Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Her Wine Words

 A link to my friend Allie Merrick's site. Please go visit.
http://www.mywinewords.com/read/pouring-at-18th-street

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Cheese, wine, and perfect Fall day

There is a cheese maker located on the way from Salem to Carlton that I have passed hundreds of times, and though I have had cheeses from there that are carried at Market Of Choice, I knew little about the operation. The Willamette Valley Cheese Company started in 2002 though the family dairy has been in operation since 1962. The cheese is all made on site and the cows are hormone free.

Happy cows make great cheese. I pulled in and opened my door to the smell of dairy, but not the overwhelming acrid smell that hits you up around Tillamook sometimes. In the tasting room all I could smell was cheese, and lots of it. I went through a full tasting with Zach and was really impressed by the variety and range of tastes, from smooth soft Havarti to spiced coffee Cheddar! Amazing! I came out with a raw milk Cheddar, Boerenkaas raw milk Gouda, and aged Havarti.
After the tasting I headed to Carlton for lunch with winemaker extraordinaire, Rebecca Pittock Shouldis and wine grower, Gabriel Keeler at Barrel 47. Much to my surprise they were not open so we found the Carlton Coffee Company across the street a couple of doors down from Republic of Jam (more on them later).
We were treated to some wonderful panini and I had a bowl of one of the best down home potato soups I have had in years. We discussed wine sales and harvest and then walked to Republic of Jam where Gabie picked up jars of grape jam made with her own table grapes. I bought a few treats and she gave me a jar of the jam.
Leaving Carlton I made my way to Bergstrom Wines to drop off a couple of prints I did a few years ago. I found them while teaching my print class and though Josh might like them. I missed him but got to taste through all the incredible wines they had out.
 The first was the Silice Pinot Noir from the vineyard just up the hill. The wine used to be named de Lanciloti and is grown in a silt and sandstone soil farmed biodynamically and has a deep rich mineral presence that underlies the complex fruit and floral qualities of the wine. Hold till '18 and beyond though you may drink it now, the complexity will only get more interesting so I would put some aside.
 Next was the Bergstrom Vineyards Pinot Noir and I must say, this one has my heart. Dark and stormy in the glass with an eruption of black pepper, jerky, chocolate and big black fruit in the nose leading to a surprisingly soft rose petal and sweet fruits in the mouth. I loved this one and after it lays down for a couple of years I think it will be one of the best '12s to come out of Oregon.
Dick Shea grows some of the finest grapes in Oregon on his site and the wineries lucky enough to get his fruit do wonderful things with it. This wine is no exception! This is one of the few '13s I have had the pleasure to taste so far and from what I glean from it, 13' will be great for some and difficult for others. This wine was carefully made from a variety of grapes and is so well balanced and elegant it is truly a beautiful wine. It will only get better and more charming as it lays quietly in your cellar.
No visit to this winery is complete without a taste of the Sigred Chardonnay. This wine makes you smile. A perfect balance of acid and complex fruits with hints of oak and lime pie, nutty and floral, bright and exuberant, this one is just a joy. This wine will drink now and for the nest 20 years so savor it. Next, A trip to ArborBrook Vineyards.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Join J. Scott Cellars "Crush in the Country" Party

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Join
"Crush in the Country" Party
Join us to celebrate wine crush at the beautiful Blue Rooster Inn Event Barn  located just outside Eugene (click here here for driving directions).  

Enjoy a delightful array of hors d'oeuvres from 3-4:30 pm followed with soup and accompaniments from Soup Nation (to be featured Nov. 11th on Guy Fieri's Food Network Show!)........Music from the popular Brendan Curran & The Honey Brown Band......Surprises......
and, of course, your favorite J. Scott Cellars wine! 

 Relax by the fire pit or stroll about this lovely farm site venue (the barn was built in 1898 and is considered a historical landmark) while you enjoy a fabulous fall afternoon in the beautiful Oregon countryside.

"Please dress warmly - it's October - it's Oregon -  and the barn where we will be sipping wine, listening to music and enjoying dinner is not heated!"
Saturday
October 25, 2014
From 3-7  pm
Blue Rooster Inn Barn
82782 Territorial Rd.
Eugene, OR  97405

TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY OCTOBER 19th!
Limited Seating

$10 p.p. wine club member plus one guest
Guest tickets are available at $45 p.p.

Tickets can be charged to your card on file by calling Vicki Piva
 (541-232-4225) to reserve your space, or emailing j.scottwineclub@gmail.com.  Confirmation of reservation will be emailed.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

‘A NIGHT AT THE MET”

MarshAnne Landing’s
Thanksgiving concert
‘A NIGHT AT THE MET”
David Gustafson-Tenor Extraordinaire
Violinist Yvonne Hsueh and pianist John Jantzi
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29, 7:00 PM
DavidG-4788 copy
Internationally recognized for his robust, expressive voice, tenor David Gustafson made his San Francisco Opera debut in 2010 as Sentinelle in Cyrano Di Bergerac starring Placido Domingo.  Lead roles in La Boheme, Aida, and Tosca show David’s impressive skills as an operatic star.   The performance includes some of opera’s most passionate offerings as well as solo violin pieces by Yvonne Hsueh.  Come share this amazing evening and join everyone with Bravo!  Bravo!
Due to limited seating, advance reservations only.  541-459-7998.  Admission $30 includes abundant appetizers.  175 Hogan Rd, Oakland OR, 97462
 

Monday, October 13, 2014

Got any Barrels?

This year will go down in the history books as the year when we ran out of things to put wine in. My friends at Ghost Hill harvested one Saturday expecting 4 tons and brought in 6 and the nest week brought in 9 instead of the 7 they thought was coming. The grapes were perfect and sorting basically involved pick out the occasional leaf.
It seems that is the story for most of Oregon though I have yet to check in with the growers in the south.
There is some worry about acid levels but that is easily fixable. The only losers this year were the birds.
Down here in the southern Willamette Valley picking was going on all weekend and King Estate will finish today. The grapes look healthy and I think this will be a wonderful year for wines.
The barrel situation will be interesting. New barrels, used barrels, American and French oak, steel vats, anything that will hold and age wine will be put to use. The use of barrels these last few years has increased due to the distillery industry and the breweries coming on strong.
 The glut of product may not effect the price of great wines but I bet we will see some really good wines selling for great price



s.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Alexander Schwarzkopf Performs Bach- Goldberg Variations


http://ajsmusic.org/small4.jpg
Performs
Bach- Goldberg Variations
@
MarshAnne Landing Winery
Sunday September 21, 3:00 PM

The "Goldberg" Variations is often regarded as the most serious and ambitious composition ever written for harpsichord. Based on a single ground bass theme, the variations display not only Bach's exceptional knowledge of diverse styles of music of the day but also his exquisite performing techniques.  The work has long been regarded as the most important set of variations composed in the Baroque era.
Alex, is a pianist, composer, and teacher from Colorado, but now resides in Eugene Oregon where he received his Doctorate in piano performance from the University of Oregon.  Alex is engaged as concert pianist performing domestically as well as in international festivals in Germany and Italy. 
We hope you can come indulge yourself in a rare, fascinatingly beautiful afternoon of piano music that shows off the virtuoso technique required of this seldom performed piece.
Admission $30 includes abundant appetizers.  Due to limited seating advanced reservations are required (541-459-7998).
MarshAnne Landing Winery, 175 Hogan Rd, Oakland OR 97462, just 3 miles off I-5 Exit 142.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

"A La Main by Rebecca Pittock Shouldis at Market of Choice

Today is a VERY special day in Eugene and it has nothing to do with the Ducks opening game!

  Rebecca will be pouring her very own wine for the very first time in Eugene!! Come taste A La Main Syrah and Viognier today from 2-4pm at the Delta Oaks Market of Choice!! Also available for tasting will be the 2012 Gypsy Dancer Legacy Pinot Noir.

The talented artist, Robert Canaga, who did my beautiful labels will be around as well to sign bottles!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Alexander Schwarzkopf Performs at MarshAnne Landing Winery

http://ajsmusic.org/small4.jpg
Alexander Schwarzkopf
Performs
Bach- Goldberg Variations
@
MarshAnne Landing Winery
Sunday September 21, 3:00 PM

The "Goldberg" Variations is often regarded as the most serious and ambitious composition ever written for harpsichord. Based on a single ground bass theme, the variations display not only Bach's exceptional knowledge of diverse styles of music of the day but also his exquisite performing techniques.  The work has long been regarded as the most important set of variations composed in the Baroque era.
Alex, is a pianist, composer, and teacher from Colorado, but now resides in Eugene Oregon where he received his Doctorate in piano performance from the University of Oregon.  Alex is engaged as concert pianist performing domestically as well as in international festivals in Germany and Italy. 
We hope you can come indulge yourself in a rare, fascinatingly beautiful afternoon of piano music that shows off the virtuoso technique required of this seldom performed piece.
Admission $30 includes abundant appetizers.  Due to limited seating advanced reservations are required (541-459-7998).
MarshAnne Landing Winery, 175 Hogan Rd, Oakland OR 97462, just 3 miles off I-5 Exit 142.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Napa Earthquake

The Napa Sonoma area was devistated by a 6.o quake and the wine industry is reeling. Here are some links to news and photos about the aftermath.
http://7online.com/news/earthquake-rattles-california-wine-industry/279154/ 
DR. Vino's wine blog
ABC local
Spillage in Napa Sonoma
Cleanup at wineries

Friday, August 22, 2014

Ghost Hill Does it Again

Great Northwest Wine reviews, Ghost Hill:
 Rebecca Pittock-Shouldis’ selection of five barrels from the four clones planted on the estate — Pommard, Wadenswil, 777 and 114 — shows the maturity and powerful side of the Bayliss-Bower Vineyard along Savannah Ridge. The barrel program of 20% new French oak (one of the five barrels was new) allows for aromas of black cherry, peach, pipe tobacco, mint and crushed walnut. What follows are flavors of dried cherry, dried cranberry and dried strawberry with pie cherry acidity and sturdy tannins. Enjoy with Duck Confit, roasts and hearty stews.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 120 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Winery website

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Clive Pursehouse's Article about Gypsy Danacer

Here is a recent article on Gypsy Dancer that is well worth reading:
Gary Andrus was, from what I've read, a giant of the American wine scene. I never had the chance to meet him. In 1978 he founded Napa Valley's Pine Ridge Vineyards, and then in 1993 he founded one of the biggest names in the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, particularly as the Valley developed it's reputation, in Archery Summit. Gary gained a reputation for focus, concentration and pushing the boundaries to see what was possible. He died of health complications in 2009.

Andrus was a Willamette Valley pioneer pushing the region on it's professionalism. Advocating for the region's quality and boldly establishing price points that reflected the quality of the wine being produced there.  Gary focused on clone selection and was a big proponent of whole cluster fermentation and the use of sometimes ample new oak. His wines at Archery Summit were known for being bold, extracted and with structure that was built to age. Read the rest here

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

MarshAnne Landing presents Colin Ross

COLIN ROSS IN CONCERT
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 7:30 PM
http://www.colinrossmusic.com/NEW/Gallery/HeadShot-2012-650.jpg
Colin Ross , a great jazz blues performer, singer song writer with deep American roots will be joined by Bryan Jenkins, percussionist extraordinaire, in a rollicking evening of blues and boogie, liquid 12 string guitar, greasy Delta slide, virtuosic free style piano technique, and wry lyrics!.
We hope you and your friends can come enjoy this jammer create with ease and joy another one-of-a-kind down home evening of entertainment!!!  The performance will take place out on the deck at MarshAnne Landing with great views of the vineyard and valleys afar. 
Abundant appetizers (complimentary), tables and chairs set close to the performer, and estate wines from MarshAnne Landing will add to your evening’s enjoyment.
Due to limited seating, reservations are required.  Admission $25  includes appetizers.
MarshAnne Landing 541-459-7998: 175 Hogan Rd, Oakland OR 97462, just off I-5 exit 142.

Friday, August 15, 2014

A La Main Wines Released

Update! The wines are now in Eugene: Sundance has both, Market of Choice on Willamette has the Syrah in the Various Reds section on the right side of the far left isle, Oregon Electric Station has the Viognier, and Market of Choice Delta Oaks is having a Friday tasting of Keeler Pinot Gris and Chardonnay on Friday followed by a tasting led by Rebecca Pittock Shouldis of the A La Main and Gypsy Dancer on Saturday.
"A La Main", the new label from Rebecca Pittock Shouldis, has made it to the shelves. In Eugene it is in stock at Sundance and Route5 and will be at Market of Choice Delta Oaks next week.I made the label image by taking a photo of her kid's hands with the Syrah being poured through them in to the barrel, the made an etching. The label was made by CCL Label.
The wines are a cool climate Syrah from '10 and an Applegate Valley Viognier from '11. Both are just spectacular!

Monday, August 11, 2014

MARSHANNE LANDING WINERY IS PROUD TO PRESENT AN EVENING OF ARIAS

MARSHANNE LANDING WINERY

IS PROUD TO PRESENT AN EVENING OF ARIAS...

Saturday August 16th, 7:30 PM

Please join us for an impressive fun filled evening of beautiful singing, ensembles and drama when artists from Eugene Opera Artist Mentor Program bring their voices to the elegant setting found at MarshAnne Landing Winery. The talents of new and returning singers will change our stage into an evening of magic. The program will include works by Mozart, Menotti, Donizetti, and others.

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Due to limited seating, advanced reservations are required.
Admission $30 includes abundant appetizers

MarshAnne Landing: 541-459-7998
175 Hogan Rd, Oakland OR, 97462

Friday, August 1, 2014

Tamara Belgard's Story About Wine Labels in 1859 Magazine

Rebecca Pittock-Shouldis | Ghost Hill Cellars, á La Main Wines

This wine has been released and is on shelves up Portland way and will be in Eugene soon at Market of Choice Delta Oaks and at Sundance.
As is the case with many winemakers I’ve interviewed, Rebecca Pittock-Shouldis describes her entrance into the world of winemaking as “serendipitous.” She also phrased it as “a crazy series of events.” Her career life began as an Oregon National Guard Aviation Technician. How she came to make wines of grace and beauty is a whole different story. Pittock-Shouldis is able to utilize many of the skills that made her a great aviation technician in her winemaking—such as reverse engineering and the ability to learn from experience. But it’s in winemaking that she seems to have honed her artistic skills. “Wine is a catalyst. It creates a spark that creates the memories and experiences of our lives. Wine seems to tie it all together,” she says. In wine she found her passion. Making wines that become an integral part of people’s lives is what she most enjoys about what she does.
 
Pittock-Shouldis still serves in the Guard once a month. She’s also a mother of two and is busy creating her own brand, á La Main Wines (translation: To be done by hand), a selection of Rhône-style wines that will launch later this spring. Pittock-Shouldis has also been on a quest to revive the old Gypsy Dancer wines, a brand that disappeared after the untimely death of the Gypsy Dancer winemaker Gary Andrus. This revival is more of a stretch for Pittock-Shouldis—not only her own personality into the wines, but to create a different style of wine, like Andrus would have made.

Though Pittock-Shouldis loves Pinot noir (and in my humble opinion, her Ghost Hill Cellars Pinots are some of the best in the Willamette Valley), what truly inspires her are Rhône-style wines, including syrah and viognier—wines she’s now making with fruit from Dukes Family Vineyard. The new á La Main label showcases a piece of art by Robert Canaga featuring her two childrens’ hands with grape juice flowing between them. One look at her label and it’s easy to appreciate not only the strength, but the passion, dedication, love and allure.

Read the whole article here.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

SIRI VIK IN CONCERT at MarshAnne Landing Winery

Greg and Fran hope you can join them for a fabulous evening of Cabaret songs when the amazing voice of Siri Vik presents La Vie Boheme at MarshAnne Landing!!

Siri Vik Mix promo
LA VIE BOHEME!
SIRI VIK IN CONCERT
@
MarshAnne Landing Winery
Saturday August 9th 7:30 PM

The incomparable voice and theater of Siri Vik returns with a revue of favorites from her one-woman cabaret concerts.   Joining Siri is pianist and arranger Dario LaPoma.  Early jazz, Piaf chanson, German theater music of Kurt Weil, timeless standards as well as modern pop covers will provide a multi-colored intimate evening full of atmosphere.  Siri’s stories will bridge the distance between us and music of other times and other places.
Come “Like” Siri in another wonderful concert at MarshAnne Landing!
Due to limited seating , advanced reservations are required. 
Admission $30 includes abundant appetizers.  541-459-7998
 

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Terrific Article by Katherine Cole

 Katherine Cole  just wrote a great article about second acts in both life and wine:
Is there anything more tantalizing than a personal reinvention narrative? We can't resist tales of tarnished playboys polishing off their images. And we can't help but cheer (or leer?) when our favorite musician, actor, comedian, porn star or pro wrestler breaks into politics.
The wine industry is a stage cluttered with second acts. For aging TV stars and quarterbacks, a vanity wine label is de rigueur these days. As for hands-on winemakers, their backgrounds tend to run the gamut. I can think of vintners who came to Oregon wine from the forest service, modern dance, sculptor, ceramics and engineering, just off the top of my head.
And, of course, the Venn diagram between winery ownership and past careers in finance or medicine is awfully thick in the middle. Where in Portland, "Where did you move here from?" is standard-issue cocktail conversation, its wine-country equivalent is, "What did you used to do?" Read the entire article here
A La Main
 I had the honor of creating the label for A La Main, one of the wines she talks about along with Elizabeth Chambers Cellar, Silvan Ridge, Ghost Hill Cellars, and Gypsy Dancer.

Monday, July 28, 2014

IPNC Does it Again!


It was a very pleasant day at IPNC. Got to see lots of friends from the wine industry, Bethany Ford and Lowell Ford from Illahe Vineyards, Maria Czamanske Stuart of R. Stuart & Co. Winery and Wine Bar, Melissa Burr of Stoller Family Estate, Scott Wright of Scott Paul, Carol Girard of Benton-Lane Winery Sue and Terry Brandborg of Brandborg Winery and many many more. The tasting was again eye opening, proving what I have known from years of watching and tasting the wines of Oregon as they developed a very specific character of their own, laughingly referred to as Oregundian...The California wines, with the exception of couple of the higher elevation north coast wines, were all one note wines, blessed by the sun with bright fruit and little else. The German (Weingut Dr. Heger, Villa Wolf ), Argentine (Bodega Chacra), and Italian (J. Hofstatter) wines, while all VERY different, were a good measure of how this wonderful grape can play in all kind of fields and still win. So many great wines! I wish there were a way to decant prior to the tastings as I know that after a few more minutes in the air, given time to awake, these wine would put smiles on many more faces. All the food was wonderful and I was pleased to see the people from RYE there with cold soup and hand made chocolate treats. RYE is next to the Gallery at the Watershed where I am curator.
If you love Pinot Noir or just want to know more about it, IPNC is the place to go.



Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Tom Bergeron Brasil Band

Tom Bergeron Brasil Band
At
MarshAnne Landing Winery
7:30 PM Saturday July 19
TomBergeron-1002672\
Come enjoy a summer evening of traditional and contemporary sambas, bossa novas, and original tunes.  The sextet consists of master saxophonist Tom Bergeron; singer and native of Rio de Janeiro Rosi Bergeron; pianist Cassion Vianna- also from Rio; guitarist Don Latarski; bassist Page Hundemer; and Portland based drummer Jason Palmer.
Brasil Band plays an eclectic range of Brazilian styles: the virtuosic instrumental choro that was popular in the early 20th Century, the romantic song-samb from the 30's and 40's, the sultry bossa nova, lively contemporary hits, original compostions, and the shake your booty style samba popular today in Rio's trendy Lapa district.  Bergeron's 40+ years of research and performance of Brazilian music promises a great evening from a different time and place!
The performance will take place on the deck overlooking the vineyard and the valley beyond.
Admission $25 includes abundant appetizers.  The audience is encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to the concert in order to sample wine, appetizers, and meet and greet other concert goers.
Reservations are required due to limited seating.  Information and tickets: 541-459-7998

Very FINE Wine

One of Oregon's best winemakers is still selling her '07 and '10 1789 Pinot noir. This wine is so amazingly good that I am very surprised there is any left but she is a one person operation and has no time for advertizing and PR.
Her own words: I have been a French woman winemaker for 28 years.
After studying winemaking for 5 years at the University of Bourgogne, France, I then worked for 12 years at Joseph Drouhin in Beaune Burgundy France.
In 1993 I started making wine in Oregon and commuted back and forth many times per year between Oregon and France.
I am currently the winemaker for De Ponte Cellars in the Dundee Hills, Oregon and have been since their first vintage in 2001.

1789 is my first label and 2007 the first release.
The name comes from the French Revolution.
The wine is the symbol of my personal revolution:
the move of my family from the South of France to the Oregon Wine Country.

I am really proud of this new child
and hope you will enjoy the wine as much as I enjoyed making it.
Isabelle Dutartre 

WINEMAKER

Do yourself a huge favor and go to her site, read about the wines, and order at least one of the '07 Pinot noir. You will thank me. Click here for her site.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Gins I Have Discovered in Oregon

A few years ago I started paying attention to Gin, not drinking a lot of it but rather, tasting a lot of it. My wife never enjoyed any sort of hard liquor so wine was the choice at our house most of the time, then on a trip to Ashland all that changed. We were having lunch at Wren, a restaurants associated with Ashland Springs Hotel and saw they had a huge back bar with lots of different Gins. We came back later and the bartender gave us samples of each one to taste. They ranged from Hendricks to Boodles and from English to Oregonian.
At the time Organic Nation and Aviation were the only Oregon Gins they carried.
Here is a link to an article describing Aviation and other gins, and one more from Oregon, New Deal Portland Dry Gin: #4 Aviation Gin (84 proof) – From the moment you smell the nose of Aviation Gin, you know you’re in for something different. There’s definitely juniper and pine on the nose but it’s backed up with soft sweet orange, lush lavender, and earthy cardamom. The entry is soft and round, delivering a beautiful wide botanical medley of flavors. Juniper is there but cardamom is (More)
We have settled on one Gin as the constant house gin, Sapphire, but I bring home a new one every chance I get. Last night we tried a brand new one:Aria Portland Dry Gin. It is light and simply aromatic, that is to say that it is not complex but rather soft and subtle. Each botanical ads its own layer but none overpower. It is one of the best Gins I have ever tasted.
A friend had me taste a gin made by Ransom out of Sheridan and I was pleased with the taste and aroma though something about the mouthfeel struck me as odd. It has a tiny amount of stick to the mouth-ness that after I tasted it again I began to enjoy, Long finish!
They also make two other gins that are very different from the Portland dry gins but are amazing in their own way. I recommend tasting the Old Tom. They make a dry gin and it leans a bit to the Holland style (on purpose).
Here is a nice explanation of the styles of gin courtesy of Bend Distillery:
There are many styles of gin (almost endless), so let us slim down the field to three styles: English/London Dry style, American style, and Dutch/Holland Genever style.

English/London Dry-style Gin

English/London Dry-style gin is made using neutral grain spirits. The juniper and other botanicals (such as lemon, anise, almond, cinnamon, saffron, frankincense, coriander, cucumber, and cassia bark to name a very few) are introduced during re-distillation in a “gin basket”. This type of gin cannot contain added sweetening in order to retain its dry quality and is usually a high proof (from 80 to 95 proof).

American-style Gin

American-style gin is also made from neutral grain spirits, but the juniper and botanicals are added after distillation as an infusion. This type of gin has many names, such as compound gin, bathtub gin, and cowboy gin. American-style gins are also high-proof (from 80 to 95 proof). This is the style of Crater Lake Gin at 95 proof.

Dutch/Holland-style Genever

Dutch/Holland-style Genever is the earliest style of gin. It is distilled from barley malt and other grains, then the juniper and botanicals are added. Sometimes it is aged in wood barrels, which gives it a resemblance to whiskey. Genever usually has a lower proof (from 60 to 80 proof).

They make a Crater Lake Gin that has a really nice vanilla finish and is a great sipping gin as well as a mixer. 

For further reading about types of gin and some interesting reading jump here.

Another gin that has been around since '97 and is an old favorite is  Desert Juniper Hand Crafted American Gin.

This one is made in Bend with local ingredients and is a real winner. Read  the review done by Chris Carlsson  for more insite.

  Some I have yet to taste but look interesting:
Spruce Gin by Rogue
Pink Spruce Gin also by Rogue 
Cascade Mountain Gin (made by Bendistillery) 
New Deal Dry Gin 33 
Merrylegs Genever 
Vivacity's Native Gin and Banker's Gin
 Still more to follow!
 




 

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Call to Artists: Landscape and Plein Air

Call to Artists: Landscape and Plein Air
Show Dates (Title TBD): August 12 – Sept. 20, 2014
Opening Night Reception: Friday August 15, 7 – 8:30

Eligibility:
Two-dimensional work by local and regional artists.
Note: Artists who entered the CreateEugene! Plein Air Competition 2013 are especially encouraged to apply. This is in part a celebration of CreateEugene!

General Rules:
Each artist can provide a total of up to three (3) submissions. There is a non-refundable fee of $30. Works submitted must have been created within the last 2 years (2012-14.)

Submission: By jpg only, with list of size, materials, price. Selected artists agree to show their work via standard guest artist contract with 50% commission going to Gallery. PLEASE PRICE YOUR WORKS WITH THIS IN MIND! Sales made from the Gallery are final. Artist is to be paid three weeks from end of show. Your entry confirms all terms of this agreement.

Please send entries directly to Robert Canaga at rcanaga@gmail.com
Include your artist statement, artist bio/resume, and the below info.

Jpgs should be 72 dpi and include list with labeled artist’s name, title of the work, medium, date completed, and framed size of the painting in inches. Name the electronic files as follows;
A_title of work.jpg
B_title of work.jpg
C_title of work.jpg
• NO SLIDE SHOWS, FLASH FILES or VIDEOS. Jpgs w info only.
• SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO: rcanaga@gmail.com
• Works that have been previously shown at TGATWS will not be accepted.
• Pieces that are accepted must be the same as stated for images on the files or slides entered, no substitutions.
Deadline for submissions July 8, 2014. (We have extended deadline by one week to account for June events.) No exceptions.
Notice of acceptance will be sent by July 18, 2014, via email. MAKE SURE WE HAVE YOUR EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBER.

Sales made from the Gallery are final. Artist is to be paid three weeks from end of show. Your entry confirms all terms of this agreement. (See next page.)

Delivery and Pickup of Art Works
Work delivered in person must arrive at Gallery on Sunday August 10, 2014, noon. Shipped works must arrive no earlier than one week prior to August 10, due to a shortage of art storage. Artists must make PRE-PAID ARRANGEMENTS to have their work returned to them, or may pick up their work in person at the Gallery on Sunday, Sept. 21, 10 am til noon.

NOTE: Shipping artists are responsible for shipping BOTH WAYS, and MUST INCLUDE SHIPPING TAGS with delivery of accepted artwork.

General Specifications:
Works must be ready for hanging and be no larger than no more than 24” x 36” (including frame if any.) Due to our hanging system; all artwork must have ½ “ d-rings on back on both sides of piece 2” from top. We hang by the d-rings, but please do include wire for buyers. All work must be labeled on the back with the artist’s name, address, and phone number. Labels must also show the work’s Title, Medium, Date of Creation, and (retail) value of the piece as set by the artist. Art is insured while in the Gallery from when work arrives until it is returned to artist.

Juror: Robert Canaga
Juror Robert Canaga is a prominent figure in the Eugene, Oregon cultural scene. The past Curator of the OPUS6IX Gallery he is currently Curator of The Gallery at the Watershed, Past President of the Oregon Mozart Players Board, Vice Chair for Travel Lane County and owner of Robert Canaga Galleries in Portland and Eugene. He is a very active and a reknowned printmaker. He has just finished curating “Expressions West” for Coos Art Museum. His own show of bold, colorful abstract paintings, “Vessels,” is currently showing at CAM as well.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Blackberry Wine and a Missing Tree

A few days ago I was ask by my studio assistant if she could have some of the Omera wine I am storing for her after our bottling adventure last month. I told her that it would be a waste of good wine to drink it now befor it had gotten over the barre to bottle shock. I offered her a couple of alternative and gave her a bottle of '10 LaVelle Pinot Noir, a bottle of '09 Brandborg Gamay, a bottle of '09 Luminous Hills Crawford Beck Pinot Noir and a bottle of '07 Blackberry Wine from Saginaw.
This morning she informed me that her friend had enjoyed all the wines but that she had fallen in love with the Blackberry Wine.
After we delivered a project that I have been working on for some time to Sacred Heart Hospital's Neo-Natal Unit we headed south for a quick visit to the tasting room at Saginaw.
I was quite taken aback when we entered the driveway to the tasting room! My favorite tree, the tree that launched three years of etchings, was GONE!
I was sad and also glad that I had captured the tree in its glory a few years ago. 
We went in and tasted through all the wines Cheryl had open starting with an un-oaked Chardonnay that was delicate and smooth with a very compelling finish. Apples, white pears and a bit of spice make this a wine for sipping on the deck or paired with a light meal. Very tasty!
Next came the Pinot Noir; a soft and semi-sweet wine with soft black fruit, 7 spice, clove and anise lurking on the pallet and with a long pleasant aftertaste of rich spices.
 The stand out wine for me was the Marechal Foch. Soft and light in the nose with long sweet notes in the mouth. This wine is one of the best Foch's I have had in Oregon. Paired with chocolate it peals away layers of tastes and is just exquisitely supple and light in the mouth. I can see this wine with rich cheese and sweet meats.
The Riesling is recommended as is the killer Late Harvest Riesling! Must buy wine for the summer!
Now we come to the Blackberry Wine: I must say the I am NOT a fan of fruit wines as I cut my 16 year old teeth of fruit wines from a not to be named winery in the vicinity of the capital of Oregon and I still feel ill when I think of the first episode... However, this wine is outstanding! The taste  of the blackberries come through but it feels like WINE not juice!. The last taste was of the Port Style Blackberry Wine. At 20% it is so soft and drinkable that I would advise keeping it on a short leash. Treat  it like a special reward for a great meal. As with other good Ports, this will last so savor it over time.
I plan on making cards from the etching I did for my show at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum a few years  ago and having them for sale at the tasting room. 
Stop by on your way up or down  I-5 and enjoy a breath of good country air, a sip of great wine, and a smile from Cheryl.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

RELEASE! 2012 Stanton Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

As the weather warms the vines awaken, buds swell and the new shoots push out. Tiny flower clusters that will become the 2014 vintage are already visible. May brings healthy growth in the vineyard with vines that appear to have survived the December deep freeze with minimal damage. Nice evenings with friends and family, good food and wine are just around the corner. May is also Oregon Wine Month, and brings the release of our new wines as well as several events that we want to let folks know about.
The 2012 vintage is everything that the industry and wine media claims and our 2012 Stanton Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is the best wine we have made so far with Boedecker Cellars. Loaded with red and blue/black pinot fruits, spice and earth, we think it will make everyone very happy (the unhappy part is that there are only 75 cases). To celebrate we will be holding our first release party at Capitello Wines, 540 Charnelton Ave. on Sunday, June 8 from 3-6pm. We will showcase the 2012, but also the 2011 and a library vintage Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, our 2013 Pinot Noir Rose’ and the 2012 and 2013 Pinot Gris. There will be some tasty nibbles and a fine logo Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir XL glass, all for $15 ($20 at the door, but we expect to sell out in advance). We will be doing case/half case discounts on all the wines. We have space and glasses for 50 people so please let me know if you will make it and go to Eventbrite to purchase tickets. Julie and I hope to see you there!

If you would like to pre-reserve the 2012 Pinot Noir, 2013 Pinot Noir Rose’ or 2013 Pinot Gris (case or half case only) I have attached an invoice/price list. The 2011 Pinot Noir and 2012 Pinot Gris are on special case discounts as well.
Upcoming tastings:
Sundance Wine Cellars on Saturday, May 17 from 5-7pm.
Capella Market on Saturday, June 7 from 4-6pm.
Urban Wine Circuit #2 at Capitello Wines Tasting Room on Sunday, May 25 from 2-6pm.
    Like in December, there will be 10 wineries at five urban winery venues each pouring three wines.

Friday, May 16, 2014

In the Mood for Food?

Sarver Winery invites you to eat and enjoy some great music! 
 Luchoneros! and Live Music from Kenny Luker, Tonight!

    What a beautiful week it has been! The grape vines are stretching high, and the views from the patio are the clearest of the year. Lots of progress on the new winery, and plenty of new and engaging wines, there's lots to be excited about.
    To help celebrate this wonderful spring,(and do we really even need a reason to celebrate?) we've invited the Luchoneros up to roast us a pig, Filipino style. Pancit, Lumpia, and Rice accompany a slow charcoal spit roasted pig.
    Food will be ready to serve between 4:30 and 5pm, Live Music from Kenny Luker will start at 6pm. So join us for another unforgettable evening up on the hill. 

Cheers,
The Sarver Crew

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Chamber Music Amici in Concert at MarshAnne Landing


We hope you can join us for a unique evening of music!
Is proud to present
Chamber Music Amici in Concert
7:00 PM Tuesday May 20th
Chamber Music Amici, one of the Northwest’s premier chamber ensembles, will be joined by an all-star team of guest performers for a fabulous evening of music at MarshAnne Landing WineryYou do not want to miss this concert if you love chamber music!
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Canadian trumpeter Guy Few is considered as one of the most brilliant brass players of his generation.  Brazilian Julia Brown, one of the top organists in the world, will perform on harpsichord and harmonium where she is considered a virtuoso.  Cellist Jed Barahal from Portugal performs throughout Europe and the US and has wowed audiences at MarshAnne Landing on two prior occasions.  Brazilian born pianist Alexandre Dossin (UO School of Music) skills are considered extraordinary and phenomenal.  Oregon native bass player Tyler Abbott (UO School of Music) is an orchestral and jazz bassist regionally and nationally.  This all-star team will join Chamber Music Amici core musicians Pilar Bradshaw and Sharon Schuman on violin and Holland Phillips on viola.

The program will feature:      Baldassare’s    Piccolo Trumpet Concerto in F
                                                Persichetti’s    Hollow Men with Guy Few reading TS Eliot’s poem
                                                Dvorak’s          Bagatelles for Two Violins, Cello and Harmonium
                                                Saint-Saens      Septet for Trumpet, Piano and Strings

Due to limited seating, advanced reservations are required (541-459-7998).   Admission $30 includes abundant appetizers.  Guests should plan on arriving by 6:30 for sampling wine, food, and visiting with other guests.
MarshAnne Landing, 175 Hogan Rd, Oakland OR, 97462, just 3 miles off I-5 Exit 142.