Grape Harvest 2011

Almost a year old but, a great boost to our area.  This is especially true for Bergstrom Wines who got a lot of press time.

Bergstrom VIneyard

Awesome Day at the Bergstrom Vineyards!!! Summer in all of its glory!!

July 2013www.bergsrtromwines.com

Wine in Winter

What an exciting month. I’ve seen more rainbows and more white puffy clouds than I can ever remember.  The long time Oregonians complain about the rain and I find it funny thinking, “Geez, if you only knew how good you have it here.”  It’s all about perspective.  

          I’m still working on my website.  In between work and taking care of my household, I spend all the time I can working on it.  I’m really excited how it’s turning out and although it’s taking longer than I expected to get it up and running, it will be great.   The research I’ve had to do for the website is tedious.  At least the typing and writing is the tedious part.  The other part of my “research,” I have to say, isn’t so bad, in fact it’s remarkable.

          My friend Holly and her husband Tom came down to visit a couple of weekends ago to help me in my, “research.”  We spent two days visiting wineries and restaurants.  It was really tough……NOT!  We made it a point to find ones we had not visited before. (I found out that because I am in the “industry” with my website to come, we got free tastings everywhere we went, one of the perks of my research.)  Even in the middle of winter the spectacular views, the beautiful winery décor and architecture transported us to another place and time. 

          After the Pinot Noir Clone seminar I attended in January, my knowledge and tasting palate has been changed. I was able to ask intelligent questions about the wine, read labels and taste with a general idea of what to expect from each bottle.  However, each blend is a work of art and always a surprise.

          On one of the vineyard and winery owner’s websites, they said this “The only thing romantic about owning a vineyard is the wine, the rest of it is consistent hard, hard work.” I can see how this is true.  Making wine is similar to an artist painting a masterpiece.  It requires passion, knowledge and devotion.

A couple of my favorites from that weekend were not necessarily the wines, although they were spectacular, but, the tasting room employees and my friends.  We met a guy named Matt, who for me exemplifies how I always pictured men in Oregon; the big red beautiful beard, the flannel shirt, the gregarious smile and great laugh, definitely not your typical wine snob.  Of course there aren’t many of those here.  I managed to really embarrass him however, by making a big deal about how he should be the poster child for “Men of Oregon.”  He was a good sport.

          Matt sent us to a couple of other wineries as a suggestion.  After going down dirt gravel roads for awhile and looking for the “red barn”, turn left, the “old school house,” turn right, we found them.  When we pulled up to VIDON vineyard and winery, we came upon a small house and small garage type building out back where the tasting room resides. Dave the tasting room expert was fantastic. The vineyard is very small, the owner an astrophysicist turned winery owner who worked on several of the Apollo missions, who turned out some fantastic wines.  They were my favorite of the day.  The best taste however, came not from a bottle but, from the barrel [2010 Pinot Noir Pommard 115 Clone] There is nothing like tasting wine right from the barrel. A long glass tube is inserted into the barrel, pulled out and then drizzled right into your glass.  Of course Dave was handing out chocolates as well from, “the Dark chocolatier” of Dundee. Giddy with happiness and laughter aptly describes the moment.  These are the moments in life to look back on, that keep us going when times get tough.

          My husband thinks I live in fairy tale land.  I realize there is a lot going on in our world right now.  There is a lot of “reality” out there that I could focus on, news I could watch, videos I could view, articles I could read about how the world is coming to an end.  Our world is turning up-side-down but, when I’m sitting at a winery with Tuscan architecture, looking out over beautiful valleys I am transported to another time and another place.  When I’m walking near our enchanted forest by the river near our house, looking at ferns growing on the branches of trees and beautiful birds flying over head, I forget the world out there and appreciate God’s creation.  There is so much about life that is beautiful.  Just hearing my daughter’s voice on the phone and knowing she’s happy, is beautiful.  Talking with my son and getting a glimpse of his journey in college is beautiful. Hearing my step-daughter ask me for advice, okay that’s beautiful and it took a long time for that to happen.  The media wants us to believe that life is ugly and terrifying.  I choose to live in the world, which I create.  A beautiful life.

          We are putting together our survival kit for the end of the world but, you can be sure there will be a few bottles of enchanting Oregon Pinot as part of the package.   

          Live in your bliss.  Be prepared but, still live.  I know I do.

Blessings to you all,

Jenni

          

Advent

tuesdays with jenni

November 29, 2011

Vol. 3 Issue 7

Greetings to you all in this beautiful season!

          Some of you may not think this is a beautiful season because of all of the things going on around you or you may be lonely at this time of year.  So, it is with much hope that each of you find time this month to sit and ponder about all the things in your life you are grateful for and find happiness basking in it.   

          At times in my life I have been embarrassed about all the twists and turns my path has taken me. Many of these crazy twists were the result of some very ignorant choices.  Oh how I wish I knew then what I know now.  None of these choices have ever made me a lot of money, nor have I ever gained monetary financial riches.  However, I do believe I am rich in so many other ways.  When I look into the treasure chest of my life, it is filled with laughter and smiles from my kids.  It is filled with love from my husband.  And, it is filled with love from my parents and grandparents.  I have been incredibly blessed. 

Everything in my life has not been easy or fun.  I have had health issues and lost family members and friends.  I’ve grieved over many things.  I also know that when my life is in balance and all things given equal billing, I am the happiest.  So, during this crazy time of year, I hope you can all slow down and find the balance of life.  I hope that Christmas and all that it means, is not just an heirloom box in the attic full of a nativity set or a sparkling Santa purchased at Pier 1.  I hope that something changes you about this season and prompts you to dig deeper, to appreciate what is good about your life.  I hope we all can seek Him in a more meaningful way and gain the wisdom of the ages. 

This is a season for looking forward to something coming.  The season of Advent is upon us.   I can’t wait for Christmas and I can’t wait for the coming year.   I have mentioned the opening of my new website previously.  I have a target date of January 15, 2012.  I know this will take me on so many amazing adventures and I’m the owner/founder of Yamhill County Wine and Cuisine.  I look forward to how it will grow and develop as this next year comes.  I’ve enclosed a picture of my new postcards and my new business cards.  I’m really excited to get up and running.  Remember the website won’t be available until January 15, 2012. 

          Enjoy!

jenni

  

Thanksgiving Crush

wednesday with jenni

Vol. 3 Issue 6

November 16, 2011

Greetings Friends and Family,

            It’s official.  Fall is in full swing.  All I have to say is “Crush.”  This is probably one of the most exciting and amazing Autumns I can remember.   Living in an agricultural area as I am now, I have found that I am feeling the movement of the seasons in a more significant way.  Okay, I’ve only been here for 6 months now but, felt the excitement of Spring, the SUMMER and now the fall.  The wineries are going crazy and wrapping up an amazing growing season.  The aroma in the air is well might I say like wine.  I live down the street from Dobbes Winery, Wines by Joe.  I have to drive by their facility every day.  I open my window and breath in the amazing aroma of grapes being crushed.  Truck loads of grapes are being hauled in and crushed every day.   It’s so exciting!!!  All the wineries work around the clock to get the grapes at their peak, get them crushed and get the process of this year’s vintages started.

            I haven’t been able to write for a few weeks now because I have been so incredibly busy.  Two weeks ago, my husband’s sister Laura and her husband Rich came to visit.  Of course I had to take them wine tasting.   We spent time up in the Dundee Hills, driving around looking at the scenery.  We stopped at a couple of wineries.  Laura’s favorite taste of the day had to be the Torri Mor Port.

2007 SYRAH PORT

Production: 220 cases

Bottled: January 13, 2011

Jacques Tardy, Winemaker

The Wine

The wine has a very dark color; and the aroma is layered with sweet, rich and intense blackberries, black 

currant, blueberries and earth notes. The flavors echo the aroma with sweetness, rich blackberries, black 

currant (cassis) sweet blueberries, and spices followed by heat from the alcohol. The texture is sweet 

with mouth-filling richness; this wine starts rich and finishes rich. The tannins are not noticeable and the sweetness and richness ties all the flavors together at the end. 

  It is truly an amazing bottle. I’ve tasted it 3 different times and Laura agreed that it was one of the most amazing things she has ever tasted. We visited a few antique stores and then ate a fabulous meal at the Blue Goat Restaurant, down in Amity, Oregon.   They could not believe how beautiful it is here.  We had such a great time talking and spending time together.  I’m so happy to be close to them, okay well, 4 hours away, but, closer than across the country from each other.  I was really happy that they fell in love with this area.  They are also very happy we live here and they get to come and visit.  

            This week my friend Holly and her husband Tom came down for a few days.  We had a fantastic time as well.  We also ate at the Blue Goat Restaurant and did wine tasting.  Torri Mor is one of my favorites as I mentioned.  It’s funny because when I go in now, they recognize me.  I’m making a name for myself here and by gosh, it’s so beautiful up in them thar hills.  J  We did go to a winery called LANGE that we didn’t like so much.  It felt too commercial and seemed to not have the charm of Torri Mor.   Because this area is relatively undiscovered it isn’t spoiled for the most part.  We also went to ARGYLE winery. www.argylewinery.com

           This winery is literally 75 yards from our house.   They have an entire flight of sparkling wines.  Black Brut had to be Holly’s favorite. You can see why.

2008 Black Brut Tasting Notes

The 2008 Black Brut will take you on an adventure of the senses. This mind blowing sparkling Pinot Noir combines the best of both worlds - a rich, full-palate of Oregon Pinot Noir with the ephemeralness of a string of bubbles. It has been described as a virtual party in your mouth with its generous currant and blackberry essence. A real firecracker - not for the timid!

        I can’t believe I had not been this winery yet.  They also have a ghost in the facility and have a bottle named after her named Spirit House.  It’s a $75.00 bottle of Pinot Noir nonetheless.   

2008 Spirithouse Pinot Noir Tasting Notes

There was a lot of buzz about the greatness of the Oregon 2008 vintage, and this wine is the proverbial proof in the pudding. This youthful wine slowly opens in the glass, first showing off rich spice, delicate oak, and cigar box, then unwinding to let lush dark Bing cherry come to the forefront. On the palate, this wine is like drinking velvet—soft, rich, and luxurious. Flavors reminiscent of red current jam, fresh picked Damson plum, warm forest berry cobbler with a dollop of vanilla bean, and light brushed-leather notes. With so many nuances combined with a clean streak of acidity, this is a wine that will reward for years and years to come.

            We stayed in one night and had dinner at home.  I got out my guitar and sang a bit for them and we told ghost stories in front of the fire.  I can’t remember a time when I laughed so hard, so much.  

            Saturday morning we went to the Market in McMinnville.  There are so many amazing and wonderful things at the market, too many to mention at this time but, I certainly will in another Tuesdays.   I introduced Holly to my favorite skin care professional Jodi Berry at www.wildcarrotherbals.com.  We ate Mexican food at the food cart which I have to say is the best around here.   Because Tom—Holly’s husband wasn’t so excited about the wine tasting, we decided to indulge him in some beer adventures.  At the Golden Valley Brewery in McMinnville, www.goldenvalleybrewery.com,  you can get a “flight” of beer.  You are able to get a taste of all the beers brewed on site in a nice set up with full descriptions of each.  Now I’m not a beer drinker at all but, Tom sure loved it.  I have to say we laughed and laughed uncontrollably.  Something about us all being together makes for a fun time.  But, then what are best friends for. 

                        This week I put the final touches on my new business cards.   I have decided to put my “people” skills and my love for this area and all it has to offer, into a business where I can potentially make money.  While, my website is still under construction, I am studying every day.  My goal is to learn about five wineries and three restaurants a day as well as continue to get to know the people in this community.  This doesn’t mean I’m able to go to each winery and taste their wines, but,  to familiarize myself with their stories so when I do, I’m way ahead of the game.  

  I’m hoping for a grand opening date for my website to be announced soon.  
www.yamhillcountywineandcuisine.com.    My web site will be the “go to” site if you want to come to this area and know which wineries to go to and which restaurants to eat at. It will be a one stop shop. Rather than a person having to go to multiple sites to find everything they need to know about spending a day wine tasting and eating, they can go to one.  I will have sample days with themes and information about everything a person would need to know to enjoy this area.  Because of my love for this area and the farmers, winemakers and people, I want to help promote what we have to offer and make a person’s experience here unforgettable.

 By the way if any of you have ever thought of going to Napa on vacation, I highly recommend coming here instead.  Napa is way too commercial and this place is charming and wonderful.    You will be able to read about it on my website when it is up and running.  If any of you have any ideas of what you would like to see on a website such as this, please feel free to give me feedback.  I would love to have ideas as I develop this site.

            The other part of my life that keeps me busy is my church activities.  I know it perhaps seems like a bit of a contrast to some of the other things I’m doing but, around here it’s just as it seems.  Wineries are right next to churches and everyone is part of the community.   Last Sunday I got to help lead worship and sing.  After being disappointed for almost 6 years by not being able to be involved in this way, I am finally slowly working toward this adventure.   I’m also on a committee, (much like a think tank) with our Pastor and a few other people.  Since I have worked in churches and for Lutheran schools so much in my life, I have a lot of ideas and I know my thoughts are appreciated.   I do feel a bit old as I’m the eldest one in the group.  But, I’ve never worked with a Pastor who has been so open to new ideas.  He has the final say of how things will go but, some great things are to come, I just know it.

            To top all this off I’m also working a “J-O-B” 28 hours a week.  It’s only part time but, all I can handle.  It’s in another city and more toward Portland.  The mindset of the general public is completely different the closer to the city you go.  And, it certainly doesn’t have the charm that is so prevalent here in the Willamette Valley.   

Until next time, I wish you all Many Happy Blessings at this wonderful time of year!

Happy Thanksgiving  to Everyone--With Much Love,  Jenni

            P.S. Since Thanksgiving is around the corner and I would be remiss if I didn’t include a fall recipe.

Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – Food Pairings

by Chef Carrie Wong

Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque

3 tablespoons butter 
1 onion (coarsely chopped) 
¼ tsp ground cumin 
5 cups butternut squash, halved and seeded 
5 cups canned low-salt chicken broth 
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 
½ cup butter 
½ cup cream 
Salt and Pepper to taste 
2 T canola oil 
8-10 sage leaves 

Place Squash on a parchment lined baking pan. Season with salt and pepper and bake at 
325 degrees until tender. Cool and scoop from skin. 

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and 2 sage leaves; cover and cook until soft, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Remove sage leaves. Add cumin. Add squash and broth. Increase heat to high and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Cool slightly. Puree soup in batches in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Mix in cheese, butter and cream Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Garnish: 

Heat 2 T of canola oil in a small sauté pan until hot – drop in single fresh sage leaves and fry til crisp – drain on paper towel and float one on each bowl of soup 

Grape Harvest 2011

Tuesdays with jenni

Vol. 3 Issue 5

October 18, 2011

              See above for a helicopter tour of the Dundee Hills.  And, you will see the abundance of vineyards and agriculture.  The risks of growing wine in this cooler climate of the Willamette Valley is about to pay off for many wineries and winemakers.  It’s Harvest time here in the wine country.  Every wine maker and vineyard grower is waiting with excited anticipation for the perfect moment to pick.  There is literally a “Right moment” when the grape has reached its fullest potential and not gone over the edge, to make the perfect wine.

"This year is certainly a nail-biter," said Stirling Fox, who oversees management of 30 different Willamette Valley vineyards. "But that's what makes growing wine grapes in Oregon exciting."  "Often the most challenging weather conditions produce some of the finest wines." 
"The way everything has come together is a very rare occurrence," said Willamette Valley Vineyards' Jim Bernau, who has excitedly farmed grapes at his property near Salem since 1983. "I don't expect we will see another one of these falls for many years to come." 

When I say we are really on the verge of a terrific year, I'm not blowing smoke," he said. "I seriously believe this is a year Oregon can deliver the kind of wines that are absolutely unique in the world."  Doug Tunnel from Brick House Vineyards

            I am really excited to see the result of this year’s harvest.  Of course it won’t be for a few years before we can taste the fruits of their labor, pardon the pun. 

It’s hard to imagine but, on November 1^st, we will have been here for 6 months. In that time, and even though I have only had sips of some wine and glasses of others, I have definitely developed a preference for the better Pinots.   Whenever I am in McMinnville, there is always someone setting out a little table and allowing people to taste.   The other day I was in a little Organic deli/store where a guy was handing out taste of some wine.   I tasted it and actually it was very smooth and fragrant.  I asked him, “So, do you work at the winery?” Hey says, “No, I’m the owner, I make the wine.”  So, I giggled and said, “Oh! So you are the guy.”  He laughed and we shared a moment talking about what he does and his wine.  In that moment, I thought to myself, “I’m so glad I moved here, this is so amazing.”

October 13^th was the last day at the Farmer’s Market in McMinnville for this season.   While I was home resting a hurt ankle which I did most of the day, I had to head over get a few things. Thankfully, I got a parking place right across the street and didn’t have to walk far.  I bought some fresh mushrooms, purple peppers, sweet peppers, greens, homemade soup that I can freeze for the colder months, onions and some Marion berry Brandy preserves.  I love buying something new and learning to make something from it.  The result of my little excursion was a new delicious recipe that David, my husband, said "This is “F****** Delicious.” Yes, he actually said that. You have to understand that my husband has rarely said anything about my cooking.  So, wow, for him to say that, I must be improving.  Until I perfect this recipe however, I won’t be sharing.  Thankfully, mushrooms are growing abundantly and McMinnville has an all year market on Saturday. 

I have been decorating my home for a few years now with earth tones.  I often wondered what season of life I am in.  As Picasso had his blue period, his rose period and defined his personal life in his paintings, I have decided that as art imitates life I must be in my earth period.  I am getting in tune with how the earth is ever changing and the ebb and flow of the growing seasons.  There is something exciting and alive about all the things that grow here.  I didn’t realize how stagnant I had been in my life prior to moving here.  Actually, I think I did, which was why I longed to live somewhere like this.  All the things I longed for and wanted to be a part of are here.  And, so my earth phase begins. 

I can only imagine what changes will happen by this time next year, as I am a diligent student of all things agricultural.  I learn something new every day.  I am ever mindful of each part of my life and how keeping balance or working to attain balance is important.  I have discovered how “I” am like the “Pinot Grape.”   (It’s a hard grape to grow, it's not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it's neglected, it’s temperamental, needs constant care and attention.  And, in fact it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot's {jenni’s} potential can then coax it into its {her}fullest expression).

It has been the difficult times in my life, the challenging seasons that have made me into this amazing, “Vintage Wine Girl.”  And, just like a bottle of wine, I get better with age. 

God’s Blessings to you all during this wonderful season of harvest!

Have a wonderful week!

Jenni