Deadlines Approaching for IPNC

Your IPNC Checklist There are important deadlines approaching! Have you done everything you need to do? University of Pinot Enrollment. All full weekend guests have access to one of eight in-depth seminars as part of the University of Pinot. If you have not yet enrolled in your top choice, do so now. Guests who do not select a course before June 15th will be placed in a course where space allows. Group Requests and Guest Information. If you haven't provided your guest information or requested to be placed with friends, make sure you do so before June 15th. We regret that we will be unable to make any changes to group assignments afterJune 15th. Pre-IPNC Dinners. It is a long-standing tradition for Oregon wineries to host pre-IPNC dinners on Thursday evening to kick-off the IPNC weekend. This year is no exception, with many dinner options to choose from. A complete list of Pre-IPNC dinners and reservation details is available here. Lodging. If you have yet to find lodging in McMinnville or the surrounding area, consider the convenience of staying on campus. Information on Linfield College Lodging can be found here. Packing. It is going to be a hot summer in Oregon. Be sure to dress in cool layers and bring a sun hat!   PENDING SELL-OUT: If you have family or friends who would like to join you, or if you have yet to purchase your own ticket, now is the time to register. Passport to Pinot Tickets - Still Available. Eager to taste some amazing Pinot noir, but unable to celebrate with us for the full weekend? We encourage you to join us at theSunday Passport to Pinot tasting.This annual outdoor tasting showcases Pinot noir from over 70 wineries worldwide, as well as a selection of IPNC library wines.Top-notch Northwest chefs prepare divine dishes to accompany the unparalleled array of international Pinot noir. $125. Reserve tickets. Salmon Bake Tickets - SOLD OUT. Salmon Bake tickets sold out shortly after their release in April. We do have a waiting list. If you would like to be on it, please email us your request. Where are my tickets? If you already purchased Passport to Pinot tickets or a la carte Salmon Bake tickets, they will be mailed to you by the end of June. *Full Weekend guests will receive their Salmon Bake tickets at registration.*

Benton Lane Hawaiian Luau

Join us on July 11th for a Hawaiian Luau!

Come enjoy a delicious Hawaiian feast
and live authentic Hawaiian music performed by David Lomond.

Benton-Lane Winery

23924 Territorial Road

Monroe, OR

July 11th
5:30 pm  to 9:30 pm

$19.00 per person for Wine Club Members
$27.00 per person for non-members

NO HOST WINE BAR

Must be 21 years or older to attend.

Call 541-847-5792 to place your reservation today.

No refunds after July 3rd.

ArborBrook 2014 "Futures" Offerings

Summer 2015 Offering  June 2015

Summer time is upon us and to celebrate my favorite season, Dave and I would like to extend two special offerings to help you celebrate the sunshine!   2014 "Futures" Offerings Estate 777 Block Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard Coury ClonePinot Noir In case you weren't able to join us Memorial Day Weekend, we are extending our "Futures" offerings for a limited time. Estate 777 Block Pinot Noir   Harvested 09.14.14 from our Estate vineyard, this is classic Dijon Clone 777 with deep, dark fruit flavors of intense black cherry, currants, and a richness & silkiness that is reminiscent of our 2005 vintage. This is a bold & complex vintage that you won't want to miss! 425 cases produced; release price of $50/bottle, Nov. 2015. $42/bottle; minimum purchase of 3 bottles. Shipping charges will be applied.   Hyland Vineyard Coury Clone Pinot Noir Harvested 10.03.14 from the renowned Hyland Vineyard that was planted in 1971, this old-vine Pinot displays rich notes of marionberry & boysenberry, along with subtle hints of cocoa & coffee. The finish is soft & rich &  will develop into another elegant & unique wine. 200 cases produced; release price of $50/bottle, Nov. 2015. $42/bottle; minimum purchase of 3 bottles. Shipping charges will be applied.   Welcome to Patio Days! 2013 Croft Vineyards Pinot Gris   To celebrate the kick-off of our early summer weather, we have allotted 50 cases of our 2013 Croft Vineyards Pinot Gris for a special offering of $192/case (20% discount; not to be combined with any other discounts, including wine club discount; shipping charges will be applied). This is the perfect summer patio wine. Stainless-fermented, this crisp and fresh wine offers wonderful citrus character and a clean finish with hints of pear. Enjoy with friends while kicking back with a glass in the sunshine!   Offer available on a first come, first served basis; only 50 cases available at this pricing.

The patio is open! Stop by, sample the wines, enjoy a glass in the sunshine. Don't forget to try one of our new cheese plates! For additional information, please contact Angelina or give us a call at 503.538.0959.

arborbrookwines.com

FIRST WINE DINNER EVER at Brooks!

Dear Friends As you know, building our winery was a labor of love, well that and the last 10 years of leading the charge of Brooks! Throughout the years, we come across special partners that are irreplaceable...opportunities that can't be repeated.  That is what our dinner this Saturday night at the winery is all about!  Victor Panichkul and the Statesman Journal are amazing partners! Not only is it the FIRST WINE DINNER EVER at the new winery, but Chris and I will both be there! (Very rare that we get to do dinners together!  And what is setting it apart from all else is the passion and culinary expertise of Victor Panichkul.  Vic is an excellent chef and award-winning Food, Wine, and Beer columnist for the Salem Stateman Journal. His food blog was recognized as one of the country’s top regional cuisine blogs by Saveur Magazine.  Such an amazing combination of skill--this dinner is not one to be missed!  Click here for the menu! We only have 6 tickets left! Click here to purchase your tickets today and join us for this once in a lifetime event! Cheers- Janie

A Visit to Elizabeth Chambers Cellar

Yesterday I was early getting to my show in Amity at Samuel Robert Winery so I thought I would take a few moments to visit a new winery.

Nestled on the southern edge of the Granary District in an old bank building sits Elizabeth Chambers Cellar. I was lucky to come on a hot day when not many folks were out and about so I had the place to myself.Janna Renner and Kacie Copeland were there to keep me entertained.
They started me with a bright crisp Gris that surprised me with its clarity and tropical fruit. The finish was nice and had soft white fruit and just a hint of hazelnut.
Next was Freedom Hill Pinot Noir. I have been tasting wines long enough to know some of the characteristics of wine grown in sedentary soils and this one shows them off very well. Drink now through 2019

From their web page:
Located in Polk County some four miles west of Highway 99W and five miles northwest of Monmouth Freedom Hill Vineyard occupies a gentle southeast slope.  We believe the southeast aspect is critical as harvest nears because the early sun helps the dew dry from the grapes and take advantage of the dwindling heat of fall.  Our elevation is 350’ to 600’ allowing for cold air to drain to the valley floor yet low enough to benefit from heat radiated from the valley.

The soils are sedimentary, uplifted seabed, generally seen to be among the oldest in the region.  We believe the distinctive character of our soil coupled with the microclimate and meticulous farming practices produce a product of considerable structure that age exceptionally well and create consistent, structured and powerful wines.

This wine is almost too good. All the berry and spices flavors come leaping out of the glass at you. I want this one with red meat and dark chocolate.

The next wine, the Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir,  nearly took my nose by surprise! BIG morel, earth, dark rich ripe fruit and deep dark earth came tumbling out of the glass. I was hesitant to taste but when I did the rewards were sweet and soft with undertones of mint and high notes of sweet herbs. This is a keeper and will age beautifully. Drink now through 2021.

From their web page: Just three and one half miles from Yamhill, Oregon is The Lumpkin Family’s Lazy River Vineyard, 146 acres hidden from the road. From the top of the hill one looks down to the mixed terrain, interlocking puzzle pieces of woods, rolling meadows, grape vines and ponds. The land is separated north from south by a meandering small river, which by August hardly moves.

The vineyard is a bench of predominantly Jory soil, unusual outside of the Dundee Hills. Planted are 30 acres of Pinot Noir and three acre of Pinot Gris. On the far western edge of the hill in three acres of Stony Ground soil is Riesling. First to be cultivated on the east side of the property were eleven acres of Pinot Noir in 2000. First harvest took place in 2002.
     Lazy River’s manager is Wallace “Buddy” Beck of Advanced Vineyard Systems. The site manager is Angel Martinez. Owners are Ned and Kirsten Lumpkin, Francoise Neuville and The Lumpkin Family.

Last on my list was the Temperence Hill Pinot Noir. Sharp, bright red fruits in the nose and a long dark fruit and a hint seven spice on the pallet with a soft pleasant finish of minerals and soft fruit. I would let this one lay down for a couple of years and develop a bit. Good now, Great in a few years.

From their web site:

Temperance Hill Vineyard is a 100-acre certified organic vineyard made up of roughly 20 different blocks of  wine grapes. The site itself is 200 acres (lots of room to grow) in the west Eola Hills, just west of Salem,  Oregon. It has an elevation range of 660 to 860 feet making it a cool, late site; excellent growing conditions  for Pinot Noir. The soils are predominantly Nekia, Rittner and Jory. The site is thought to be the remnants  of an ancient volcano and grapes are planted on many different slopes with varying exposures. 80% of the vineyard is planted in Pinot Noir, the rest is made up of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and  Pinot Gris. The oldest vines at Temperance were planted in 1980 and 81 and are on a hanging trellis system.  The more recent plantings of Dijon clone material are on a single upright vertical trellis system.  The latest plantings are on a single arm Guyot system and have 1550 vines per acre. Some of the blocks in  the latest planting are Dijon clone Pinot Noir and some are Pommard clone.

I found both Kacie and Janna to be very knowledgeable and helpful and look forward to visiting again. For more info and hours click here.

Uncommon Wine Festival at Vista Hills

We are beyond pleased to announce the fifth installment of the Uncommon Wine Festival. Our day-long showcase of rare and revered wine labels is one of our most anticipated events each year. This year, we will host eight wineries, ASH Woodfiredand pour some of our own unusual estate offerings. These wineries do not have tasting rooms, nor will you find their work in the supermaket. Instead, attendees are introduced to some of the state's brightest up-and-coming producers, in many cases with the winemaker on hand to tell his or her story. Uncommon Wine Festival 2015 Sunday, July 12th  11-5 PM  Treehouse Tasting Room The Fifth Annual Celebration of Extremely Small-Batch Producers Uncommon Wine Festival 2015 will feature Leah Jorgensen Cellars, Franchere Wine Company, Hanson Vineyards, Meristem Wines, Love & Squalor, Jackalope Cellars,Meredith Wines and Jasper Sisco. Each label will pour samples of their wine and have bottles and cases available to purchase. The $30 tasting fee includes tastings from all eight producers and a custom UWF Pinot Noir glass.  Stay tuned for a full list of wines to be poured and pricing details. We recommend attendees allow at least an hour to enjoy the many wonderful wines that will be on display. Members or those who sign up for the Treehouse Wine Club receive complimentary entry.  * * * Yoga At The Vineyard Saturday, July 18th  9:30-10:30 am at the Treehouse Tasting Room $15 for the public, complimentary for club members and one guest     Annette Alyssa will lead a basic Hatha yoga class on July 18th at the Treehouse. The founder of Escape To Yoga studio in Sherwood will lead an accessible, movement-based session from our beautiful venue overlooking the vineyards. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats and stick around for a wine tasting following the session. Please RSVP to info@vistahillsvineyard.com if you are interested to confirm a spot.   * * * Online Store Lots going on at Vista Hills these days, read all about it at www.facebook.com/vistahills,www.twitter.com/vistahills, and http://vistahills.wordpress.com. Become a fan or follower to keep up with life at the Treehouse. Vista Hills Vineyard      503-864-3200 info@vistahillsvineyard.com 6475 Hilltop Lane Dayton, Oregon 97114

Things are Getting Creative at Carlton Cellars

Things are Getting Creative at Carlton Cellars "Painting & Pinot Party" A Fun & Creative Experience Sunday, June 28th 1:00 pm - $55 per Person ($45 for Club Members & Two Guests) We have unveiled our new lawn design & are ready to put it to good use! Join us at the Carlton Cellars Winery for a fun afternoon of Pinot Noir & Painting as we welcomeBottles & Bottega to help get us in touch with our creative side. Together, we will sip some fantastic Summer Releases while we each paint a 16"x 20" canvas with a stunning work of art. Reservations are Required  Confirm your spot via email or by calling the tasting room at 503-852-7888. The First Estate Vineyard Lunch of 2015 Only a Month Away —RSVP Now for Saturday, July 18 Coming right up on Saturday, July 18th — we hope you will join us for our first Vineyard Lunch event of the summer. The event features our special guest chef, John Taboada of Portland’s acclaimed Navarre and Luce restaurants. RSVP today for July 18! It's only $55 ($45 for CCCC members). Better still, reserve for both Vineyard Lunches and save ($100 general / $80 CCCC). The August 22 lunch will feature the cuisine of Red Hills Market.  Space is limited — Reserve Now                 Call us at 503-852-7888 In the Vineyard Bloom has kicked off and things are buzzing right along in the Russell-Grooters Vineyard. At this rate, we are looking at the potential for an even earlier harvest than 2014 and a wonderful summer to ripen fruit.  Wedding Season Whether you are looking for a venue or know someone who is, think about our Russell-Grooters Vineyard as your next spot for that special event. Spots are still available throughout the 2015 Season with the exception of ONE very special weekend, August 1st, when our own dear 'ol Dave Grooters will be escorting his lovely daughter Susan down the aisle. For more information, contact Jess or call 503-852-7888 See you in Carlton! — Dave & Robin, owner-winemakers,      and the rest of the Carlton Cellars Crew

Simon Majumdar, Food Network's "toughest critic" at Willamette Valley Vineyards

Please join us in welcoming Food Network's "toughest critic" Simon Majumdar to the winery for a special stop of his Great American book tour for Fed, White and Blue featuring a chef cook-off on Tuesday, June 23rd. Best known for best-selling books Eat My Globe and Eating for Britain, Simon has a recurring roles as a judge of Cutthroat Kitchen, Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef. We will be hosting a competitive cook-off featuring our Winery Chefs, Eric Nelson and Quentin Reavis, Statesman Journal Food and Wine Editor, Victor Panichul-Ackerman, and Oregon's two time World Food Championship competitor, Kim Banick. Each chef will prepare their best dish to be judged by Simon Majumdar and you! I have included the event information below along with a sneak peak of the wines we will be featuring. We hope you join us for this very special evening.  Cheers, Jim Bernau Founder/Winegrower Simon Majumdar Book Signing and Chef Cook-Off Tuesday, June 23, 2015 · 4 - 6 pm Book Signing, 7 - 9 pm Cook-Off Estate Tasting Room 8800 Enchanted Way SE Turner, OR 97392 Tickets are $125 per person, $100 for Wine Club Members, Shareholder and their guests, and includes a copy of Fed, White and Blue, live cook-off, four-course food and wine pairing, bottle of our 2009 Estate Pinot Noir and a $25 wine credit to be used towards a wine purchase. Space is limited. Please make your reservations by June 19th by calling  503-588-9463 or online here. Wine Flight 2014 Rosé of Pinot Noir 2011 Griffin Creek "Griffin" 2012 Fuller Pinot Noir - new release! Only 100 cases produced  2011 Quinta Reserva Pinot Noir Port Style

A Peek inside the Gallery

Bryn with Severoth

A visit to Samuel Robert Winery to see my paintings. Here is an article written by Randi Bjorstad. Randi Bjornstad

Opening at Samuel Robert Winery

Saturday the 6th of June at 4:00 there will be a reception for the artist (me) at Samuel Robert Winery in Amity right next to the Blue Goat restaurant, and you can bet there will be great wines and lots of food.
The show features 9 large paintings done in oil and wax on panel, mounted linen, or linen.
Bright!!! would be a good descriptor.

"Sur Mare" 6'x4' oil and wax on panel

The show will run through September and we will have at least once a month "Meet the artists" events where I will go on and on about what and why I paint.

I look forward to seeing a lots of wine friends.