4th Annual Oregon Harvest Party

Wayne-O Hard at Work...

Hello Wine Lovers!!

Just a note to say thanks to Meg Murray and all of the fabulous Party organizers who made this years event one to remember

Meg Murray and Jaylin saying Hello...

The crowd was hoppin and the Sharing Tables were full....

Getting an invite to this industry event was such an honor, and I truly got to see and experience the genuine warmth, sincerity and authenticity of all of our wonderful wine industry folks.

Wayne finally meets Barbe Park from Carlton Winemakers Studio in Person

It was also a fantastic opportunity to get out and meet so many Facebook friends "Live and in Person"!!

Jaylin Making Friends with the Firedancers

We had a great time trying new wines, making new friends and celebrating the bountyof the harvest!!

Jaylin tries her hand (literally) at Firedancing

I certainly wish you all would have had the chance to see and meet all the wonderful people and experience this great night along with me, but for those who couldn't...here's just a little taste of the event....

Lets just say that after nearly seeing the sun come up (went to bed at 5am) I am so happy to have been included with this awesome group and hope that we will all have a chance to get together again soon.

Cheers!!

Wayne-O

Jaylin and I with her Brother Matt at the Harvest Party

Wine Country Opportunity -

Hello Wine Lovers!! Are you ready for Fall?

As we head into the Dog Days of Summer, I know many of our winemaking members are watching their harvests carefully and making plans for harvest and crush...I also know that many of you take time during the upcoming season to really get out and start exploring the tasting rooms and wineries.
Also - as many of you may be aware - I (like so many others) have been out of work for some time (laid off in April) and just taking on an assortment of projects while I look for opportunities...which got me thinking...I'll bet there are other NW Wine Lovers members out there in my position too.
So - I wanted to reach out to this awesome group and pose the following 2 questions...

For Wine Business Owners -
If you are a wine related business owner (vintner, wine maker, tasting room manager, marketing director etc) Would you be willing to send in your seasonal employment needs to us here at NW Wine Lovers so that our members who are looking for work and available could get first shot at those jobs? You would obviously be getting a labor pool of enthusiastic wine lovers...what could be better? As always - no charge!!

For our non-industry friends and enthusiasts -
We have a tremendous base of members who are avidly involved in the local community here (including myself) and would make great guides and planners for your next outing. Would you consider sending in your special requests, trip planning questions or even looking to our members for a guide to go with you on your trip who may have special access to certain wineries or the ability to get in to barrel rooms and tours with the makers themselves? If you are interested in booking someone like this to help you, or you are one of these folks who would like to take on a project for another member..just let me know...

Obviously I would be available for some of these opportunities too, but I am willing to bet there are many more opportunities out there than one person can handle, and this being a very dedicated group, I think we can all help each other have an awesome fall...so...I will be taking job postings here at the wine lovers email address nwwinelovers@live.com or on facebook as a response to this email, and will begin posting them on the group page as well as the blog.As always - send in your event notifications, release news, special parties, discounts offers and anything else you want to me here, and I will get them on the blog right away.

Cheers,
Wayne-O

Memorial Day Weekend Special Events

That's Right NW Wine Lovers...Time for Making your final Memorial Day Weekend Wine tasting plans!!

With so much to do, so much to see and so many great wines to taste...Where do you start?

Well, one place is right here at the NW Wine Lovers Blogspot!!

We have assembled all of the insider information from our very own group of Winery Owners, Makers and Managers and put it all right here for you.

Check Out The Following Events, let me know which ones you make it to and let the wineries know you heard about us on NW Wine Lovers!!

For Starters - You might want to consider "How" you are getting around....

Nick Willard reports that the The Portland Party Bus still has Limo Buses for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can Call Mike at 503-780-6973. You can look at the Buses at www.pdxpartybus.com I hope to see you on one of these days. If you can't make this weekend I do invite you to check out the specials that they are running for wine tours, or just nights out on the town. "This is where the Ride becomes the PARTY".

http://www.pdxpartybus.com/index.html

Thanks Nick...Now onto some wineries;

If you are heading to the central Willamette Valley Area, I highly recommend this well run and beautiful vineyard along the shores of the Willamette River....

Jason Silva from Arcane Cellars writes;

Hello Wayne--Arcane Cellars will be open for Memorial Day Weekend Sat,Sun, Mon, May 23,24,25th 11am-5pm.The tasting fee is $10, which includes a great spread of tapas, small plates and hors d'oeuvres, breads and cheeses. We will be tasting the following wines:2008 Pinot Blanc2008 Pinot Gris (91 W&S, 90 WE, Gold Medal at SF International Wine Competition)2008 Riesling (Gold Medal at West Coast Wine Competition and Gold Medal / Best White Wine / Best Wine in Show at the Pacific Northwest Wine Summit)2008 Pinot Gris Rose (100% Pinot Gris...color from skin contact only)2008 Pinot Noir Rose (produced by saignee)2007 Pinot Noir (88 WS)2007 Syrah Rogue Valley (new release)2006 Cabernet Rogue Valley (88 WS, Silver Medal SF Chronicle Wine Comp)Hope to see you there.--

Jason Silva

Winemaker

Arcane Cellars

http://www.arcanecellars.com/

Thanks Jason for the invite...sounds awesome!!!

Carlton, one of my long time favorite stops for wine tasting has many wonderful vinters and will be bustling for sure!! If you are headed out that way, be sure to check out Terra Vina!!!

Wayne - we'll be open this weekend in downtown Carlton (next to Cuvee' restaurant) as well as Memorial Day weekend and we are tasting (and selling) 08 futures (4 big reds) as well as 2, soon to be released stunners - an 07 Cab/Syrah blend and an 07 Syrah! Talk about a recession buster, the pre-relase price on the Cab blend is $12.50 / bottle and the Syrah $24. Once they are released in July, the price will be $21 and $36 !! Only these 2 weekends are these deals available!

All the best,

Karl Dinger

Terra Vina Wines

http://terravinawines.com/pages/wines.html

Now, everyone knows Dundee and it's famous red hills, but one up and coming winery has really taken off this year and they invite you to come see why...

Visit our charming, historical tasting room at the northern entrance to Dundee. New releases include the exceptional 2006 Doe Ridge Estate Pinot Noir. Delicious wine country hors d’oeuvres compliments of Silver Spoon Catering. Stroll through the vineyard or relax at our patio fire. $15 fee (club members free). Open 10-5.

The Four Graces Tasting Room 9605 NE Fox Farm Road Dundee Or 97115.

Phone 5035548000

http://www.thefourgraces.com/index.html

I will see you round the fire for sure!!

Now for those of You in the gorge area, or considering a trip east....Sarah Cullington from Cathedral Ridge writes in to let us know of some good things going on up there for the Holiday weekend...this by the way is one of my favorite stops whenever I get up through the gorge and well worth a trip just to go to this beautiful winery and visit with some of the warmest people in the business!!

Hey Wayne, Just thought I would let ya know what is happening over here at Cathedral Ridge Winery on Memorial Day Weekend. As part of the Open House weekend, when we all change our hours to 11am-6pm, we are having the "Tastes of Burgundy, Beef, Brats, and Bluegrass." The Connally Group will play live and the owner of Mountain Shadow Beefs will come sell his delicious natural meat for guests to pair with our wine. It lasts 1pm-4pm on Saturday May 23. Aside from that, it is the Open House weekend for all the wineries here in the Columbia Gorge. So most people will probably have specials going on all weekend, so its a great time for a tour! ;o)Cheers!

Sarah

Cathedral Ridge Winery

http://www.cathedralridgewinery.com/photo_gallery.php

One last idea for those who may want to save on some fuel but still enjoy an awesome evening of Great food and Wine or perhaps have plans for this weekend already but the thought of all this great wine is making you crave say...some great food pairings to go along with........our friend Sean Dwiggans of the Reserve Golf Club in Aloha writes in to tell us about a special Winemakers Dinner being held at the Reserve on Saturday Night June 6th. I know that at this amazing price, tickets are going very fast, so if this is of interest to you, get ahold of Sean at the email below...Check It Out!!

Hey buddy, We are doing a wine dinner with Torii Mor on Saturday the 6th of June at the Reserve if you can send out notice to the club. I can email out the menu and a link to our website if you want. 4 course and 3 wines for $65.

Thanks,

Sean

sean.dwigans@reservegolf.com
http://www.reservegolf.com/public/restaurant/

Alright Wine Lovers...The Very Best of Holiday wishes from Me to all of you, I hope that you enjoy some great downtime with friends and family and that you are blessed with warm sunshine and full glasses!!

Peace and Grapes!!

Wayne-O

nwwinelovers@live.com

May Update

Hey there wine lovers...I just wanted to post a quick not for all of you who turned out for the great benefit last week at WVV...Hope you enjoyed the awesome food and wine deals!!

There are several events going on for memorial day, but some of them have the ability to do allot of good for others as well.

I received this note from Anna Campbell about an awesome fundraiser going on on the 31st for those of you out and about, so why not take the time to combine your love of wine, your holiday plans and your ability to do something deep and profound for others and wrap them all up into one trip....?



Hello!

I want to invite you all to a fabulous Lunch and Wine Tasting at Elk Cove Vineyards! It's on May 31st and all proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It's a great cause, and a beautiful winery.

Winemaker Adam-Godlee Campbell, my brother, will be barbecuing! Founders Joe and Pat Campbell, my parents, will also be at the event so it's a great chance to meet them. Here's the facebook invite:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=95472551069&ref=ts

and the evite:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=DNAJRWCTAYKEQOCHISZU&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6

As you can see, my family is part of the NW wine community. My mom was known to carry me under one arm, a case of wine under the other! We're also a family that's been affected by cancer, as so many families have. Your support means a lot to us.

Hope to see you there! - Anna M Campbell, annamcampbell@gmail.com

Thanks Anna - this looks to be a great time, and I hope to see many friends and families out there on the 31st.

If your winery or wine business has special events going on for memorial day weekend, let me know...

That's it for now Wine Lovers...Cheers!!

Wayne-O

Wine Benifit and FUNdraiser for Rylee Lofthus

Hello Wine Lovers!

I want to introduce you to a wonderful little girl named Rylee Lofthus. I also want to make sure you all have this very important event information right away. I know spring is hopping right now for everyone, but we have a strong group and I know we are able to do some real good together.

This event is being put on by my friend Meg Murray at Willamette Valley Vineyards, and all of the proceeds are going to help a little girl walk again.

I am personally moved for a couple of reasons; Number one, when my daughter Piper was born, her legs were put into braces because of a birth defect where the hip joints would not stay in the sockets. This caused us concern, trial and effort for the first year or two of her life...in the end, she healed fine, without surgery, and with the help of our pediatrician and pediatric orthopede, Piper was able to walk normally.

I remember as a parent what that was like, even though I knew it was not a debilitating disease...I can only imagine what courage and bravery this little one and her family have had to show in their battle so far.

Secondly - as I read through this information - I found out that Rylee shares something very cool in common with me...My Birthday!!

Lets see what you can Do Wine Lovers!!

The Event info is below....

JOIN US this THURSDAY APRIL 30th 6:30pm at WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS
It takes a village to raise a child - African Proverb

In these tough economic times, life and priorities start to be put into prospective. It is also during these times that those in need should not be forgotten.

The cute vibrant child you see here is Rylee Lofthus.
Rylee was born on July 13, 2004 with Cerebral Palsy and was not expected to walk.

She has qualified to receive a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy on May 27, 2009; a surgery that will enable Rylee to walk without a limp or the assistance of a walker.

Like other 4 year old girls, Rylee loves pink, Hannah Montana, ice cream and hopes to one day be able to walk and run without any difficulty.

Join us at Willamette Valley Vineyards Thursday, April 30th, 2009 from 6:30pm-9:30pm for a FUN fundraiser.

We hope that you can attend this event; ticket prices are $10.00 and will include a casual dinner, wine, a drawing for some impressive prizes and a live auction.

You can purchase tickets to this event at the door.

Wall of wines from all over Oregon; $20 for a one bottle pull or $30 for a two bottle pull.

Please pass on this Evite to all that you can, as it takes a village to raise a child.

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=NUQZYVCFABTRAZUXEILA&li=iq&src=email

You can also donate to the Rylee Lofthus Medical Fund at any Bank of America or at Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Hope to see you soon!

And I hope to see you all there!!

If you need further information, just email Meg at meg.hursh.murray@gmail.com for more information on how you can get involved.

I'll just bet we have some Wine Industry Folks who have a bottle or two they can donate, or perhaps a Wine tour or two from one of our limo owners....?

Let me know if you have anything else to donate or any other ideas folks.

Cheers!!

Wayne-O

nwwinelovers@live.com

New Links

Hello Again Wine lovers!!

What a gorgeous day in the Pacific Northwest. the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the allergies are raging!!

Gotta love spring right!!

Anyhow, here is a website I found while doing some surfing earlier today I thought you might enjoy.

http://www.oregonwines.com/

There is an awesome feature on it called "Wine Nav" and it is perfect for planning your next wine adventure...

Give it a look-see and let me know what you think...

Wayne-O

New gadgets...

Just a quick add on to yesterdays posting.

Thanks to so many who have offered advice, input and information not only to the group, but to me personally.

As a small token of my appreciation, I am working dilligently to keep things fresh here on the blog....so....

I would like to introduce "NW Wine Lovers Radio"...which I hope you will find relaxing, soul pleasing and the perfect compliment to any varietal you are about to enjoy...and I would also like to introduce the all new "Woody Allen Quote of the Day"....

Why...well....frankly because it was there and I love Woody Allen...

Lastly, after talking with several of the industry folks and asking them what they were doing for advertisiing, it was pretty evidnet thaat several of the members were already using google ads for click-through placement, SO...I added the counterpart "Ad Sense" in order to feature wine related ads on the blog....Check it out!!

Enjoy and Thanks Again...
Wayne-O

April Showers...

April Showers Bring Long Wet Rainy Cold Days...Sometimes.....

I hope your April is Off to a wonderful sunshiny beginning, but mine got off to a bit of a rough start...just as I was recovering from my wicked knee injury from last year, My Job was eliminated at my current company and I find myself looking for work for the first time in 20 years. It's crazy...but I think it is a real blessing too. I am convinced you see...that these April Showers will INDEED bring my May Flowers!!

Anyhow, If you are like me and this recession took a bite out of you in any way shape or form...you are probably ready for some great wine tasting events to help ease the pain...right?

I figure it would be duplicitous for me to be such a positive and upbeat person most of the time, thankful for so much...and then hang my head and cry in my beer when my faith is a little shaken right? After all...Gods blessings and bounties in our lives are not conditional on whether he is happy with us...he loves us because we are his...and I will trust Him because he is mine!! Amen...Alright...Moving On! (I don't usually sermonize, but sometimes re-affirming my faith through a public declaration can be just the uplifting thing I need)I hope that this message blesses you, and if not...then I hope it challenges you in a fantastic way!!

My Cup...or "Oregon Pinot Glass" as I like to think of it, truly works best when it is Half Full...with a balance of softness, ripe fruit and just the right hint of acidity...how Apropos for this new "Cultivation" season in so many of our lives. We are blessed richly to live in such wonderful surroundings, with the ability to preserve so much of the bounties of our previous harvests...and the ability to be hopeful about that which we plant this season....

OK - enough wine and life analogies...on to some updates.......Here we Go....

Dundee Hills Passport Tour 2009
Enjoy the benchmark wines and spectacular views of this exciting wine growing region. You'll also learn from experts about the unique climate, red volcanic soil, geology and earth-friendly farming practices that make this appellation so special. Dates: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19, 2009Where: Participating wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms in the Dundee Hills Appellation Hours: Vary by location but are generally 11am - 4 or 5:00pm. Tasting Fees: Vary by winery. Vineyard seminars are free.
Click here for more information
See you in the Hills!Dundee Hills AVA

This should be a great time at what are easily some of the best wineries in our region!! Hope to see you out there!!

And for you east Coast fans who are lucky enough to be in or around the Chicago area coming up...

Now...Lets talk about one of my new all time favorites, Bethel Heights, (one of my new favorites BTW)...I just got this press release in from the Vineyard...These guys are rapidly becoming one of my new faves, and even though I definitely gravitate towards the Reds...we had a great time tipping back a few of their whites during my last tasting trip. (did I mention they are a new favorite yet? lol)

These folks are friendly, helpful and just plain lovely...which is how I would characterize their wines as well....Check this out, along with their blog posting at the bottom...I would also add that there are few tasting rooms with as warm a vibe, and scenic a view in this appellation.

New White Wines Just in Time for Spring!

It is literally freezing here in Oregon, but we celebrated the Spring Equinox last weekend anyway, the daffodils are blooming valiantly, and the new 2008 Pinot gris and 2008 Pinot blanc are bottled and ready to go - so it must be Spring!These two beautiful aromatic wines are the harbingers of great things to come from the 2008 vintage: dense concentrated fruit, deep minerality, bright acidity. 2008 was a vintage that kept us on our toes from beginning to end. A very cool spring led to a late budbreak as the vines struggled their way out of dormancy. Then, a very unusual heat event in May really got the vines rolling. Bloom came late in June, when a 102-degree day pushed all of the vines into full bloom, seemingly on the same day. Realizing that we were in for a cliff-hanger because of the late bloom, we ruthlessly thinned our vines in August. The rest of the vintage was magical, with an endless stream of sunny days stretching into late October.* So, here we go again with a very cold spring and predictions of delayed budbreak. Let’s just hope 2009 gets some of this 2008 magic! * You can re-live the whole 2008 cliffhanger experience at Bethel Heights in our journal “2008 Harvest, Block by Blog,” at bhvblog.wordpress.com.

That's it for now wine lovers...I am looking forward to getting out to Ponzi this weekend and picking up my Wine Club Shipment...as Well as Finally getting back up to Purple Cow to see Jon and Wendy. I also want to say a very special thank you to Caitlin and Meg for making our last trip out to Willamette Valley Vineyards such a wonderful time. We had a nice private tour with 8 good friends and learned so much...we could have stayed all day, but the gypsy blood was flowing and we had a pilgramge to make...Next Time For Sure....By the way, If you have not joined the Group there, or taken a tour....DO IT!!! Jim Bernau has crafted such a warm and inviting culture out there...dare I say it is almost a cult like following...in the very best of regards!! Check out this "Best Buys" feature...or just go to there website http://www.willamettevalleyvineyards.com/

Cheers to WVV and Many Happy Returns!!

And to you my dear NW Wine Lovers...Peace and Grapes!!

Wayne-O

Spring Update

Greetings NW Wine Lovers!!



I hope everyone had a nice winter and is recovering from the Snow, Ice, Rain, etc...



I know it's been a while since I have posted, but I have finally recovered from my knee surgery and am getting around pretty good again.



Spring is just around the corner and I have been getting alot of news from our Winemaker Members and friendly facebook folks. I can not wait to get out there and do some tastings this Spring.



I am in the process of putting together a bit of a resource guide for beginners. A list of where to go, how to get there and what supplies to bring along...one of the ideas I have is to be able to provide a good assortment of discounted limo and shuttle services for our members as a way to reinforce safe sipping!! So, if you know of anyone out there (or own one yourself) shoot me an email.



Also, if you have or know of someone who does things like book tours, make gourmet lunches or dinners, has a B and B and wants to be considered for our resource list, please let me know.



What categories might be important to you to be included...lists of wineries can be found everywhere, but what about great shops, parks, viewpoints, places to eat, and yes, those small, out of the way wineries where maybe we can get in if we have enough people for a private tour...



Let me know your thoughts and I can't wit to get them all published here...



Look for the Inside Scoop soon, and the resource Guide Very soon...



I will be out and about in the Willamette Valley area mid-march, and hope to hit some familiars as well as make some new friends...



Heres to you!!



Safe Sipping....



Wayne-O