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