Rabblerousing by Winerabblers

Adventures in Canada: Wine Bloggers Conference 2013 (WBC13)

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:22:46 -0700

by Matt Talbot

In early June 2013, the Rabblers had the great opportunity to attend the 6th Annual Wine Bloggers Conference in amazingly picturesque Penticton, British Columbia. We met many interesting and talented wine bloggers from around the US, Canada and the world. We also had the special treat of discovering the variety and creativity of Canadian wine, a forbidden fruit for those of us here in the Pacific Northwest since most BC wines are not available in our area.
The conference was informative, fun and adventurous. The excursions took us to some very breath taking places where we were able to sample a cross section of wines from all over the Okanagan Valley paired with some terrific food. What struck this Rabbler was the wide array of varietals that the BC wine makers were able to grow and produce in the Canadian desert. I didn’t even know that Canada had a desert let alone that it produced some very surprising wines.
While BC wines were well represented there was a vast assortment of wines to explore from around the globe. South Africa, Greece, Uruguay, (and to keep with the Canada theme) Ontario wines were represented to the conference goers. A few standouts for me were some of the South African Chenin blancs, Uruguayan Tannats and Albarinos, Greek rosés and Ontario Pinot noirs.
After the conference was over we took a couple of days to wine taste in the Oliver and Osoyoos areas, both south of Penticton. Outside of the stunning vistas and awesome hotel room we were able to score, a great highlight for us was the creativity and styles of wines we were able to try. From varietals such as Vidal which were new to us to the very different take on the Pinot noir that we were able to drink (oh and buy of course!) We had a fun and fascinating post conference excursion of our own.
The Penticton Wine Bloggers Conference was my first rodeo and I can honestly say it was one of the most fun, beautiful and interesting trips I have taken in years. And while I am from Santa Barbara, I look forward to the same at the next conference, scheduled to take place in Santa Barbara’s wine country next July.
If you’re a wine blogger, click here for more info on next year’s Wine Bloggers Conference.
email Matt Talbot

Why does a wine bottle have the indent in the bottom?

Fri, 31 May 2013 08:19:10 -0700

by Michele Francisco

That indent in the bottom of a wine bottle is also called a punt and the short answer is that no one knows exactly why it’s there. It seems to be more about preserving tradition than serving a function in today's world. And there is much speculation about what purpose the punt in the bottom of the wine bottle had in earlier times.
One suggestion is that when bottles were still hand-blown, the glass blower’s tool would leave a small scar on the bottom of the bottle. If the bottom remained flat, that scar would prevent it from sitting squarely on a tabletop– so out of necessity the punt may have been invented.
Another plausible idea is that with the addition of a punt, by design it increases the strength of the bottles themselves. Wine bottles with punts are also less likely to resonate. This was important when wine was transported from place to place on unpaved roads, ensuring the bottle and its contents survived the journey.
Some also say the punt was devised to preserve the integrity of bottles filled with champagne. Wine with bubbles is under enormous amounts of pressure. In the early days of champagne making, the monks worked with weaker glass and it was a very dangerous job being in the cellar. Bottles regularly exploded, maiming and killing those nearby. Monks began wearing metal armor and chainmaille to prevent their demise by wine bottle, under they discovered that a bottle with a punt was less likely to shatter.
Another theory is that deceptive merchants could fool their customers into believing there was more liquid than what the bottle could actually hold if their patrons were unaware of the punt in the bottom. This seems a good explanation before there were laws put in place to protect the customer. Now most wineries use standard bottles that hold 750ml so no matter if the bottle looks larger or smaller, the purchaser is guaranteed that much wine.
Regardless of how and why the punt was invented, it does have some redeeming qualities for today’s wine lover. When cleaning a bottle, the hot water is thoroughly dispersed by the punt to aid in a more complete sanitation. Glass can be slippery so having the punt in the bottom of the bottle gives the person pouring wine something to grip. The punt also diverts any sediment down into the ring along the base of the bottle. This design helps the wine drinker avoid those unsavory chunks in the wine glass.
So, although enveloped in a mysterious past, the wine bottle punt can be placed into the category of “if it’s not broken, why fix it?”
This article was also published on Examiner.com.  Please read others or subscribe to Michele’s articles by following this link.
email Michele Francisco

Upcoming Portland Wine Events: Mostly June 2013

Wed, 29 May 2013 20:50:10 -0700

by Michele Francisco

The many urban wineries and shops in town are making it easy for you to get into the summer spirit with everything from potlucks to tacos to picnics. These foods are all expertly paired with wines made locally and across the world. Taste wines that complement your summer dishes and venture beyond your usual go-to bottles.
• Wednesday, May 29, 5-7pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Special tasting flight for Oregon Wine Month
“Blind” Oregon Tasting Competition is this week’s theme
$10/per person
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Wednesday, May 29, 7-9pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Enjoy live music played by The Flat Pockets while sipping on dry rosé and other Oregon wines
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Thursday, May 30, 5-7pm
SE Wine Collective
Guest Winemaker Legends Month with Adam Campbell of Elk Cove
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Thursday, May 30, 6:30-9pm
Pairings Portland
Pairings Portland Potluck themed “Farmer’s Market Fare”
$10 for 3 tastings, limited to 25 people
RSVP by emailing info@pairingsportland.com
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Friday, May 31, 4-7pm
ENSO Winery
Celebrating the end of the week with ENSO and other PDX wines paired with tacos made fresh by the TacoPeddlers
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Friday, June 7, 4-7pm
ENSO Winery
Celebrating the end of the week with ENSO and other PDX wines paired with tacos made fresh by the TacoPeddlers
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Friday, June 7, 6-8pm
ENSO Winery
First Friday with guest PDX Urban Winery Clay Pigeon
Michael Clayhouse will be pouring his newly bottled wines free of charge
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Saturday, June 8, 6-8pm
SE Wine Collective
Weekly Guest Winemaker Sterling Whitted of Holden Wine Company
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Sunday, June 9, 4-7pm
PDX Urban Wine Experience tasting event
All PDX Urban Wineries members will be on hand pouring their latest releases, with bottle sales available at the event so you can take home your favorite wines.
Tickets are $40/per person
Buy your ticket by June 4th and you’ll receive a $15 credit toward your wine purchase
Get your ticket here
Click here for all PDX Urban Wineries events
Map to Refuge PDX

• Friday, June 14, 4-7pm
ENSO Winery
Celebrating the end of the week with ENSO and other PDX wines paired with tacos made fresh by the TacoPeddlers
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Friday, June 14, 6-8pm
SE Wine Collective
Weekly Guest Winemaker Jan-Marc of Jan-Marc Cellars
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Saturday, June 15, 4-7pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
June's Pairings Picks Event: 8 wines that rock with Picnics!
$15/per person
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Friday, June 21, 4-7pm
ENSO Winery
Celebrating the end of the week with ENSO and other PDX wines paired with tacos made fresh by the TacoPeddlers
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Friday, June 21, 6-8pm
SE Wine Collective
Weekly Guest Winemaker Tyson Crowley of Crowley Wines
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Friday, June 28, 4-7pm
ENSO Winery
Celebrating the end of the week with ENSO and other PDX wines paired with tacos made fresh by the TacoPeddlers
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery
This article was also published on Examiner.com.  Please read others or subscribe to Michele’s articles by following this link.
email Michele Francisco

Upcoming Portland Wine Classes: May and June 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:06:21 -0700

by Michele Francisco

Portland may be known as a beer town but wine is beginning to spill out from the Willamette Valley into our fair city. The many urban wineries and shops sprinkled on the east side of the river are offering classes to help you increase your wine knowledge. For the novice, wine can sound complicated and confusing. But once you understand some basics, you’ll be speaking like a pro in no time. So learn the lingo from the experts– sign up for a class today!

• Tuesday, May 21, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Wines of Australia
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Thursday, May 23, 7pm
SE Wine Collective
Oregon wines & Oregon cheese pairings class with Steve Jones
$20/per person, limited seating
Please call 503.208.2061 to reserve your spot
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Saturday, May 25, 9:30am, 12pm & 2:30pm
Free Spirit Wines’ Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class in Newberg
Kick off your holiday wine tasting weekend by learning about Oregon’s wine history and soils, why the Willamette Valley is perfect for Pinot noir and tasting some local wines
$30/per person, limited seating
Click here to make your reservation
Map to Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class at the Windrose Conference Center in downtown Newberg

• Sunday, May 26, 9:30am, 12pm & 2:30pm
Free Spirit Wines’ Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class in Newberg
Kick off your holiday wine tasting weekend by learning about Oregon’s wine history and soils, why the Willamette Valley is perfect for Pinot noir and tasting some local wines
$30/per person, limited seating
Click here to make your reservation
Map to Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class at the Windrose Conference Center in downtown Newberg

• Tuesday, May 28, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Wines of Spain
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Tuesday, June 4, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Intro to Wine
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Thursday, June 20, 7-8:30pm
ENSO Winery
Third Thursday with the Winemaker
The Art of Blending
$30/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing info@ensowinery.com
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

This article was also published on Examiner.com.  Please read others or subscribe to Michele’s articles by following this link.
email Michele Francisco

Upcoming Portland Wine Events: May 2013

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:11:41 -0700

by Michele Francisco

Looking for something fun to do? Why not wine taste and celebrate Oregon’s wine month? Many of the urban wineries and wine shops are having special events to commemorate the wine industry in our state. Mark your calendars with these upcoming dates and join the party!

• Wednesday, May 1, 5-7pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Special tasting flight for Oregon Wine Month
Five of the sub-AVAs of the Willamette Valley will be represented
$10/per person
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Friday, May 3, 5-7pm
SE Wine Collective
Guest Winemaker Legends Month with David Paige of Adelsheim
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Friday, May 3, 5:30-7:30pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Friday Night Tasting
$10 for 4-5 wines + appetizers
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Friday, May 3, 6-8pm
ENSO Winery
First Friday with guest PDX Urban Winery Jan-Marc Wine Cellars
Taste wines made by Jan-Marc, Portland’s first garagiste winemaker, pouring his small lots free of charge
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Wednesday, May 8, 5-7pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Special tasting flight for Oregon Wine Month
Pinot “not” is this week’s theme
$10/per person
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Friday, May 10, 5-7pm
SE Wine Collective
Guest Winemaker Legends Month with Steve Doerner of Cristom
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Saturday, May 11, 2-10pm
ENSO Winery
Participate in Wine Tourism Day in North America by visiting your local urban winery and supporting their efforts to make wine within our city limits.
$36 per couple, includes 2 wine flights paired with locally made salami and cheese or $10 flights without food
Pay at the door
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Saturday, May 11, 11am-9:30pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Grand Opening Celebration event day
11am-5pm: A Sparkling Opening with bubbles and popcorn
5:30-7pm: Live Jazz music with The Blake Lyman Chamber Trio
7:30-9:30pm: Dance party with DJ Derek Smith
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Wednesday, May 15, 5-7pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Special tasting flight for Oregon Wine Month
Southern Oregon Rocks is this week’s theme
$10/per person
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Thursday, May 16, 5-7pm
SE Wine Collective
Guest Winemaker Legends Month with Brian O’Donnel of Belle Pente
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Wednesday, May 22, 5-7pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Special tasting flight for Oregon Wine Month
Pretty in Pink Rosé is this week’s theme
$10/per person
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• May 24–27, 2-11pm (Memorial Day weekend)
ENSO Winery
2 year Anniversary Party! ENSO Winery is turning 2 years old and invites everyone to celebrate this milestone. They’ll be pouring previously unreleased wines and, as owner Ryan Sharp puts it, having a grand ‘ole time. Come join in the festivities!
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• May 24-27, 11am-8pm (Memorial Day weekend)
Hip Chicks do Wine
Memorial Day weekend wine tasting
$15 includes up to 12 wines and a souvenir logoed glass. As a special treat they will be pouring their second label Tiernan Connor Cellars over the holiday weekend.
Click here for all events
Map to Hip Chicks do Wine

• Wednesday, May 29, 5-7pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Special tasting flight for Oregon Wine Month
“Blind” Oregon Tasting Competition is this week’s theme
$10/per person
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Wednesday, May 29, 7-9pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Enjoy live music played by The Flat Pockets while sipping on dry rosé and other Oregon wines
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Thursday, May 30, 5-7pm
SE Wine Collective
Guest Winemaker Legends Month with Adam Campbell of Elk Cove
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Friday, June 7, 6-8pm
ENSO Winery
First Friday with guest PDX Urban Winery Clay Pigeon
Michael Clayhouse will be pouring his newly bottled wines free of charge
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Sunday, June 9, 4-7pm
PDX Urban Wine Experience tasting event
All PDX Urban Wineries members will be on hand pouring their latest releases, with bottle sales available at the event so you can take home your favorite wines.
Tickets are $40/per person
Buy your ticket by June 4th and you’ll receive a $15 credit toward your wine purchase
Get your tickets here
Click here for more information
Map to Refuge PDX
This article was also published on Examiner.com.  Please read others or subscribe to Michele’s articles by following this link.
email Michele Francisco

Upcoming Portland Wine Classes: May 2013

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:04:41 -0700

by Michele Francisco

May is Oregon Wine Month so join the celebration and support our local winemakers and wine shops. There are a number of unique classes being offered in Portland along with special Memorial Day weekend classes in Newberg. Led by instructors who are fun and full of personality, your experience is guaranteed to be memorable! Seating is limited for most of these classes so sign up today.
• Saturday, May 4, 7:30-9pm
Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery
Cheese & Beer with author Janet Fletcher, pairing local brews from Base Camp Brew Co., Breakside Brewery & The Commons Brewery with cheeses
$10/per person
Pay at the door
Click here for all events
Map to Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery

• Saturday, May 11, 3-5pm
SE Wine Collective
Chocolate Class with Alma Chocolates
$30/per person, limited seating
Make your reservation here
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Tuesday, May 14, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Wines of Italy
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Tuesday, May 21, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Wines of Australia
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Thursday, May 23, 7pm
SE Wine Collective
Oregon wines & Oregon cheese pairings class with Steve Jones
$20/per person, limited seating
Please call 503.208.2061 to reserve your spot
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Saturday, May 25, 9:30am, 12pm & 2:30pm
Free Spirit Wines’ Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class in Newberg
Kick off your holiday wine tasting weekend by learning about Oregon’s wine history and soils, why the Willamette Valley is perfect for Pinot noir and tasting some local wines
$30/per person, limited seating
Click here to make your reservation
Map to Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class at the Windrose Conference Center in downtown Newberg

• Sunday, May 26, 9:30am, 12pm & 2:30pm
Free Spirit Wines’ Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class in Newberg
Kick off your holiday wine tasting weekend by learning about Oregon’s wine history and soils, why the Willamette Valley is perfect for Pinot noir and tasting some local wines
$30/per person, limited seating
Click here to make your reservation
Map to Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class at the Windrose Conference Center in downtown Newberg

• Tuesday, May 28, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Wines of Spain
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Tuesday, June 4, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Intro to Wine
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Thursday, June 20, 7-8:30pm
ENSO Winery
Third Thursday with the Winemaker
The Art of Blending
$30/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing info@ensowinery.com
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery
This article was also published on Examiner.com.  Please read others or subscribe to Michele’s articles by following this link.
email Michele Francisco

Upcoming Portland Wine Classes: April 2013

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 09:24:39 -0700

by Michele Francisco

Wine is sometimes filled with pomp and ceremony but you won’t find that at the urban wineries and shops scattered across Portland. These places offer a wide array of classes to help wine lovers learn more about what’s in their glasses. Explore a new hobby, learn how to pair wine with food or brush up on the differences in wine from region to region. Many of these classes are quite small so make your reservations early to ensure you’ve got a seat. Happy sipping!

• Thursday, April 4, 6:30-8pm
Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery
Cider Explorations (paired with cheeses)
$45/per person
Purchase tickets here http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/343026
Click here for all events
Map to Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery

• Sunday, April 7, 3-7pm
SE Wine Collective
Vine Gogh Wine & Painting Class
Please call 503.208.2061 for pricing & availability
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Thursday, April 11, 7-8:30pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Pairings Basics (pairing wine with food)
$25/per person, limited seating
RSVP by visiting www.facebook.com/pairingspdx
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Saturday, April 13, 1-3pm
SE Wine Collective
Chardonnay Blending Class
$30/per person, limited seating
RSVP by visiting http://sewinecollective.com/calendar/events/2013-04-13.php
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

• Saturday, April 13 7-8:30pm
ENSO Winery
Second Saturday Food & Wine Pairings
Chocolate and Wine
$30/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing info@ensowinery.com
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Thursday, April 18, 7-8:30pm
ENSO Winery
Third Thursday with the Winemaker
Rosés from across the world
$25/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing info@ensowinery.com
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

• Saturday, April 20, 12-5pm
Hip Chicks do Wine
Wine and Cheese Pairing
Call (503) 234-2790 to reserve your seat
Click here for all events
Map to Hip Chicks do Wine

• Sunday, April 21, 12-5pm
Hip Chicks do Wine
Wine and Cheese Pairing
Call (503) 234-2790 to reserve your seat
Click here for all events
Map to Hip Chicks do Wine

• Tuesday, April 23, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Introduction to Wine
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

• Thursday, April 25, 7-8:30pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Basic Wine Enjoyment
$25/per person, limited seating
RSVP by visiting www.facebook.com/pairingspdx
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

• Tuesday, April 30, 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Introduction to Wine
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants
This article was also published on Examiner.com.  Please read others or subscribe to Michele’s articles by following this link.
email Michele Francisco

Win tickets to the North Willamette Valley Wine Trail Weekend

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:12:43 -0700

by Michele Francisco

The North Willamette Vintners are hosting a two-day Wine Trail weekend and everyone’s invited! Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday April 13th-14th, participating wineries will be pulling out all the stops to highlight not only the wines of the North Willamette Valley but the local artisans as well.
Tickets are on sale now but we’re giving away TWO Weekend Passes!
We’ve made it easier than ever to win! There are two ways to enter our contest:

Twitter users: Follow us, then post a tweet (mentioning @winerabble) telling us just how much you want these free tickets! It’s just that simple to be added to the drawing.

Click here for Twitter

Google+ users: Add us to one of your circles, then post a comment explaining why you want these tickets and be automatically entered to win!

Click here for Google+

Please note that you must be available to attend the event weekend April 13-14. Double your odds of winning by entering on both Google+ and Twitter! We’ll then add your name twice to the drawing.

Winerabble will randomly pick a winner on Friday, April 5 from those who have entered to win via Twitter and Google+. We’ll notify our winner that day and will need your mailing address in order to get your free pair of tickets to you before the event weekend.

Please check out all the fun planned by the North Willamette Vintners:

Weekend Activities and Tastings:
• Mimi's French Market toffee and chair massages by Elixer Wellness and Haiku Organics at Garden Vineyards.
• Cookbook author Ashley Gartland will sign Dishing up Oregon with great pairings made from balsamic vinegar and verjus at Montinore Estate with Cooper Mountain Vineyard (Saturday only from 11-3 p.m.)
• Apolloni Vineyards is offering an Italian theme with a Sangiovese tasting and local Italian pairings plus gelato!
• Wine marries art at Abbey Creek Vineyard's new tasting room with local artists of different mediums.
• Quail Run Creamery will host J. Albin Winery farm creamery tours and even some baby goats!
• Smith Berry Barn will host Provincial Vineyards with gourmet food pairings and the top 10 entertaining tips and tools.
• Elk Cove Vineyards will host neighboring winery Patton Valley Vineyard and Republic of Jam from Carlton, OR.
• David Hill Vineyard and Winery will host cookbook author Ivy Manning and serve culinary samples from her newly released cookbook Crackers & Dips (Sunday only from 11-3 p.m.)
• The Oregon Humane Society and Man Bite Dog will be at Tualatin Estate Vineyards.
• Shafer Vineyard Cellars will feature a Christmas in April theme in the Christmas shop with Strohmayer Fruit and Nut Co.
• Smitten Artisan Truffles will offer customized truffles at SakeOne and Ardiri.
• Ponzi Vineyards will host Briar Rose creamery and a local hazelnut producer while teaching about the benefits of the screwcap.
• Oak Knoll Winery will host Dion Vineyards and present a mini winery trail concluding with a glass demonstration and pairings from local farm stands.
• Freja Cellars will partner with Wessles Family Honey.
• Helvetia will host local alpacas with knitting, spinning and felting demonstrations and a salmon food and wine pairing.
• A Blooming Hill Vineyards will show how Port is made and host the Oregon Lavender Association.
• The Tasting Room at 1910 Main will serve pairings and wines from Gresser Vineyard and Provincial Vineyards.
• 1910 Main – An American Bistro will present a live cooking demonstration at Plum Hill Vineyard along with a grafting lesson.
Download the event weekend brochure by clicking this link
After reading about all the great activities planned, you just want to buy your tickets, please do so by clicking the link below and the Winerabblers will see you there!
Saturday & Sunday, April 13-14, 2013 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
o   $45 per person includes the two-day Wine Trail weekend with activities, wine tastings, light food pairings, North Willamette Vintners wine glass, and canvas tote bag for wine purchases.
o   $30 per person for Sunday only ticket from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket includes Willamette Vintners logo glass, activities, wine tastings, light food pairings and canvas tote bag for wine purchases.
o   $10 for Designated Driver ticket includes a wine trail kit with a bottle of water and reusable wine tote.

For tickets, please visit the April calendar of events at www.nwvintners.org.

email Michele Francisco

Upcoming Portland Wine Classes: March & April 2013

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:30:32 -0700

by Michele Francisco

With all the urban wineries and eclectic wine shops popping up in town, there are a lot of ways for Portlanders to increase their wine knowledge. Here is a list of wine-related classes that are guaranteed to be fun and teach you a thing or two or three about wine! Since many of these events have limited seating, please reserve your spot before they sell out.

Thursday, March 21 7-8:30pm
ENSO Winery
Third Thursday with the Winemaker
Mourvèdre from across the world
$25/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing info@ensowinery.com
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

Thursday, March 21 6-8pm
SE Wine Collective
“Meat” class by Olympic Provisions
with Elias Cairo, Salumist & Founder
$35/per person, space is highly limited
Purchase tickets here
Click here for all events
Map to SE Wine Collective

Thursday, April 4 6:30-8pm
Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery
Cider Explorations (paired with cheeses)
$45/per person
Purchase tickets here
Click here for all events
Map to Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery

Thursday, April 11 7-8:30pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Pairings Basics (pairing wine with food)
$25/per person, limited seating
RSVP by visiting www.facebook.com/pairingspdx
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

Saturday, April 13 7-8:30pm
ENSO Winery
Second Saturday Food & Wine Pairings
Chocolate and Wine
$30/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing info@ensowinery.com
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

Thursday, April 18 7-8:30pm
ENSO Winery
Third Thursday with the Winemaker
Rosés from across the world
$25/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing info@ensowinery.com
Click here for all events
Map to ENSO Winery

Tuesday, April 23 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Introduction to Wine
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants

Thursday, April 25 7-8:30pm
Pairings Portland Wine Shop
Basic Wine Enjoyment
$25/per person, limited seating
RSVP by visiting www.facebook.com/pairingspdx
Click here for all events
Map to Pairings Portland Wine Shop

Tuesday, April 30 7-9pm
WineUp Wine Merchants
Introduction to Wine
$40/per person, limited seating
RSVP by emailing wayne@wineuptv.com or calling 503.616.1918
Click here for all events
Map to WineUp Wine Merchants
This article was also published on Examiner.com.  Please read others or subscribe to Michele’s articles by following this link.
email Michele Francisco

ENSO Winery– making a splash in Portland’s wine world

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:44:29 -0700

by Michele Francisco

After recently being chosen as this year’s Oregon Winery to Watch by Wine Press Northwest, owner and winemaker Ryan Sharp aims to live up to those expectations. He’s a man on the move, in constant motion, even working during our interview.
Inspired after visiting a winery in the Willamette Valley, Sharp returned to his urban winery and decided to gussie things up a bit.
“My winery space looked a little ghetto after seeing what another winery had done. Since my Dad was in town, I put him to work and we covered a wall in wood. It looks great and gives the winery a homey feel,” says Ryan Sharp, owner & winemaker of ENSO Winery.
With the winery’s second anniversary coming up, Sharp has learned how to improve some areas of his business and fill in gaps where he can. After selling out his first vintage years before expected, the winery upped production by 1000 cases and has diversified the line up. Going from 1500 to 2500 annual cases will ensure that more people have access to ENSO’s many wines.
ENSO Winery will release three new wines this year; an Orange wine, a Pinot blanc and a rare Pinot noir/Chardonnay field blend from the Willamette Valley called the Prince. While the Prince won’t be available until summer, the new Orange wine and Pinot blanc will debut with a celebration on April 27. Sharp has invited fellow winemakers Matt Berson of Love & Squalor and Sterling Whitted of Holden Wines to join the party. Never heard of Holden Wines? Well this will be the world introduction of the new wine brand so don’t miss it.
Partnering up with other wineries, including those in the PDX Urban Winery group, not only allows for additional exposure but also stretched ENSO’s wine supply during the first year. Even with increased production, Sharp anticipates a shortage again since he’s now got ENSO wines into several local restaurants. As more people try his wines, he expects more visitors to the winery’s tasting room, eventually driving a need for higher production levels next year.
With educational classes, a rentable space for parties and a number of First Friday guest winemakers pouring their wines, ENSO Winery will continue to innovate Portland’s urban wine scene. So keep an eye on this rising star and try their wines, you’ll like what you taste!
ENSO Winery
1416 SE Stark Street
Portland, OR
Map to Enso Winery
503-683-ENSO
www.ensowinery.com
Follow ENSO on Twitter
Follow ENSO on Facebook
This article was also published on Examiner.com.  Please read others or subscribe to Michele’s articles by following this link.
email Michele Francisco