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.

photo credit Oregon Wine Press

2014 Ponzi Vineyards Old Vine Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

Not your typical Pinot Gris but if you like a little barrel influence you might just fall for this wine. Caramelized apple and bananas foster on the nose with pear, apricot, and vanilla custard.  Texture and structure take the starring roles on the palate. Pleasantly mouth coating with terrific acid and perfect balance. Flavors are mineral driven with a dry, tart grapefruit that leads to the good kind of bitterness across a long finish. $38

2015 Maryhill Winery Tudor Hills Vineyards Pinot Gris Columbia Valley

A fruity inviting nose of lemon chess pie, dried orange blossom, white tea spice, banana and sweet hay.  A very citrusy palate with ripe tangerine and grapefruit tempered with dried flowers, dried apricot, and a little pear.  The long juicy mouthwatering finish just makes you want another sip. $16

2016 Foris Pinot Gris Rogue Valley

A tropical citrus nose with fresh green notes of kaffir lime and lemon bay leaves.  Spicy sweet floral notes of jasmine and lilac are joined with raw almonds. The palate is a citrus salad of lemon, lime, grapefruit, and nectarine.  Honeysuckle and minerality add complexity and the whole package is accentuated with bright acid. $14

2016 Antiquum Farm Daisy Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

Mellow and fruity with beeswax, lemon, lime, orange, pear, minerality and nuttiness.  The palate is light, bright and orchestrated by a lemon lime combo. Notes of nuts and hay keep it grounded and lend interest.  A long mineral driven finish seals the experience.

2016 Spindrift Cellars Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

The nose and palate remind you of a lemon bar – the curd and the nut flour crust. Apricot and peach join those inviting aromas.  The palate is marked with lively acidity and an exciting shift from tart to fruity sweet flavors. $16

2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

Stone fruit floral perfume with peach and apricot highlights.  These aromas repeat on the palate in all of their densely ripe glory.  Marzipan lends some nuttiness along with a subtle juicy pear note. Perfumed flavors are balanced with integrated acid and a bittersweet orange and grapefruit zest on the finish. $17

2016 Panther Creek Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

High fresh green scents of lime, and grass meet sweet clementine, ginger spice, vanilla, and jasmine.  The palate develops across the tasting experience beginning with juicy tart green apple and subtly transitioning to a riper mellow apple flavor with vanilla shortbread on the finish.

2017 Puffin Brand Pinot Gris Oregon

An easy drinking wine for early spring with a peach dominated nose and palate. Honeydew, slate, and a bit of nuttiness round out the flavors.  Lots of body and a balanced acidity that gets the job done without aggression. The finish is long and clean with notes of minerality and salinity. $21

This list previously appeared in the Oregon Wine Press.

The post Oregon Pinot Gris Picks appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Horse or Wine?

Instilled Regard 

Nautical Dawn 

Velvet Fury  Yup not  , 

Playing Favorites 

Vino Rosso   Seriously  NOT 

Chance Meeting 

Promises Fulfilled 

Whole Lotta Love 

Magnum Moon 

Black Diamond 

Vesper Bell 

Credit David Shaerer

2018 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Auction – by the numbers

Total earnings – $800,000, not the $250+ million of the Kentucky Derby but not bad.

Average price per bottle – $124

Top 5 Lots:

• Antica Terra “Alder Creek” Pinot noir (5 cases): $33,000
• Zena Crown Vineyard “Barrel and Foot” Pinot noir (5 cases): $24,000
• Alexana Estate Winery “By A Landslide” Pinot noir (5 cases): $20,000
• Hyland Estates “The Perfect Pair” Pinot noir (10 cases): $20,000
• Bethel Heights “Vesper Bell” Pinot noir (5 cases): $19,000

Let’s unpack that $33,000 bid.  That equals $550 a bottle, $110 per glass, $22 per swallow.

And they’ll do it all again next year – April 6, 2019.  You have to be wine trade to attend but if that happens to describe you, ask for a ticket.  It is a jolly good time. www.willamettewines.auction.

The post Wine Auctions and Horse Races appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

 WE ARE AT IT AGAIN

GIVING AWAY 2 FREE TICKETS!

TASTE DUNDEE

SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH  12:00 – 4:00pm 

DOBBES FAMILY ESTATE WINERY

A $100 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.”

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

Contest ends midnight Pacific Time. Wednesday, April 25th.  One winner, chosen at random, will receive an email from Tasting Pour by noon Thursday April 26th and will be added to the guest list! If you are not the lucky winner tickets can be purchased while supplies last.

Wine

Wine at Taste Dundee by Don Conrad – www.winephotos.us

Alexana Winery
alit wines
Angela Estate Winery
Archery Summit
Burner Wines
Cougar Crest Winery
Cramoisi Vineyard
Dobbes Family Estate Winery
Domaine Trouvère
Erath Winery
Evening Land Vineyards
Fox Farm Vineyards
Furioso Vineyards
Lange Estate Winery
Le Cadeau Vineyard
Purple Hands Winery
Roco Winery
Tertulia Cellars Dundee Tasting Room
The Four Graces
Torii Mor Winery

Food

Food at Taste Dundee by Don Conrad – www.winephotos.us

Babica Hen Cafe – Dundee
The Dundee Bistro
Red Hills Market
Tina’s

Music

Zapata Brothers

Hope to see you there!

Your’s Truly at Last Year’s Taste Dundee -by Don Conrad – www.winephotos.us

The post Giveaway: 2 Tickets to Taste Dundee appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

2014 Bryn Mawr Tempranillo Eola-Amity Hills

A pretty and inviting nose of flowers and fresh red fruit. Bright acidity and an undertone of fine tannic structure hold down the fort while strawberry and cherry glide across your palate like a wave of flavor spreading out over a long finish. 

2014 Castillo de Feliciana Tempranillo The Rocks District of Milton Freewater

The savory, masculine, steak and mushroom wine you would expect when Tempranillo hits those hot rocks. Notes of leather, umami, and salami.

2015 Oak Knoll Reserve Tempranillo Columbia Valley/Wahluke Slope

Savory leather aromas blend with fresh strawberry, tart cranberry, warm spice, and green pine notes.  Leather meets red tea and blueberry jam presented with mouthwatering acidity.  Sweet smoky tobacco comes through on the finish.

2013 Domaine Trouvere Tempranillo Umpqua Valley

This soft spoken Tempranillo offers plenty to enjoy in a balanced and quiet experience.  A little white pepper, red tea, red fruit, blueberry and spice on the nose.  The red tea component repeats on the palate  and is made richer with vanilla bean, cola, dried plums, and spiced fruit on the finish. 

2012 Melrose Estate Grown Tempranillo Umpqua Valley

Nose = chocolate cherry ganache = mic drop.  What you want more? Soft, powdery, velvety textured milk chocolate with licorice, red currant, and warm spice. 

2014 Abacela Barrel Select Tempranillo Umpqua Valley

A rich inviting nose of Italian plum, blackberry, rich cola, cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean.  The palate bursts with juicy ripe blackberry and blueberry with a hint of sweet smoke and mocha on the midpalate.  Defined tannins. 

2014 Dominio !V Sketches of Spain Three Sleeps Vineyard Tempranillo I think Columbia Gorge

Dark, rich aromas with cinnamon vanilla mocha notes and baked blackberries,  The palate has an unexpected brightness with flashy acidity, bursting juicy fresh fruity red and blackberry flavors, toast, and fine textured tannins.

2015 Raptor Ridge Oregon Reserva Tempranillo Rogue Valley

Red currant on the nose with a little sweet herb like candied basil or sweet mint and a touch of tobacco. On the palate, bright refreshing super ripe raspberry just grows and grows and somehow gives one more little burst of acid before slowly fading into tannin tinged memory. 

2015 Eola Hills Wine Cellars Everyday Extraordinary Tempranillo Oregon

Black cherry mingles with savory leather and peppercorn on the nose. Nicely balanced palate with refreshing acids and grounding tannins allows the red fruit flavors to ripen and climax midpalate developing into darker richer vanilla sweetened black fruit through the finish. 

2014 Spangler Vineyards Tempranillo Oregon

White pepper, strawberries, red currant, savory, vanilla, and tobacco spice aromas entice. This Tempranillo presents in a BIG way in the palate.  A circle of tannin with a fruity juicy acidic center and a long finish.  Give it some time to soften and this wine just might have some secrets to reveal. 

The post Oregon Tempranillo Tasting appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

photo credit Oregon Wine Press

2015 R Stuart & Co. Autograph Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

A soft, fruit forward Pinot Noir with lots of acid.  Enjoy now or see where it goes.  Expect sweet cherry, candied raspberry, cinnamon, a bit of blueberry and dried strawberry.  Long refreshing finish $60

2015 Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

A fruit forward Pinot Noir with blueberry and raspberry aromas sweetened with cinnamon and floral notes and grounded with dusty minerality.  The fruit becomes plum, strawberry, and red delicious apple on the palate where it is met with a citrusy acidity and a bitter little bite of black pepper on the finish.  Well rounded and well structured. $34

2015 Arbor Brook Vineyards Estate 777 Block Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains

Quote of the tasting, “It’s a little weird but I dig it.”  A complex layering of inviting fruit, spicy pepper, and something herbaceous.  Warm cherry pie filling and candy apple meets white pepper and dried oregano on the nose.  The savory notes take center stage on the palate with a long peppery finish and a grippy, yet fine textured tannin. $55

2015 Durant Vineyards at Red Ridge Lark Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

Light, elegant, and feminine.  The nose is raspberry, red currant, floral, mineral, and woodsy spicy lavender.  Floral notes show strongest on the palate where they are deepened with the flavors of cherry vanilla cola.  A juicy acidity appears mid palate to add some lift and spreads across the long spicy finish.  Store it or pour it.  Lovely either way. $30

2015 Kramer Vineyards Rebecca’s Reserve Pinot Noir Yamhill – Carlton

Spice and earth define this Pinot Noir.  Aromas of tangerine zest, cherry, dried mint, and orange scented tea leaves get a hint of fall with warm mulling spice like cinnamon. Black pepper and green cardamon make an appearance on the palate as well as fresh cool forest flavors and sassafras.  Sturdy structure and a long, earthy finish. $48

2015 Longplay Jory Bench Reserve Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains

The tastes of autumn.  Dried orange peel, cinnamon, cloves, red fruit compote and brown sugar entice the nose.  The palate does not disappoint as these aromas are joined with a little strawberry lift and a minty sweetness that lingers on the finish.  Ready to drink in its youth. $38

2015 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Seductive, elegant, understated, and stately.  Light fresh bing cherry, toasted oats, and a dried woody herb – maybe tarragon with that fun little whiff of licorice.  The flavors meld and concentrate on the palate with a dash of white pepper, a floral essence, and a springy acidity. Approachable even in its youth. $32

2015 Bradley Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir Elkton

There should be a glass of this wine waiting by the leather chair in your library.  Masculine aromas of tobacco, dusty minerality, smoked meat, toasted wood, and thyme.  The palate speaks to you in a deep voice and promises cocoa, stewed blackberries, orange zest, and just a hint of cherry.  $32

2015 Torii Mor Reserve Deux Verres Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

A sultry wine with a depth and maturity beyond its age.  Leather, plum sauce, dried fruit, and smoke meld on an already well integrated palate.  A bright cranberry flavored acidity keeps it fresh.  Sweetened notes of strawberry, toast, cola, vanilla, and marzipan on the nose. $38

2015 Knudsen Vineyards Estate Reserve Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

Rich, saturated, and ready to tuck in and enjoy this winter.  A nose of dusty minerality, earth, bark, roasted coffee, walnut skin, leather, and dried flowers.  Concentrated cherry and plum swirl with cola, milk chocolate, smoke, and coconut on a substantial structure with a zingy acidity.  $70

2015 William Rose Pinot Noir Oregon

Wild and fresh with blueberry, mint, green peppercorn, oolong tea leaves and rainforest on the nose.  The palate begins with sour cherry that ripens midway and becomes jammier and darkens to blueberry through the finish.  The green peppercorn makes a spicy encore and a fresh acidity keeps everything lively. $28

2015 Whitetail Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir Umpqua Valley

Big, dark, and brooding in appearance, structure, and flavor. A complex nose of cherry and blackberry, marzipan, coconut, toast, leather, coffee, and tobacco.  Mixed berry essence and sweet pipe tobacco are carried on substantial, yet balanced tannin and acid. $23

A version of this article appeared in Oregon Wine Press.

The post Drinking in the NW: 2015 Oregon Pinot Noir appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

The Austins offer a glass of their wine to one of the many llamas on their property.  Photo by Andrea Johnson

This is merely part of the story at Rain Dance Vineyards as told by owners Celia and Ken Austin III, a layered narrative full of practical choices with whimsical outcomes — whimsy guests get to experience at their Chehalem Mountains tasting room.

The Austins initially moved to their current property almost 40 years ago to find a quiet place to raise their family. A desire to protect the land urged the couple to expand the acreage to 120, 73 of which are now planted to vines on four estate sites.

But before grapes, there were animals, more than 125 championship llamas. Ken discovered on a wilderness trip how these creatures make excellent pack animals. “I guess we were lazy,” he laughed. Llamas help protect livestock from coyotes and dogs. They also are great at eating blackberries, poison oak and Scotch broom back until the plants die — and, let’s face it, they are way better behaved than goats. So, in 1991 Rain Dance Ranch was established.

A visit to the tasting room includes an introduction to Oscar and Bonzi, the ranch’s PR llamas. They’re particularly taken with guests who feed them — and, of course, you will feed them. What a childlike delight to feel their soft little chins against your palm. From the patio, the females appear in the field, sometimes frolicking with their babies. After shearing, they boast a funny hairdo described as a “poodle cut” — it looks more like a crew-cut/dreadlock combo, but llamas don’t mind.

You may already own a Rain Dance llama souvenir if you have a Pendleton blanket. If not, you can buy one at the tasting room along with other llama-inspired and wine country gifts, including examples of Ken’s beautiful woodwork.

Bill Stoller of Stoller Family Estate snagged one of Ken’s first large pieces, a black walnut table on display at the winery. Ken also made the chef’s table and private dining table at Jory inside The Allison Inn & Spa. His work often comes with a story or a small surprise. “The chef’s table at Jory has one bullet and two bullet holes,” Ken explained with a mischievous smile.

The Austins’ Oregon roots run deep through five generations. A-dec, a longtime employer in Newberg, was started by Ken’s parents.

The Allison started as a dream of Ken’s mother, Joan Austin, and the family still owns and operates the local treasure. The small vineyard established at the hotel in 2008 was a precursor to Rain Dance Vineyard, planted just a year later. The family’s stewardship of the land and an evaluation of one of their parcels for a vineyard site made grapegrowing an obvious enterprise — with or without llamas stuffed with blackberry shoots. The initial plan was to sell the fruit through closely nurtured grower-producer relationships with quality wineries such as Adelsheim, Alexana, Anam Cara, King Estate and Edgefield.

After the first year of selling fruit, one client declined to purchase a block, a fortuitous event.

“We then approached Alexana about producing wine for us [under] our own label because we felt the fruit was too good to go to waste,” Ken explained.

In 2015, Rain Dance transformed into more than just a ranch, with the release of their first wine, Rain Dance Estate 2013 Pinot Noir.

Production started and remains small, with 700 to 800 cases a year. At Celia’s request, they also offer a Gewürztraminer, plus a Riesling, Chardonnay and rosé of Pinot Noir. All see some level of wood and are highly extracted for structure and texture.

They could probably grow more fruit but have opted to nurture native oaks and Madrones, not to mention plant white oak seedlings, black walnuts and maples, with plans for western Ponderosa pines, as well. A wildlife corridor will also be added to their new vineyard, Foothills.

A vintage truck rests in front of Rain Dance Vineyards’ tasting room in Newberg. Photo by Andrea Johnson

A visit to Rain Dance offers a real treat, with the Austins’ passions on full display. Feed their llamas. Drink their wine. Enjoy Celia’s gardens. Relax by the fireplace in Ken’s handcrafted rocking chair. And check out one of Ken’s classic cars on site.

So much to see, do, sip and shop, Rain Dance is a must-stop.

This article originally appeared in Oregon Wine Press.

The post Rain Dance Vineyards – Wine and Llamas appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

I am always looking for make ahead appetizers that can be served cold or room temperature.  This is all that plus, a little sweet, a little minty, a little tangy, super fresh tasting and it pairs with almost any summer white you might open.

I am a huge fan of traditional basil pesto but I have to say this Sweet Pea Pesto is winning.  First you can make it with  frozen peas.  Sue almost looked apologetic when she told me that.  Are you kidding? I can get frozen peas year round plus, hello how many vegetable servings is that?  I used Green Giant Brand 12 oz Sweet Pea Steamers.

Second, while I have not done the math this has to be less fattening than basil pesto because there aren’t nuts.  If am wrong don’t tell me.  Finally, it isn’t nearly as garlicky, in fact you could omit the garlic completely.  Eat up then pucker up because you will still be kissable.

The recipe was a deconstructed version of pesto when I got it. I have reconstructed it and played with different  ratios.  It is hard to mess up and you can make it to your taste.

I first made it as a spread for our Rosé on Rose Street.  Since then I have had it for breakfast, spread on a cracker and topped with slices of hard boiled egg.  And spooned on top of oven baked rockfish.  I think you could layer it on cardboard and it would be good.

As far as a wine to pair…

I was absolutely blown away by Troon Vineyard 2014 Applegate Valley, Southern Oregon Vermentino. I don’t have a ton of experience with this white Italian grape but many white Italian wines seem to be mostly citrus flavor and acid.  This reminded me of a Chardonnay IF the bottle managed to capture every ounce of flavor a Chard can give on its own plus the texture and flavor of French Oak.  So often Chardonnay is one or the other or worse neither and I get bored or angry.  The more I tasted the Vermentino the more I loved it.  And folks it is a steal at $25.  Don’t serve it too cold – think white Burgundy temperature – and you will get major aromatics – lemon pound cake, banana bread, vanilla, apple, floral, marzipan and Old World minerality that keeps you coming back for more.  Delicate, beautiful, bright.  It speaks quietly but has a lot to say so  settle in and enjoy a good long conversation that will keep you interested until the end.

AND because there are so many beautiful summer wines and this sweet pea pesto is some freaking awesome and versatile here are some suggestions:

Riesling: In addition to Brandborg Vineyard and Winery’s originally listed, Domain Pouillon has a fantastic own rooted old vine Riesling in their tasting room in Lyle, WA.  I just had the pleasure of tasting Rain Dance Vineyards Riesling and would highly recommend. We are always fans of Chehalem Winery’s Riesling – especially Corral Creek Vineyards.

Viognier: Southern Oregon is a great place for affordable, well made Viognier. Try Dobbes Family Estate Viognier sourced from (Rogue Valley), Ledger David Cellars Rogue Valley Viognier, and Cooper Ridge Vineyards Umpqua Valley Viognier – where the secrets are a long time on the vine and a splash of Riesling and Gruner Veltliner.  Or really go off the beaten Viognier path and get a Snake River Valley Viognier from Cinder Wines in Idaho.  

Chardonnay from Oregon are typically fresh, crisp and clean regardless of wood influence.  Stoller Family Estate and Knudsen Vineyards are always top on our list.

Sauvignon Blanc: As much as I like Brandborg Winery’s Riesling on my last tasting trip it was their Sauvigon Blanc that blew me and the other sommeliers away.  In a wine packed 3 days, we asked for a second pour of this one.  Also making a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc in Umpqua Valley is Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyard.

So many suggestions.  I guess I recommend getting some Oregon white or rose wine and eating it with this Sweet Pea Pesto – even straight off the spoon.

*Some recommended wines were given as samples from the winery and enjoyed by the wine writer.

This article is part of a Wine Pairing Weekend #winepw group pairing hosted by Nancy Brazil of PullthatCork.com  The theme: Summer Supper and Wine.  I can’t wait to get more ideas from my wine pairing friends.

• Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm will share Eating and Drinking Locally for the Summer Months #WinePW
• Cindy of Grape Experiences will pair Summer Supper: Cool Pasta Salad and Côtes du Rhône Refreshers
• Ellen of Family Around The Table will prepare Hassleback Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Jane of Always Ravenous will prepare Southern Summer Supper with a French Twist
• David of Cooking Chat will pair Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa and a Summery White Wine
• Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla will share Ceviche + Scheid’s Albariño #WinePW
• Jade of Tasting Pour will share Sweet Pea Pesto Meets Wines of Summer
• Jeff of FoodWineClick has prepared Cool Kitchen Seafood Rolls for an Easy Summer Supper
• Julie and Edgar of Wine-N-Friends will share Tintilla and Ribs: Superb Summer Pairing #winePW
• Gwendolyn of Wine Predator will share Getting to know Napa: Bison Steak BBQ with Rombauer Atlas and Stice Cabs plus Conn Creek Atlas Rose! #WinePW
• Peter and Nancy of Pull That Cork will share Lamb Gyros and a Super Sauvignon Blanc for #winePW

The post Sweet Pea Pesto Meets Wines of Summer #winepw appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.