontes” from Argentina, which is a white grape wine, produced at high altitudes.

Argentina Vineyard

Hess  Wineries of Northern California, a well-known and respected family in the wine industry, have developed multiple wineries in recently purchased vineyards in Argentina.  Producing  some of the best Malbec coming out of that country, they also produce Torrontes, a white grape wine, that if you have the opportunity to taste, you should, and if you don’t, put it on your “Santa’s List”, and if he leaved a bottle or two under the tree for you, there will be “joy to your world !

Torrontes is the signature white wine produced in Argentina, originated in the early 1800’s. With much speculation on exact origin of this wine, there are theories that are most probable to be accurate. The first, it originated as a raisin variety planted by early Spanish Conquistadors. Second theory is based on DNA evidence, which suggests a cross between grapes of Spain, Galicia, and the Muscat of Alexandria is more popular today.

Argentina Wine Regions

This wonderful white wine, Torrontes, is enjoyed throughout Argentina , with a popularity gaining ground by exportation internationally as well.  No doubt that as the world sees more of it, and has opportunities of tasting, that its popularity will grow and it will find its place among the Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, being served and enjoyed today. Light and refreshing, with muscat undertones and with an orange blossom zesty aroma , it provides  a very refreshing warm weather wine, or one to enjoy with lighter fare of cheese, oysters, shrimp or lobster.

On the Hess Collection vineyards,  grapes for this wine are 100 % Torrontes, and are harvested by hand from vines some 30 to 60 years in age. Fermentation process is slow, controlled by select yeast, then kept at a very low temperature, and then gently transfered into stainless steel containers for approximately three months then bottled and released two months later.

The Torrontes wine will appear straw color in your glass, soft and delicate, on the nose fresh flowers, Kiwi, jasmine, lime and grapefruit, and at last fresh cut roses. Your first swirl and sip, you realize a delicate floral mouth, soft, with a nice elegant finish, forcing that smile to form, and a desire for another taste. You will find this wine to be complex and graceful for a white wine, complementing many choices in menu, from shellfish, to delicate white fish, Sushi and Asian Fusion dishes, or alone by itself, on a warm summer evening, or a holiday dinner by the fireplace.

If you can’t find this beauty in your local wine store, I for sure would contact The Hess Collection for shipment directly to your door today.

Clink Clink,

Gary

 

 

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You Mom was always right ! Booze is the only answer !

Posted on December 6, 2012 by storiesbygary

It has suddenly come to my attention that I may be “coming down with something” as my mother used to say as I wind down another day. Maybe its payment for all the partying I did last week through the weekend in Portland, but I was pretty good about keeping myself “bundled up”. 

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I had a inkling something was afoot, especially after hearing about some of the other attendees at my wife’s holiday gathering at one of the other managers home in Portland, getting sick. Thats the problem with not being a hermit, and socializing with strangers, or even friends, when it goes around, it comes around.

So as the scratchy feeling moves around in my throat, and I start having hot flashes like my wife used to complain about, and my body starts telling me, “crap is about to hit”, all I can think about is the parties planned for this next weekend ! How frickin lame is that ? Such a selfish guy I am, right ? 

So whats a guy to do, when he starts feeling a bit under the weather. I say lets look at the remedies that have worked for centuries, and maybe try them all !

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My father always swore ( quite literally) that when he felt a cold come on, sitting in a hot steamy tub, with his bottle of Jack Daniels would flush out the nasty little bugs. I have to admit that I have tried that cure many times, and found that actually I got wasted and would almost drown myself, and it never cured my cold.

Some people swear by the hot tea, lemon, honey and a shot of whisky. I actually have found somewhat of a relief from a similar blend, a cup of tea, shot (or two) of Captain Morgan 100 proof Rum, a sliver of lime and shot of Amaretto. This may not sound like it would be drinkable, but it really is nice, and has seemed to work for me.

Now our good friends from Munich offer an even sweeter deal, however not for so much for the lady involved. They highly suggest that you get a deep tissue massage, immediately followed by Chamomile tea with a spiced rum added, and then 8 hours of sleep.

 

Now the standard old fashioned “hot toddy” is one home remedy that everyone has heard of, and many have tried. Put equal parts of whisky, honey and fresh squeezed lemon in a coffee mug, and zap it in the microwave until hot but not boiling. I’m thinking that what really happens wen you get to the bottom of the cup ? Your warm, with a buzz, and there is no problem getting to drink.

The bottom line in my humble opinion, is that all colds eventually go away on their own. The things we do to get rid of them, only hope to relieve symptoms, and make a bad ride a little easier. Lots of rest, plenty of sleep, and mega fluids (water) to compensate for all the booze you have consumed to kill the cold, which probably knocks you out, is the cure.

Your Mom was always right, and to prove that, look at the container of NyQuill or other “liquid cold remedies” and you will find they are mostly alcohol. Just like your mom used.

Happy Winter All ! And to all a good night..hiccup !

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When did you last ask for some of Santa’s “Little Black Homo” ?

Posted on December 4, 2012 by storiesbygary

As I entered the tent for the first time, it was quite evident that this was to be one of my best adventures in hops, second only to a week at Octoberfest in Munich a few years ago. The scent of beer was everywhere, and the place was packed with beer guzzling guys and gals, each with their Holiday Ale Festival plastic beer mug, and packing a big smile.

 

My Kind Of Ladies

My Kind Of Ladies

I was in Portland Oregon for the 17th Annual Holiday Ale Festival. You know you’ve been a good boy this year, when your spouse buys you VIP tickets that provides you with direct access and no waiting in lines for your next pour, and that’s just want I had. The majority of beers were dark ales, high alcohol content, and really stuck to your teeth, just the way I like me beers. Not only do I have years of experience with wine, but I have also successfully created some awesome ales and stouts in my garage !

Now standing in line, trying to decide which of the 50+ beers you wanted to sample could get really challenging, with choices like “Frosty’s Revenge, “Prepare to be Boarded, Diesel #2, and “Santa’s Little Black Homo” ! (Son of Big Black Homo I am told?). All in all, there were not many of the beers that I didn’t gulp down, with maybe two exceptions, not for release. And yes, I believe I sampled every beer there, because after all, I was there for three days, and what’s a man to do with a bottomless beer glass ?

I would highly recommend that anyone who loves beer, and I mean beer with challenging tastes, should attend this beer fest or one of the many held throughout the state of Oregon and hell, the entire Pacific Northwest. We need to support our small business and the citizens who work hard to make something of themselves, especially those that give us a buzz once in a while (I guess that really includes Washington State now :-)).

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My two shall we say disappointments of this festival, was that first, there was no “Old Style German Band” playing in the background. and not one winery set up for the ladies (or “men”) who don’t drink beer, but support their guys and their lust for suds.

Cheers to you in a toast with whatever is in your hand, beer, wine, or beer.

Gary

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Why my “Cheesy Balls” taste like GOAT ?

Posted on December 3, 2012 by storiesbygary

As I walked into the back room of the kitchen store, I felt my pulse quicken, that slight nervousness combined with unknown anticipation. I would be performing in an arena of strangers, an act I had never endeavored upon before. I was about to participate in a group cooking class in the kitchen of Sur La Table in Downtown Portland, Oregon. I was excited for the new journey, but in my sub conscience  was the fact that others would be watching as I fumbled about the unknown kitchen, performing unknown deeds.

"Student Gary & Chef Ben Witten

“Student Gary & Chef Ben Witten

What began as an adventure into unknown territory, soon became an evening together with my knew friends, and an obviously excellent Chef and teacher. Chef Ben Witten. Head Chef for the Sur La Table Cooking School Ben has the ability to make everyone relax, and throughout the evening, showed us with easy and humor, how to prepare five fantastic dishes, ranging in my mind from fairly easy to technique oriented. From how to handle a chef’s knife properly to cooking with oils and making a brioche block we soon became enticed by the prospect of creating new tasty dishes.

We were paired into two’s, in my case with my lovely wife Marsha, and together in groups of fours. Each station had its own set of knives and utensils, cutting boards, as well as already prepped food items to be used in the class. As we proceeded on our adventure, each person had the experience of slicing onions, scooping liver moose into brioche blocks, or wrapping paper thin phyllo sheets with Spanish Chorizo, Fig and Chicken producing little pastries.

Lauren and Ben

Lauren and Ben

Was it fun ? You bet it was, as we were not only taught and entertained in the world of cooking, but also taken on a journey of fine wine. This class wasn’t just about cooking ! Heck no ! It was preparing dinner and pairing each course with wines from Erath Winery, one of the finest in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Lauren Morton-Farmer represented Erath, educating us on each varietal she poured us, as we prepared them. With our Chicken, Fig and Chorizo B’stilla we enjoyed Erath’s 2010 Oregon Pinot Noir. Our Moose Filled Crouton their 2010 Prince Hill Pinot Noir, the Seared Pork Belly their 2010 Bishop Creek Pinot Noir. Each of these Pinot Noir’s offered unique experiences on the palate when combined with these food choices, each an excellent mate.

I must admit that it was truly a heavenly experience for me personally, as experiencing this level of food preparation, by myself of all things, together with this level of fine wine was totally an education for me.

May I also say, that it was a supreme pleasure to me, being able to really enjoy the wines, without having to find a spit bucket !

Back to the action I just have to tell you about the delicate, elegant and delicious desert me all made, and more importantly what the class learned about serving a desert wine with desert.  We prepared from scratch, Chevre-Dark Chocolate Truffles ! Your mouth is watering already, is it not ? Very important when making these, is to always use high quality Cherve Goat Cheese, because using cheep stuff  will give you the experience of tasting a goat ! Ben also gave us some great advice in that he also uses this specialty cheese in his cheesecakes, for some awesome results.

Lastly Ben taught us that when you are serving wines with your desert choice, always choose a desert wine that is sweeter than your desert. In this case, we had the pleasure of sipping the Erath Sweet Harvest 2010 Pinot Noir, which may I say took me over the top !

As I am writing this blog, not only is my hunger growing, but I man getting excited thinking about how soon I will be again preparing all these dishes, together with my wife, and sharing with my friends. I also realized that my inventory of my wine cellar was seriously low on Erath Wines, something I will be fixing very soon.

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Oh Savanna ! A star in the world of wine

Posted on November 30, 2012 by storiesbygary

As I was seated by the host at the Wildwood Restaurant in downtown Portland, the aromas drifting from their kitchen tantalized my senses and created visions of what could soon be. As I wasn’t really there for the food so to speak, but rather a luncheon interview with the lead Sommelier, Savanna Ray, my heartbeat picked up with the thought of what wine I would soon be sipping.

A view of inside the Wildwood

When Savanna entered the room her presence was almost overpowering with a friendly, confident aura about her. We immediately engulfed ourselves in the discussion we had prepared and anticipated, wine.

In fact, the sole purpose of my visit with Savanna was for my enlightenment into the “backstage” life of the International Pinot Noir Conference “Maître d’Hôtel Sommelier’s, for an upcoming magazine article I am working on. The fact that Savanna is the “Boss Sommelier” made her the perfect person to fill me in on all the details of this elite club, with members who go through an application process for a chance to serve the attendees of this superb one of a kind Celebration of Pinot noir.

In a couple of hours I learned oh so much about what leads up to the event, how the Sommelier’s live for the four days, and why after up to twenty hour days of almost constant activity, the come back again and again each year. What I am about to tell you, the little I wish to let out of the bag, as remember, this is all for my upcoming article, should be tantalizing.

First let me tell you that these professional ladies and gentlemen travel to McMinnville Oregon from around the country, on their dime. The four days of almost non stop work and preparation that they give, is donated by them, for the opportunity to be involved with this event. These Sommeliers open and serve during this three day event, over 2500 bottles of  wine’s selected by the IPNC Committee.

So you ask yourself what I was served for lunch, and what wine i sipped with it ? I was served Dungeness Crab and Potato Cakes on a bed of greens, served by our excellent and attentive server Tray. With it I enjoyed a glass of Rośe which was light and fruitful and a pleasure with this meal.

This experience was one that gratified my curiosity of the event, the Wildwood, as well as Savanna who was a very charming recipient to my battering of questions. I felt and learned from her, that years back, she had fallen in love with wine, and that love has engulfed her, and what puts that beautiful smile on her face. I believe I have made a friend in the wine industry, as well as outside of it.

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