Travel Oregon Blog

I came, I ate, I drank, I stayed….

Living on the west coast has always been my dream. The first time I visited the west coast I fell in love with the climate, the ocean, food and state of mind. Originally from the Midwest, I had always craved somewhere sunny and full of outdoor activities to keep me occupied and tan. But I think what got me the most excited were the never ending farmers’ markets. The food was incredible and so fresh. But it wasn’t until I first visited Portland that I truly knew what the west coast had to offer.

I have lived in a few other cities in the states but none ever felt complete. After spending one year in grad school back in Indiana, I decided it was time. I had come to a crossroad, and by golly I was going to pick the right turn. At that point in my life, it was all about food. So off I went. I debated between California and Oregon because they both seemed appealing and had what I was looking for. I wanted desperately to change careers and go to culinary school. California had a few good ones but I couldn’t afford both school and the cost of living. So I booked a flight to Portland to hear what all of the buzz was about. Before landing, I remember circling Mt. Hood as the excitement began to build. Upon arrival, I finally felt like I was truly home. I spent about three days looking at the city and the Western Culinary School. I signed up within about an hour of touring the school and my obsession began. The up and coming food scene and the most beautiful state I had ever seen? Yes! This was it! I was ready to be the next hot new chef or restaurant owner and I was elated that I had discovered this wonderful city.

Every day I sharpened my knives anticipating the chopping, sautéing and baking that awaited me. I loved it. But I also got to enjoy taking a few wine classes. Not only had I fallen in love with cooking, I became fascinated by wine. I, being a Midwestern girl, knew nothing. Sure I imbibed on various cheap bottles of wine but I still knew nothing. I have waited tables for a few years but never knew much beyond what the bartenders told me. And lucky me because now not only did I have a new passion, I had a new passion in a state that produced some incredibly fine wine.

My first wine job out of school was working at La Bete in McMinnville. Here I learned the art of traditional wine making. While I was not the best with the fork lift, I loved carrying bins and barrels around full of lavish pinot noir, eating the berries fresh off of the vine and for the first time, seeing Oregon wine country. It is beautiful, lush, hilly and sublime. Better yet, I got to swirl, sniff and taste wine daily along with getting my hands dirty and cover myself in the fresh juices of our labor. I never thought I would enjoy having purple-stained hands, but every day it gave me true appreciation for a winemaker and it also made me envious of those in the wine industry. I wanted more. Lots more.

Now I work for Bishop Creek Cellars, which is located in the Yamhill Carlton district of the Willamette Valley. I work at our tasting room called Urban Wineworks, and here we offer many fun and educational classes (which I teach), and events that keep you occupied during rainy days. It is a job I love and it has inspired me to taste, taste, taste (and drink!) my way around Oregon. So follow me on my future wine tasting around town and in the valley. I’ll tell you where to spit and where to savor. Cheers!

Editor’s Note: Leigh Brown works for Urban Wineworks in Portland and will be bring to life Oregon’s wine scene in her bi-monthly column, Leigh’s Wine Buzz.

Tags: wine