In Oregon we clearly have many fantastic wineries and winemakers who show us new and interesting wines each vintage. Here they show off their unique style along with a lesson on what a good and bad a vintage can bring. Besides wine tasting, wine bars and restaurants also offer a wide selection of local wines as well as those made from around the country and the world. And since Oregon has fabulous food and chefs, why not see what they can do with the wines made from some other far off place? If anything, it is a chance to broaden one’s palate and enjoy a local venue or restaurant.

Earl was showing all Italian wines at this dinner and the pairing couldn’t have been more perfect sitting in Nick’s. First of all, Earl is the most welcoming, jolly guy you could meet walking into a bar. Plus he could swoon you with any glass of wine in C& G’s excellent wine portfolio. We started off clinking our glasses with Prosecco. This is Italy’s bubbly. While perhaps not as famous as Champagne, it is crisp and refreshing and often a more affordable way to start off an evening. Joining me were others in the wine business giving Earl their honest opinion on new wines C&G is considering to add to their portfolio. While there were a few wines I could live without, there were many more I couldn’t imagine not passing my lips again.

During the tasting we sampled wines made from unfamiliar varietals along with the familiar. All of them were unique but streaming with hints of spice, extreme fruit and pepper. We sampled around 17 wines during the evening and Italian wines beg for Italian food. To start off, we had a selection of charcuterie and bread. While some of the meats paired excellent, some spices contrasted with those detectible in the wine. But it all made the tasting more interesting. It was fun to see how food and wine can be the best of friends, or just good neighbors.

Nick’s offers a pre-fixed five-course meal every day except for Monday. Here you choose an appetizer, soup, pasta, salad and entrée, however you can do a la carte as well. I chose to indulge in three of the courses and it was clear that all ingredients were fresh and locally produced. Nick Peirano is the owner but his daughter, Carmen Peirano and son-in-law, Eric Ferguson, recently took over the kitchen. I started with grilled Jerusalem artichokes with green garlic, kalamata olives and butter lettuce. This was definitely my favorite course. This paired best with a 2005 100% Sangiovese by Agricola Piscinale Poggio Di Ponte. The wine smelled of toasted nuts and popcorn with a bit of earthy mushroom. The taste was smooth yet nutty and the saltiness of the olives and earthiness of the artichokes was fantastic. The wine became silky and a fine companion to my starting course. For my second course I had tagliatelle (flat ribbons of pasta similar to fettuccine) with lamb ragu. This paired nicely with another Sangiovese by Podre L. Aione Salve ’04. The pepper in the nose and medium to high tannins in the wine were a perfect match with the rich, meaty sauce. My third course was halibut cooked in parchment paper with artichokes, asparagus and pancetta vinaigrette. A light and summery dish, it was best with the Grottarosso Bianco Aniko made with a grape called Grecanico, which is grown mostly in Sicily. With a tangerine nose and juicy mouth feel and medium body, it was fantastic and able to stand up with no food at all.

Being a dessert lover I had to indulge in one last course. Here I had profiteroles with anise gelato, chocolate sauce and hazelnuts. At this point coffee was my only companion since I had a long drive home. There was no better way to finish the evening.

It is clear that one should never underestimate the wine distributor and how he can teach you something while support a local business. They are often lurking in wine shops, restaurant bars, gourmet food shops or grocery stores. A great way to seek them out is to check local paper listings or get on the mailing list of your favorite places to shop for wine or food. And best of all, you get an education about the region the wine comes from along with a great story to go behind it. Distributors can bring more personality to the wine you are about to put in your shopping cart. And best of all, they always want to welcome you and say goodbye to you with something good in your glass.

Cheers

So why am I mentioning my canine companion in a wine blog? To answer your question, let me tell you, there are so many things you can do with a dog in Oregon such as hiking, trail running and camping. But one can also hold a leash in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. The best place I have found thus far for wine tasting with dogs is Urban Wineworks, where I work.

Bernie (left) and his friend Cooper

Many of us at Urban Wineworks own dogs and when you visit almost any vineyard, there is usually someone to greet you behind the wine bar and also on the ground, nestled at your feet or nudging you to take notice of them for a free pat on the head. At our store in Northwest Portland, we decided to not only remind people that dogs are welcome any day of the week, but that we want to give back as well. The last Wednesday of every month, we now host “Yappy Hour” and we have partnered with the Oregon Humane Society. We give them a percentage of our bottle sales and a place to get the word out about adoptable dogs. From 6-8 p.m., you can sample wonderful wines while socializing your dog and meeting other wine/dog lovers. Even if you don’t own a dog, it is well worth seeing this event. You may even decide to adopt a dog…

So it may sound a little crazy. A wine tasting room with dogs? Did I mention it is FULL of dogs? Imagine this, leashes entwined, glasses of wine swirling about and a smile on every man, woman, and pooches’ face. On such evenings, one can experience a themed event including games, dog treats and an activity to do or watch. Suzanne Hein from Lexi Dog is a big sponsor as well and she always brings information about her adorable dog boutique in the Pearl District. Our website has a link to our Yappy Hour calendar and pictures from previous events. It’s well worth a look!

I should also mention that there are many other wonderful things about Urban Wineworks besides a venue for dogs and their owners to mingle. Urban Wineworks is the tasting room for Bishop Creek Cellars, which is a winery located in the Yamhill-Carlton District of the Willamette Valley. Bishop Creek Cellars makes fantastic Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris that pair with a variety of foods and any occasion. At Urban Wineworks, you can sample flights of Bishop Creek as well as a few others. Each month boutique flights are offered, which are based on specific themes. I picked the last one where South African wines were featured and the beauty of it is staff educate themselves on wines as well as the customers that walk through the door. Public classes are also offered twice a week, the most popular being the “blend your own wine” class. Here you learn to blend heavy red varietals from Oregon and Washington and create your own bottle to take home. It’s fun, educational and interactive. I’ve taught the class a million times and I never get bored doing it because it’s a fascinating topic and exciting to see people’s creativity with wine.

And don’t forget First Thursday, among many other events we participate in and promote. At Urban Wineworks you can find diversity unlike any other in Portland as far as events, playing with wine, and tasting fabulous wines in the city. And to top it off, we’ve got a fun staff ready to assist you. Lastly, you can book the venue for private events and parties (by contacting me!) and create your own experience at our store.

Whether you come alone or with a dog in hand, Urban Wineworks always has something new to taste, experience and enjoy. And if you are lucky, Bernie will be there to great you at the door.

For more information on wine tasting in the Portland Metro area, please visit our Attractions section.

I lived in Florence, Italy, one summer in college, learning about art and culture. Study soon dropped low on the totem pole when I discovered Italian food and wine. On weekend trips to small restaurants in Tuscany and other parts of Italy, we feasted on boar, pasta, rabbit and rich desserts, washing it all down with Grappa and Limoncello.

Cork Cellars Wine Bar and Bottle Shop

During too many trips daily to the gellateria down the street from our pensione, I closed my eyes from the sheer joy of hazelnuts, melon, strawberry and coconut in cream. At summer’s end, though ready to go home, I despaired that I might never taste such exquisite food again. A food-fussy child, I had never imagined eating rabbit, especially since I had a pet one. Italy was an awakening.

Each sip of Chianti, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo startled my taste buds into life. Even though I didn’t know what I was drinking, I just knew that I liked it and that it tasted even better with prosciutto and cheese on a roll from the local butcher. My palate is wiser now. It doesn’t have to live on memories. Good things are close to home.

This past Sunday, I went to Sisters, Oregon, for a feast. Although the Duomo was nowhere in sight, I was taken back the moment I stepped into Cork Cellars Wine Bar and Bottle Shop and was handed a flute of Prosecco. Cork Cellars is settled nicely in the town of Sisters where it opened its doors only a few years ago and became the neighborhood hot spot in no time. I was invited to a private dinner at their shop by my good friend Earl Cramer- Brown, an Italian wine specialist with a heavy hand when it comes to Italian wines. He was co-hosting the evening with shop owners Emily and Mark Pellitie and chef, Juri Sbandati. The compact wine shop enlarged the moment I had Soligo Prosecco Millesimato 2004 in hand. The shop is quite darling with a small bar and comfortable seating. One can order wines by the glass or do tastings along with a tapas- style menu Tuesday through Sunday. Emily is not only beautiful, she has an eye for style and is wine savvy to boot. Mark, her husband, also makes custom made wine cellars. Such craftsmanship could be seen in their side room of their store, where you can buy wines by the bottle. This lovely shop was not only worth the visit for dinner and good wine but for its warm surroundings. I felt as though I was in a good friend’s home. And in a sense, I was. On the invite list were mostly locals and their friends. I felt I was back in Italy dining in a café, sharing your table with others so as to fill up every seat in the restaurant. It was like family. And what better way to feel at home than to eat?

My formal Italian quickly dwindled in Florence due to late night bantering at the bar with the Italians. Italian and English melded as one but my vocabulary for cuisine grew by the second. Cherries, cured meats, cheese, focaccia and melon replaced peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For me, cheese, proscuitto and crackers are the best way to begin an afternoon. To start our meal in Sisters, the bar not only had bubbly but an anitipasti selection of imported cured meats and cheeses. Juri’s wife, Kinley guided us through the selection of prosciutto, mortadella, Parmigiano – Reggiano, pears drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, fig jam and Pecorino Toscano sheep cheeses. And dinner was yet to come. Temptation was strong but we switched to a Barolo library tasting starting from 1995 through the vintage year of 2001. Earl brought in an incredible sampling from Oddero Vineyards and Cellars, La Morra. Nebbiolo is a wondrous grape and probably the most important grape from Piedmont. Nebbia means “fog” because during harvest, fog sets in. Often a very tannic and acidic grape, it’s used to make Barolo. I was surprised that I was fonder of the younger vintages. The ‘95 was meaty and as the years progressed, there was caramel, figs and strong smells of cooked fruit. Tannins were big, not surprisingly, but my favorite was the 1999. Truly a well-balanced wine with supple tannins, rich dates and figs spinning with spice in the nose and in the palate.

Juri and Kinley Sbandati own a personal chef business unique to the area. They not only will cook for private parties but will also cook weekly meals for those too busy to cook and more importantly, for those who appreciate traditional Tuscan food. Most often in Italy, the tradition is to start the meal with pasta or risotto. Luckily, we had the luxury to eat both. With multiple first and second courses waiting, I was ready to dive in. Kinley expertly explained each course starting with the “Risotto al Barolo,” Risotto cooked in Barolo wine was simple and elegant. It matched perfectly with the ‘01 Barolo and was creamy, though not rich. It went down in a pinch. My most favorite dish of the evening was next: “Gnocchi ai Funghi Porcini con Pecorino Tartuffato.” I don’t often order gnocchi due to its heavy weighted punch to the stomach, but this was unlike any I had had in the States. The potato dumplings were light and were not swimming in a heavy cream sauce but rather a rustic sauce made of heavenly Italian porcini mushrooms and truffled Tuscan sheep cheese. The rising chatter was all white noise to me. Now deaf, I couldn’t eat fast enough for the pleasure in every bite. While the ‘99 vintage was my favorite, the ‘98 Barolo was another lovely vintage and its rich earthy flavors paired excellently with the dish. Juri, the chef, told me he had the gnocchi imported from Tuscany and it was well worth the order. One could easily fall in love with this jovial and sweet man, looming over his pot of cannellini beans. I could tell he took pride in his heritage just by eating it.

Our first main course, Maialino in Porchetta, a traditional Tuscan delicacy, was something else. Boneless pork is rolled with spices and drizzled with its own juices. Parts of it were almost like pork crackling. Even more incredible were the beans sweating with fresh sage. Aromatically, this dish blew me away and the caramel notes of the ‘96 Barolo brought fall to mind. I felt warm in this place, surrounded by good food and plates practically being licked clean. I’m now comatose after the Peposo del Brunelleschi, a succulent black peppered beef shank cooked in a garlic red wine sauce for hours. This dish was created by Fillipo Bruneleschi, the architect who designed and built the Duomo. I feel I’m dreaming as Earl pours the Icardi Nebbiolo 2001. This decadent wine only made the dish more perfect. For dessert, the classic tiramisu was absolutely incredible. I thought I made fabulous tiramisu until I tried Juri’s. Earl paired it with Braida Brachetto d’Acqui that tastes of raspberries and all of the good things one hopes for at the end of such a meal.

I want to live in this town forever just to be a regular at this shop. Strangers soon become friends in an intimate setting with such welcoming hosts. That evening I was back in Florence romanced by the city and in love again with the food. But to be in Oregon and feel well-traveled again is just as wonderful.

For more information on Oregon’s wineries, please visit our Attractions section.

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.

This week’s wine blog is a continuation of Leigh’s Wine Buzz: The Undiscovered Country. Read on to hear part two of Leigh’s adventure in Lane County. Cheers!

Across the way, one gets a glimpse of the sloping hills that brought out about the name, Sweet Cheeks Winery. The tasting room looks over Crow Valley, hence the Crow on their label. They recently acquired Mark Nicholl, an Australian, to be their new winemaker. They are most definitely a lucky bunch to have this Aussie on board. Mark was kind enough to give us a tour of the building and let us see their barrel room and winemaking facilities. Along with the tour, we sampled his soon-to-be bottled vintage of Pinot Noir. Wow. Mark also walked us down to their grape vines to show us the tiny green berries, soon to be ripe and juicy this fall.

On 65 acres they grow Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling. Speaking of Riesling, I was most fond of their 2005 Semi-Sweet Riesling. While I don’t much enjoy sweet wines, this one would be perfect for Thai or something spicy with its compliment of spice but hint of sweetness to tame the heat. And the view is yet another bonus.

Not that it would take yet another winery to inform one that Lane County is worth visiting, but off we went to Iris Hill. A popular spot for weddings, this lovely winery sits on top of a hill in the Lorane Valley, just 18 miles southwest of Eugene. With wild Douglas Iris and wildflowers surrounding the 44-acre Chalice Vineyard, one can only wish their wedding vows were exchanged at such a spot. We met with Mary, the event coordinator, who poured us a flight of lovely wines. The 2005 Unoaked Chardonnay was my favorite and reminded me of those in Chablis. My boyfriend was wowed by the 2005 Pinot Noir, a charming red full of character, lush fruit and earth. This is definitely the place to sit and relax while enjoying company and an incredible view.

To continue down the road of indulgence, one can’t miss an evening at King Estate. At King Estate you feel like royalty while gazing at their enormous certified organic property. The wine selection is first rate, the service is impeccable, and the wine, food and view battle in keeping your gaze. Before sitting down to dinner, we visited their tasting room for a selection of lovies. I could go on an on about their list of wines, of which I fell in love with. Their 2006 Craftsman Muscat (only available at King Estate) brought my level of joy up about 5 notches. Pears, honey and peaches tangled in my mouth before strolling down the rest of their wine list. Eventually, we made it to the patio where my boyfriend and I wanted to keep the day of sampling at full tilt so we enjoyed flights of Pinot Noirs and heavy reds. As a starter we shared the charcuterie plate, which included a rillette of lamb and caraway, a terrine of rabbit with hazelnuts and house cured duck ham with cherry compote that had enough fat on it to make you feel your heart stop (in a good way). While trying to decide which sampling of meat was the favorite, warm confit of duck leg salad was set down in front of our noses. Poised and ready to dig in, this salad consisted of crackling duck, frisee greens, and dried onions mixed in a Roquefort dressing. The duck made me feel decadent and indulgent but euphoric. My dinner entrée was a tender roasted organic guinea fowl with brioche stuffing, seared livers, wild mushrooms, white turnips in a wild sage sauce, while my boyfriend was in heaven with his lobster. And what woman doesn’t order dessert?! Lemon crème brulee was shared and its luscious crème sent me whirling. While it coated my mouth, its lemony velvet aroma lingered while I gazed once more at the view. For anyone on a trip to Lane County, a meal at King Estate can not be missed.

For those of you who are in for something new and different, it’s time to discover what has been overlooked for far too long. Lane County is not only beautiful but its charm and hospitality will surely make it the next big thing. Be romanced with a surprise or two and you won’t be disappointed. 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.

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting a part of Oregon I never knew existed. With hills full of green and views of incredible heights, one would wonder why people do not pass through the valleys of Lane County more frequently. While there was some sadness to see that others were not partaking in the bounty of food and wine in this area, I was internally gladdened to see that I did not have to wait in lines of traffic to visit a tasting room or two (or five!) and experience what Lane County had to offer. It was a treasure and a treat.

I was lucky to have a driver for this trip since I was quite unfamiliar with the area. Josh Alder from the Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon (CVALCO) was kind enough to drive my boyfriend and me around for a day of wine tasting. And from start to finish, I was thoroughly impressed. Our first stop was at Territorial Vineyards & Wine Company where we met up with John Jarboe and Alan Mitchell. This urban hot spot has its vineyards (Equinox and Bellpine Vineyards) amongst the foothills of the coastal range and was founded by two families. But this trendy tasting room in the Whiteaker neighborhood still has the smell of fermented grapes next door, which lingers and penetrates.

We sampled through whites and reds, and we found their three Pinot Noirs most enjoyable. Their 2005 Pinot Noir had a strikingly smoky, meaty nose with a hint of dried cherries on the palate. The most fascinating comparison was between the 2003 Pinot Noir Stone’s Throw and the 2003 Pinot Noir Capital T Reserve, of which only 150 cases are produced. You still get that meaty and almost vegetal edge on the Stone’s Throw but next is a mouthful of raspberry cooked jam and a spicy robust finish. To me, the Capital T is reminiscent of a NW Pinot Noir and one can only imagine from the nose what the flavors will be. Lots of velvet and plush dark fruits romance you with this Pinot. Along with a few barrel samples, we were lucky enough to try John’s private family owned label, Opine Cellars.

Syrah is my vice and his did not disappoint. He poured a luxurious 2004 Syrah with fruit from Chukar Ridge Vineyards and this sexy wine was brambly, tannic and lovely with blueberries and jam. Definitely perfect for that summer BBQ I crave multiple times during the week. Along with a pleasant array of wines, one can enjoy weekly live music in their quaint wine bar with funky art and sleek bar. For a nice afternoon or early evening respite, here is your in-town spot.

Being a Midwesterner, I’ve seen my share of country fairs but I’ve yet to experience the Oregon Country Fair. However, I did get to drive by it on our way to Secret House Winery in Veneta, Oregon. Established in 1991, Secret House sits right next to the massive fields where the Oregon Country Fair takes place. I met Patty Chappell, the gregarious owner of Secret House and you can see why such a winery is so special. The tasting room is small but you can see the barrels and wine making facilities through the glass behind the pouring station where Dali sketches hang and wine ferments. Patty took us on a walking tour of their estate and the first thing you see is the giant stage and field where live concerts take place. That evening, Social Distortion was to be performing; It is easy to see that this is a perfect spot for an outdoor show. She walked us through the gardens as well, which were filled with private areas to sit and sip wine and feel at home. We sampled a few wines but I was most impressed with the 2003 Pinot Noir that Patty so kindly handed us before walking through the gardens near their vineyards. It was silky and herbaceous with hints of dark cherries. It paired nicely with our walk and the light smell of flowers.

Located 15 minutes from Eugene, you can visit Silvan Ridge – Hinman Vineyards, which is the oldest winery in Lane County. Just walking up to the tasting room you have a most incredible view of the countryside. Cynthia Nickle, the event coordinator, brings such charm and warmth to the tasting room and only enhances the experience. At this point, I was most excited to see my boyfriend’s eyes light up and exclaim, “I never knew white wine could be so good!” And it surely was. I was taken on a stroll through peach trees and pear orchards with their 2006 Silvan Ridge Viognier. It most recently won gold and best of show winner at the Astoria Crab & Seafood Festival this year and silver medal at the Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition.

I immediately knew after my first whiff that this was something that was going to improve my summer. Almost tropical and quite romantic, this wine will cool you and calm you on an afternoon picnic. I also loved the 2004 Silvan Ridge Elizabeth’s Reserve, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah and named after the owner, Elizabeth Chambers. This one is most definitely a heavy hitter but in a good luscious way and bursting with berries. And for the sweet tooth, the 2002 Silvan Ridge Del Rio Portage is a dessert wine made from 100% Syrah (no wonder I loved it). It will only get better with its Port characteristics of chocolate, figs, caramel and plums…

Tune in next week for part two of Leigh’s “Undiscovered Country”

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.

On day one together, we decided to hit the hiking scene out at the Columbia Gorge and it was absolutely stunning. Why, you ask am I talking about hiking when I should be talking about wine? A girl needs to get out and about once and awhile and I’m also scheming my summer hikes and picnics this summer. I didn’t indulge in bringing wine with me on our hike together but I intend to do so in the future. With trail mix and berries in our pack, we hiked up Angel’s Rest near Multnomah Falls to find an incredible view. Once we reached the top we knew we needed a reward. And what do all hikers need post trek? Food, wine and drinks, of course.

Once back in Portland, we hit Masu Restaurant on 13th near Burnside, which serves sushi, exotic and tempting cocktails along with great happy hour treats. I couldn’t resist blackberries pureed with lemon lime juice and vodka in a drink called the Hello Kitty. My brother had the Masu Mojito, which incorporated the traditional mint but with the added sweetness of pineapple juice. These complimented their yum yum sticks, which were a mixture of shrimp and crab that had been deep fried in a doughy ball of decadence. Definitely “yum yum.”

On Saturday we strolled around the Farmers’ Market at Portland State University (PSU) before heading over to wine country. We had a most incredible tour of Stoller Vineyard’s wine by the cellar master, Noah Bieszczad. Here we saw one of the top state of the art winery facilities in the country. Their winery is the first winery in Oregon to be 100% Gold LEED Certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and once you drive up to their facility, you can see why. Some of the electrical needs are drawn from solar panels on top of the building and among many other earth friendly practices they use, they try to incorporate a lot of gravity flow in order to be gentle on the grape juice.

Noah was generous in showing us all of their latest technology and techniques as well as sampling through some of their barrels in the barrel room. My brother was most impressed by being able to taste the difference between Pinot Noir juice coming from different clones. Whether it was 777 or Pommard, it was fascinating to taste the difference on the nose and in the palate. Not only is their facility amazing and their vineyard breathtaking, but their wines are something to take a second sip (perhaps many, many more) of. I was thoroughly impressed by their 2006 JV Estate Pinot Noir Rose. I’m already reaching for Rose’s these days with the heat rising, and this is one I’d definitely reach for first. Both the winemaker, Melissa Burr, and Noah are doing quite an incredible job. I’m already dreaming of going back.

Eventually my brother and I had to quickly run off after our tour despite my brother’s look of bliss. We soon set off for Bishop Creek Cellars Tasting Room in Newberg for a chocolate and wine pairing class taught by Kekau Chocolates. For those who’ve forgotten, I work for Bishop Creek Cellars and our largest tasting room is in NW Portland and called Urban Wineworks. We love educating the public and I truly enjoy teaching fun classes about wine, including our wine blending class and food and wine class. But recently, we paired up with Shane Tracey from Kekau chocolates to showcase how fun chocolate making can be and how good it can taste with wine.

Kekau is based in Eugene but Shane is kind enough to come visit us and show those who are chocoholics how to make their own sweet and savory truffles. Shane created some interesting fillings including chipotle mango, strawberry peppercorn and orange fennel. I admit, I’m a dessert and chocolate junkie but I’ve never been one for truffles. Somehow Shane completely changed my mind with interesting and beautiful truffles that actually compliment different styles of wine quite well. My brother seemed thrilled to be able to make his truffles on the spot for quick gratification. We promise to teach this class again in the future so keep your eyes peeled. I’ve eaten all of my chocolates already so I’m begging for more from Kekau.

Alas, my brother left early the next morning and I was very sad to see him go since I adore him so much. I look forward to finding a new path, a summer pleasing Rose, and chocolates to finish the journey. With that, I’m off to eat some more yum yum sticks.

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.

We had a bit of a late start so our first stop was lunch. We didn’t want to sample wine on an empty stomach so we treated ourselves to what I thought was going to be a light lunch but quickly turned into a hefty sampler at The Dundee Bistro. Unable to decide on what to eat, my friends and I shared our meal. My favorite dish we had was the country style pate de campagne along with the unique hand tossed pizza blanketed in spring leeks, arugula, balsamic-onion sauce, olive tapenade and provolone. My friend David had the 2006 Ponzi “Rosato” that smelled of spring strawberries and married well with the Bistro Burger’s juicy meat. Who knew?! My only beverage companion at this meal was coffee so as to ready me for the long day of tasting ahead.

At this point I was ready for a post lunch nap but thankfully we headed over to Rex Hill Winery, which was recently selected as one of the world’s top 100 wineries by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Ken, the tasting bar guru, walked us through their 2004 Chardonnay “Reserve,” along with four Pinot Noir’s. My favorite was most definitely the 2003 Pinot Noir “Oregon.” This kicky Pinot was pure silk with cinnamon along with flavors of dried strawberries and cherries. Mmmm….spicy. I’m starting to wake up.

Jessica Villagrana preparing a taste

Next up we meet with the marketing director of Dobbes Family Estate, Jessica Villagrana (pictured here). Not only is her name fun to pronounce but the wines here are fun to taste. Winemaker and owner, Joe Dobbes, has been in the biz for over 20 years and it shows. My friends and I were lucky enough to get a tour of the facility to see where Joe’s craftsmanship takes place. For anyone who hasn’t experienced tasting through barrels, it is well worth trying. Not only is it an eye-opening experience but the smell is out of this world. I worked crush one year at La Bete Winery in McMinnville and the swirling aromas are intoxicating and it brought me back to the appeal of spending days amongst barrels. Jessica sampled us through various pinot noir’s, along with some other goodies and let me tell you, these wines are sexy. Along with being sexy, each barrel we sampled showed complexity, integrity and personality. I’m still not sure why we left the barrel room to move to the next spot. Sexy tastes good.

Our last wine tasting spot was at Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards. The car became a little cozier after encountering a few more friends on our adventure so we needed more wine to fill the many bellies in the back of the caravan. We hit Lange close to closing but we had enough time to sample through a flight of goodies. I was intrigued to try the 2006 Bricolage Blanc, which is predominately a blend of Gewurztraminer. The label is adorned with Hannah, the vineyard dog or as they like to call it, “the vineyard protector.” But my favorite wine was the 2005 Lange “Reserve” Pinot Gris, which is aged in stainless steal and shows crisp granny smith apple and spice. Our group decided on indulging ourselves with a bottle of this spring gem on Lange’s beautiful patio before heading to dinner.

Speaking of dinner, who couldn’t forget a night at Tina’s Restaurant in Dundee? We were greeted by our friendly waiter, Michael, who made us feel welcome and like queens. To accompany our first round of clams and bacon wrapped scallops, we cracked open a bottle of Whitehaven 2006 Savignon Blanc from New Zealand. The greenness and tart zing of this crisp white paid welcome to our shellfish and seafood and even better with the Cypress Grove chevre with roasted garlic that we ordered next. For our main course, we shared a few bottles of Tina’s Pinot Noir Bishop Creek 2004. This became the best friend to my Alaskan halibut with savoy cabbage, roasted carrots, bacon and a mustart crème fraiche sauce; a most unforgettable dish after an unforgettable day. Oh, and did I mention what we had for dessert? Alas, I’m too full to recap. You’ll just have to go find out for yourself.

~ Leigh

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.

To keep dry, I stepped inside The Wine Shack and chatted with owner Dean Reiman about his success in the wine biz while perusing his impressive collection. I was also happy to meet Brad McLeroy who was pouring wine from Ayres Winery. Brad was doing a tasting of two different Pinot Noirs, which were strikingly different and inspiring. My favorite was definitely his Estate Pinot Noir, which had some surprising yet lovely floral notes and an even more impressive presence in the mouth, expressing balance and integrity. Brad, unlike most men, is a multi-tasker (just kidding…sort of). He plays the role of vineyard manager and winemaker on top of promoting his charming wines.

After chatting with Brad, Dean informed me that there were other winemakers/wineries pouring their wares in and around Cannon Beach. The idea of diving into my book at a local coffee shop was what I had envisioned myself doing by this point, but sipping on wine was more enticing so off I went. I walked up the street to Laurel’s Wine Shop and the next thing I knew, Laurel herself was pouring me her soon-to-be-released 2006 Pinot Gris. Laurel, also a multi-tasker, does all of the vineyard management and winemaking as well. Her Pinot Gris has notes of peach and pear with creamy textures to envelope your tongue and make one beg for a glass. She informed me that she will be selling it in her shop soon once the labels are ready, so keep your eyes peeled.

Next I stumbled into a local pub to meet Dave Butler from Walnut City Wineworks . I tried both his Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and his Pinot Gris. I must have been in a peachy mood because I really enjoyed this Pinot Gris as well. This Pinot Gris was also well balanced and the aroma of stone fruit once again drifted up to my nose. It would have been nice to sit outside with a glass of this good stuff. Too bad it would soon be diluted by the pouring rain. Bugger. But there was more wine to be had because Emily Gladhart was at the North by Northwest Gallery pouring for Winter’s Hill Vineyard . Here I encountered not just Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir but their 2005 Early Muscat and 2004 Golden Nectar, a dessert wine similar to ice wine made from a blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat. I, not being much for sweet wines was thoroughly enchanted by both the Muscat and the Golden Nectar. I bought a bottle of her Muscat with visions of spicy Japanese food in mind. It had about 3% residual sugar that was begging for heat. Sushi and spicy ginger here we come! Hi-ya!

By this point it was late in the afternoon and lunch had slipped my mind hours ago. Continuing on my indulgent strut, I walked into Bistro Restaurant for some local cuisine and of course…more wine. The crisp and creamy whites still lingered on my tongue, and I soon forgot the torrential down pour and massive winds outside once I had a glass of the 2005 Henry Estate Pinot Noir in hand. This luscious red melted in my mouth and paired nicely with my salad and its creamy garlic and caper dressing. Next course was pasta with capers, parmesan cheese and parsley. Swirling wine in my glass and pasta around my fork, I was soon full and happy. But my eyes got a glimpse of the dessert tray and the chocolate ganache pecan tart called out to me. My server convinced me that homemade coffee ice cream would join forces with my treat and all he heard from me was, “Bring it on baby.” After my first bite, I was off to the races with a caffeine jolt five cups of coffee couldn’t compete with. Man, that ice cream had kick.

All and all, Cannon Beach proved a good companion for a solo traveler. Never was I lonely (or dry) and I always had a conversation in my glass.

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.

After some dinner I’m not satisfied enough to cap off my evening just yet. So we head on over to Andina , which is one of my favorite hot spots. This Peruvian restaurant gem is filled with flavor, beauty and vibe. Who can resist tapas to share over cocktails inspired by infused alcohol and fruit? My friend sips on a mojito de pina (mojito with pineapple juice) while I stick to vino. I savor a malbec that pairs nicely with the torta de chocolate, a sexy chocolate cinnamon cake. I’m ready for another but ready for bed. Gotta save some energy for a Friday outing. But visit The Pearl Wine Shop if you’ve got some time to kill. Charles, the wine guru downstairs, will unveil some lovies and teach you a thing or two about the producers he’s showcasing. Good stuff.

Next thing I know…It’s 8:30 p.m. on Friday night in Northeast Portland, and I’m in one of my favorite neighborhoods to stroll in. I’m still lagging a bit from the night before, but I meet up with a group of buds to celebrate my friend Rebecca’s birthday. I had to wake myself up after a thirty minute post-work nap to get ready for my drinks and meal. The perfect snooze-shocking drink was a mojito of the most refreshing kind. I’m a mint junkie and this fit the bill. At Equinox restaurant you can find the earth-friendly crowd mingling amongst the hipsters, while listening to a live trio play French style dance music. After the start-up cocktail, we chimed in to agree on a few bottles. I was up for red to warm my bones, so we uncorked a few bottles of the Abacela 2003 tempranillo. This Oregon winery produces some knockouts and this paired nicely with my chicken stuffed with chevre, prosciutto and spinach standing atop of mashed potatoes and crisp bread. It even lasted the last lap to blow kisses at my Mississippi mud cake. Hello and goodbye. Dinner is over and I’m off to bed.

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.

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.