BTW did you know Oregon is just about as “green” as you think it is?  We don’t get our reputation for organic kale eating and chicken dossiers  for nothin’. The stat below isn’t JUST about Biodynamic winemaking but we are proud of the many ways our farmers are good stewards of the land.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Send your post title to tastingpour@gmail.com by Tuesday, May 7 to be included in the preview post. We will do a preview post shortly after getting the titles, linking to your blogs. Your title should include “#winePW.”

Publish your post between 12:01 a.m-8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, May 11. You can always schedule your post in advance if you will be tied up that morning. Include links to the other #winePW participants in your post, and a description of what the event is about. We’ll provide the HTML code that you can easily put in your initial post — which will link to people’s general blog url — then the updated code for the permanent links to everyone’s #winePW posts. Get social! After the posts go live, please visit your fellow bloggers posts’ to comment and share. We have a Facebook group for participating bloggers to connect and share, too.

Please be sure to disclose if your post is sponsored or if you are describing wine or other products for which you have received a free sample.  Please tag the winery that provided samples and the event partners @wvwine

For more of the back-story on Wine Pairing Weekend, check out David’s original post introducing the idea.

The post Biodynamic Wines of Willamette Valley #winepw appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Wines for Spring

I believe you can drink any wine you want any time of year. But there are certain styles I tend to crave with the season.  Check out the suggestions I shared on KGW 4 o’clock news and keep reading for more detailed info.

Erath 2018 Oregon Rose of  Pinot Noir

Rose is a great way to launch into the new season.  What I love about this rose of Pinot Noir from Erath is how beautifully it goes with food. It is finally the time of year when a well made salad can be a meal.  Think fresh greens with smoked salmon, goat cheese, and citrus or  strawberries, herbed chicken, and candied walnuts.  We paired with bagel and lox – that’s right if you think wine doesn’t go with breakfast, you are doing breakfast wrong.  Elegantly scented with strawberry, melon, stone fruit and florals this rose is the perfect accompaniment to spring meals.  You can find it just about anywhere fine wines are sold ~ $14

Maryhill Winery 2018 Otis Vineyard  Proprietor’s Reserve Albarino

Fresh flowers, light melon, a little white peach and citrus, Maryhill Winery delivers the perfect wine for spring with this gorgeous Albarino.  I can’t think of a better place to sip this Albarino than at Maryhill’s newest tasting room on the Vancouver USA water front – like on the patio, right on the shores of the Columbia River. Albarino ~$22 – sold where fine wines are sold.

Expect all of the music, menus, upcoming special events, and fabulous wines Maryhill is known to deliver.

Grand Opening events are this weekend:

• Saturday, April 13, 2019: Public Grand Opening Celebration, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., music by Sundae + Mr. Goessl, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
• Sunday, April 14, 2019: Public Grand Opening Celebration, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., music by Jessie Marquez, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
• Regular Hours 11 a – 9 p Daily
• 

Borealis from Montinore Estate

This is pure springtime in a glass. Like a field of wildflowers and sweet grass with white peach and light pineapple – so very aromatic.  A blend of some of the prettiest scented grapes – Muller Thurgau, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris.  Borealis is named for these “Northern Whites” classic to Alsace. (Get it?  Like “Northern Lights”) Full bodied and lush, yet crisp, with a hint of sweetness. It is perfect for sipping on a springtime evening and goes great with food. We had it with spicy Indian and it was perfect.  Plus it is organic.  Available in many states where fine wines are sold ~$16

The post Wines for Spring appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Apple Upside Down Cake

As part of a #winepw group post, we recently paired it with a 2016 BOLLIG-LEHNERT RIESLING SPATLESE FROM PIESPORTER GOLDTROPHFCHEN  and 2016 GEORG ALBRECHT SCNEIDER NIERSTEINER HIPPING RIESLING SPATLESE with great success (sponsored).  See Coq Au Riesling for more about this wine, other German Riesling pairings, and of course the recipe for Coq Au Riesling.

The post Apple Upside Down Cake appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

WIN

2 Free Tickets!

Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival

J Christopher Wines

Saturday, AUGUST 11

HOW TO ENTER OUR DRAWING:

1. SUBSCRIBE TO TASTING POUR’S EMAIL LIST AND COMMENT BELOW ON THIS POST “I JUST SUBSCRIBED, I WANNA WIN.”

2. ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? COMMENT “I ALREADY SUBSCRIBE, BUT I STILL WANNA WIN .”

Contest ends midnight Pacific Time. Wednesday August 8th.  One winner, chosen at random, will receive an email from Tasting Pour by noon Thursday, August 9th.  If you are not the lucky winner, you can purchase tickets here.

Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival at J Christopher

Who is Playing at the Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival?

Here are the details for this concert.

Click here for the full Willamette Valley Chamber Music line up – 3 weekends in August.

Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival at J Christopher Barrel Room

If you missed Jade on KGW Portland Today talking about this event and sampling some great J Christopher Pinot Noir, see the clip below.

The post Win 2 Tickets to Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Because we live in Oregon we stuck with cool wines that are abundantly available here.  You can find these specific wines and these general grapes and styles anywhere.

We think a hallmark of a good summer wine is it can be enjoyed with or without food.  A porch swing, outdoor concert, or picnic summer wine should be as good paired with just a glass and friends as with a meal.

Check out our segment on KGW’s Portland Today and then keep reading for more details on these perfect for summer wines.  Y’all will have to forgive the fact that I am feverish in this video and have lost my voice – darn awful summer cold.

Summer Wines – Rose

While we think rose can be a year round wine, it comes into its own as a summer wine.  Just the array of colors reminds of summer gardens in full bloom.  We selected:

2017 Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars Rose of Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $20

Ballerina pink with light floral and and strawberry notes. Crisp, refreshing, citrusy and light.

See Rose Roundup for some other rose recommendations.

Summer Wines – Pinot Gris

We love pinot gris for summer wines because it is fruity and rich but still has refreshing acid.  While most made in Oregon fit this description, this grape can also be tart and citrusy.

Buyer’s Tip: If you want stone fruit and richness ask your wine steward for an Alsatian style Pinot Gris.  If you want tart and citrusy ask for an Italian style Pinot Gris aka Pinot Grigio. 

We selected:

2017 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris Willamette Valley $19

Rich with stone fruit and melon.

Summer Wines – Pinot Noir

Red wine lovers, don’t despair!  You can have your summer wine and your red wine too!  Pinot Noir typically has less drying tannin than bigger reds like Cabernet Sauvignon.  This makes it much more sippable for summer.  If you find one that says “Whole Cluster” this will be lighter with fresher fruits and less tannin. It can even be served slightly chilled!

Buyer’s Tip: Pinot Noir is a good choice for a red summer wine. Even better, look for one that says “Whole Cluster” on the label.

We selected:

2017 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $24

Raspberry, cherry, vanilla, and juiciness.

What are some of your favorite summer wines?

The post Summer Wines appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

I am becoming increasingly appreciative of Duck Pond Cellars.  You will see me talk about their rose later this week on KGW.  And we visited the tasting room in Dundee last weekend to discover they are masters at Pinot Gris.  Seriously.  I don’t get super excited about Pinot Gris.  Most around Oregon are pretty good.  Few blow my socks off.

They had a couple of extra bottles open the day we went so granted we tasted 4 Pinot Gris while the norm is 2 on the tasting flight.  But they were all sensory delights.  Complex, layered, textured, and hovering at the $20 price range.

These 2 were on the flight…

2016 Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars Pinot Gris St. Jory Vineyard

A sweet tart combination of lemon curd and lemon poundcake on the nose with fresh floral notes, a little grassiness, and roasted nuts.  The palate is rich but crisp with an undertone of baked yellow apple and pear, and spicy fresh ginger notes.

2016 Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars Pinot Gris South Salem Hills Cuvee

Lemongrass, kaffir lime, caramelized walnuts, apricot brulée, and tangy yeasty notes carry through to the palate which is round and inviting with mineral flavors.

And don’t even get me started on the special edition 25th Anniversary Pinot Gris which you will get to enjoy if you attend this dinner.

2017 Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars Pinot Gris 25th Anniversary

Fruit forward on the nose with pear, white peach, cantaloupe, and white floral notes.  The palate is mineral driven with a slippery mouth coating texture.  It remains crisp though with zesty honeydew flavored acidity and salted melon on the finish.  I can’t tell you how much I loved this wine.

Here are the details on the dinner and you can follow this link to learn more. www.duckpondcellars.com/calendar

The post Duck Pond Cellars 25th Anniversary Dinner appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

I don’t like mayonnaise.  Yes, they may take my Southern card away.  I can only tolerate small homemade quantities.  So am often looking for ways to reinvent mayo centric recipes. Like this No Mayo Cold Slaw.

I DO love chicken salad.  Mark said he would support some no mayo chicken salad recipe experimentation.  He doesn’t like mayonnaise either.  The first attempt was a smashing success and absolute perfection with Maryhill Viognier.  Now let’s see if I can recall what I did.  Maybe we should not have finished the bottle.

Curried Mango Chicken Salad – No Mayo

2016 Maryhill Viognier

Sip it on the porch, veranda,  deck – choose your outdoor seating and pour a glass.  Vanilla custard, marshmallow, peach, apricot, and light honey on the nose.  Viscous on the palate but with balanced acidity. A little off dry with sugared apple slices, a touch of grounding minerality, and a perfumey floral bite on the finish. $16

Anyone else hate mayo?  What are some of your favorite no mayo recipes?

The post Curried Mango Chicken Salad – No Mayo appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

WIN

2 FREE Tickets

BodyVox at Elk Cove

Saturday, JUNE 30th, 6:00 pm

A $60 VALUE

HOW TO ENTER OUR DRAWING:

1. SUBSCRIBE TO TASTING POUR’S EMAIL LIST AND COMMENT BELOW ON THIS POST “I JUST SUBSCRIBED, I WANNA WIN BODYVOX TICKETS”

2. ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? COMMENT “I ALREADY SUBSCRIBE, BUT I STILL WANNA WIN BODYVOX TICKETS.”

Contest ends midnight Pacific Time. Wednesday June 27th.  One winner, chosen at random, will receive an email from Tasting Pour by noon Thursday, June 28th.  If you are not the lucky winner, you can purchase tickets here.

What is BodyVox?

Honestly, I don’t really know. I heard dance and vineyard and it did not take me long to decide I wanted to go. The following is an excerpt of info, pics, and a video from the BodyVox website.  I think this is going to be REALLY cool.

Led by Emmy Award-winning choreographers Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland, BodyVox is known for its visual virtuosity, distinctive wit and unique ability to combine dance, theater and film into breathtaking productions rich in imagery, athleticism and humor. Since its founding in 1997, BodyVox has toured to critical acclaim on stages around the world, developed 9 award winning films, 30 original shows and 3 operas, featuring more than 200 original dances. 

Based in Portland, Oregon, BodyVox’s movement surges from a fascination with the endless possibilities of the human body in motion, informed by years of cross training and layers of experience. Hampton and Roland are distinguished artists on the world stage, formed by their years working as creators and performers with innovative dance companies Momix, ISO Dance, and Pilobolus. BodyVox builds upon this tradition of excellence with a unique voice that is equally influenced by its Northwest roots and world view. 

Adding to its full-evening shows and repertory pieces, BodyVox’s films have won numerous awards in national and international festivals. “Modern Daydreams” – composed of “Treadmill Softly,” “Islands in the Sky,“ Unleashed” and “Deere John” – won the prestigious American Choreography Award for Outstanding Achievement in Short film in 2002.

And here’s a video of performance clips.  I cannot wait.

The post Win 2 Tickets: BodyVox in the Vineyard appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Yes, the winner for the Eola Hills Legacy Estate Season Passes has been chosen. But with these Free for All Concerts everyone wins. And stay tuned for more ticket giveaways from Tasting Pour in the coming months.

Free Live Concerts in Oregon Wine Country

Youngberg Hill

Do not miss the summer concert series at Youngberg Hill.  Just going up the long drive to the estate lets you know you are in for something special. If you are in to views that stop you in your tracks, adorable curly haired cows, and stellar wines that show their place in every drop – this is the stop for you.

• Location: Youngberg Hill McMinnville
• Dates: Wednesdays June 20th – September 12th
• Seating: Indoor and outdoor at Event Center. Bring a blanket or chair or borrow from winery.
• Food and Drink: Bring a picnic or purchase from onsite food truck. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. NO outside alcohol.
• Kids and Pets: Yes to both. Pets must be on a leash
• More info: https://youngberghill.com/events-calendar/

Red Lily Vineyards Beach Concert Series

Who wouldn’t want to spend the evening along the Applegate River listening to live music and sipping gorgeous Oregon wine?  Bonus – Red Lily specializes in Spanish grapes, not so common in Oregon. Go enjoy some Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Verdejo.

• Location: Red Lily Vineyards, Jacksonville
• Dates: Thursdays through Sept 6th 6-8pm
• Seating: Outdoors on the “beach” on the Applegate River. Beach tables and lawn seating
• Food and Drink: Bring a picnic or visit one of the onsite food trucks. Wine and beer available for purchase. NO outside alcohol
• Kids and Pets: Yes to both, Pets on a leash
• More information: www.redlilyvineyards.com.

Wine Country Concerts That Won’t

Break The Bank

While not free, these live music events among the vines certainly make for an affordable and memorable date or night out with friends.

Kramer Vineyards

There is a whole line up of music at Kramer this summer, from bluegrass to jazz. Plus they are celebrating new releases for their wines on tap program. Bring your growler or get a branded one on select dates. AND August 10th is a whole camping, s’mores and music event.  Special pricing and reservations are needed for that but doesn’t it sound fun?

• Location Kramer Vineyards, Gaston in Yamhill-Carlton AVA
• Dates: Various dates through September 3rd. See link for details
• Seating: Seating outdoors on the tasting room patio
• Food and Drink: Bring a picnic or food is for sale there. No outside alcohol. Tasting included in ticket.
• Cost: $15-$20 includes tasting.
• Kids and Pets: Pets on leash
• More information: www.kramervineyards.com

Kathken Vineyards Music in the Park

Image “borrowed” from website

Sadly this is the final year of Music in the Park at Kathken. Don’t miss your last chance to sit by their bonfire and support local bands.

• Location Kathken Vineyards, Salem
• Dates: Saturdays June 23rd – Sept 1st 7-10p
• Seating: Outdoors, bring blankets or camp chairs. Tables can be reserved
• Food and Drink: Food, wine and other beverages for sale. No outside food or drink.
• Cost: $10 – advanced ticket recommended
• Kids and Pets: No
• More Information: http://www.kathkenvineyards.com/events_weddings.htm

The post Free Live Concerts in Oregon Wine Country appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Enjoy evenings by the lake and among the vines.  See one concert or see them all.  Share the passes with your friends. This is truly an opportunity to #drinkinthepnw.  And yes this does mean the Chris Isaak drawing has ended, but never fear there are always good things to come on Tasting Pour.

WIN

4 SEASON PASSES!

Legacy Estate Vineyard Concert Series

Friday, June 22nd – August 31

A $600 Value

HOW TO ENTER OUR DRAWING:

1. SUBSCRIBE TO TASTING POUR’S EMAIL LIST AND COMMENT BELOW ON THIS POST “I JUST SUBSCRIBED, I WANNA WIN SEASON PASSES.”

2. ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? COMMENT “I ALREADY SUBSCRIBE, BUT I STILL WANNA WIN SEASON PASSES.”

Contest ends midnight Pacific Time. Wednesday June 20th.  One winner, chosen at random, will receive an email from Tasting Pour by noon Thursday, June 21st.  If you are not the lucky winner, you can purchase tickets here.

Eola Hills, Legacy Vineyard, concert, wine country, Oregon Wine, Willamette Valley, Eola-Amity Hills

What Is Included?

• Concert Season Package for 4 people  – see every concert or just the ones you love. Share with your friends.  You are going to be popular this summer.
• $20 voucher towards purchase
• Free wine tasting vouchers redeemable at Legacy Estate Vineyard or Eola Hills Wine Cellars tasting rooms
• RV/Day Camping Passes

Who Is Performing?

Britnee Kellogg, Debra Arlyn & The Goodness, Cloverdayle, Dancehall Days, Nate Botsford

Here is everything else you need to know including links to the performers.  

And if you happened to miss Jade talking about wine country concerts on KGW Portland Today – here is the clip…

The post Win 4 Season Passes to Legacy Estate Vineyard Concert Series appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.