In My Backyard

Takeaways from the Wine Media Conference

So I’ve had some time to fully digest what was presented at the Virtual Wine Media Conference.  I had a few key takeaways that I’m going to summarize here.  I need to up my photo game.  From lighting to composition, I need to up my game.  Period.  I spent a fair amount of money on […]

One Glass

The Universal Language of Wine:  Fullerton Wines

“Great wine speaks profoundly, a universal language transcending any one culture.”  ~The Fullerton Family Have you ever heard of Fullerton Wines? If you haven’t, they are a small producer of elegantly crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonny based out of Beaverton, OR. The story of Fullerton Wines goes back to 1969. When 14 year old Eric […]

Clark County

FareStart Dinner in Pictures #IFBC15

In the months leading up to IFBC, the Facebook group for attendees and alumni was buzzing with excitement. And who wouldn’t be excited? IFBC is one of the best conferences there is! One of the topics of conversation was a dinner at FareStart. The idea behind FareStart is really awesome. They train adults who are […]

Summer of Rosé

Summer of Rosé: 2014 Blakeslee Rosé of Pinot Noir

“Summer of what?” You ask. Rosé. Duh. My goal is to provide you, my dear readers, with a new rosé to seek out and try. Hence, the title…Summer of Rosé. I will forewarn you, some of the wines are only available through the tasting rooms. I will do my best to provide you with the […]

In My Backyard

Kudos Wines – An affordable and great introduction to Oregon Wines

According to Merriam Webster, the word “kudos” means “praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved”. For Laurent Montalieu, this word takes a new meaning. Providing quality wine at affordable prices is always a key way to introduce folks to new wines and regions. With nothing over $35 a […]

In My Backyard

A Day in the Willamette Valley Part III: Lenné

Part I here Part II here When you talk to Steve Lutz about Lenné, you will hear him say two things. First, he will tell you, like a proud father, that his grapes grow in the worst soil in Yamhill County. Why is it the worst? The soil at Lenné is peavine, and according to […]

In My Backyard

A Day in the Willamette Valley Part II: J Wrigley

Part I is here. After enjoying the views and the wines at Youngberg Hill, our next stop was J Wrigley. Owned by John and Jody Wrigley, the winery is located on 200 acres outside of Sheridan, OR. While a majority of that 200 acres isn’t currently suitable for vineyard land, it is certainly in the […]

In My Backyard

A Day In the Willamette Valley: Youngberg Hill

I live within an hour of the Willamette Valley. Being so close, you’d think I would spend plenty of time down there, exploring wineries, meeting the producers and consuming plenty of delicious Pinot Noir. And I do…but I, like everyone else, get stuck in a rut. I don’t take the time to truly explore the […]

Holidays

A Thanksgiving Wine Primer

Thanksgiving is, by a foodie standard, the orgasmic holiday. Everyone stresses the perfect turkey, the perfect sides, the perfect desserts and the holy grail…the perfect wine pairings. The typical Thanksgiving dinner has a myriad of flavors. Turkey. Mashed potatoes. Green bean casserole. Macaroni and cheese (that may just be my family…). Stuffing/dressing. Cranberry sauce. An […]

California

Caymus 40th Anniversary Tasting

Through a stroke of genius, and happening to constantly praise them via Twitter for having the best wine selection when it comes to Washington wine, I was invited to participate in a tasting and webcast at Total Wine & More on June 14th. This tasting happened to be the Caymus 40th Anniversary tasting. Knowing that […]