Emerald Art Center Meets Oregon Wines

 Emerald Art Center in Springfield now serves Oregon wines at opening events and on Second Friday art walks.

In March we served Iris Vineyards and Oregon Wine LAB wines.

 In April we will be serving Silvan Ridge wines from the second-oldest vineyards in Lane County.

May will bring TWO tastings by Benton-Lane Winery, the first for the opening of our National Juried Show and then for Second-Friday. 

Each Second Friday we will be serving wines by our neighbor down the street, Iris Vineyards!

June will bring wines from Lane County's OLDEST vineyard, La Velle Vineyards!

Though I have yet to ask another winery to help in July, rest assured I shall find one.

Combining art and wine? What a great idea!

A Visit to Abacela Vineyards by Way of Wildlife Safari

My wife had coupons for the Wildlife Safari in Winston Oregon so we made a play date. Beautiful day for a drive and little traffic. We got there about 15 minutes early and walked around looking at the animals, including these flamingos.

When they opened we got tickets to the lion feeding and training session. Sorry, but I was so mesmerized by the cats that I did not take any pictures.
They have two big dads, two females and one little boy of 4 who is getting close to leaving. He is with his mom and starting to mature.
Next, we visited the Tiger. He is a small male and has to be feed chicken as red meat does not work for him. He would not last long in the wild so he has lots of room to explore but when they feed him they do it in a small cage. He RAN into the cage when they opened the outside door.

After the close encounter, we decided to take a lunch break and headed for one of our favourite wineries, Abacela, for lunch and a tasting.

They charge a $10 tasting fee but waive it if you buy two bottles. We bought four. My favourite white from them is the Albarino and Linda chose two of the Dolcetto. We had a cheese plate and the Hummus plate and left full, happy, and with some great wines.

Back to the animals! 

We drove through and were greeted by some very large and curious Watusi Cattle.

They seemed to think we had food or were at least interesting enough to visit with. 

Next, we saw the Giraffe baby we met last year. We did a Giraffe visit last year and met the tallest one in around; 17 feet!

When we left and went to the next winery Linda ask if they had a sink as she had to wash off the Giraffe spit. The woman in the tasting room got a good laugh over that.

Next time you are on the freeway and need to forget about your worries for a while, pull off and enjoy some time watching the animals wander free.

PS, do NOT roll down the windows for very long;)

Howard Hughes' "Lucky Fedora" We Have It!

Howard Hughes' "Lucky Fedora"  We Have It!

News! John Sleeter's son has contacted us and is compiling some of the stories he was told by his father about his relationship with Hughes. Look for more to come! We just found the initials HH '38 inside the leather band. We had been afraid to touch it as it is so old and fragile but someone wanted the serial #
( B669013) from inside the band. It is a "Royal Stetson" Whippet.
One of our board members gave us the hat for the auction. 

In his letter about the hat, he says:

For 35 years I was a practising Medical Specialist in the Los Angeles area.  During that time my wife and I became very friendly with JOHN SLEETER,  a general practitioner in a neighbouring community, and he and I developed a professional relationship as well.

One evening while my wife and I were the Sleeters' dinner guests,  John told us that while he was training at Los Angeles County Hospital, he came to care for HOWARD HUGHES, who was a patient there. Hughes had been taken to that hospital following a plane crash of his on July 7th, 1946. John,  for a period of time, became Hughes' physician.

That evening, knowing that I was a private pilot,  thinking I would appreciate it, John offered me a hat that Hughes had given him.  Was this the only such hat that Hughes had, since a famous photo of him showing him in the pilot seat of the Spruce Goose shows him wearing what appears identical to this one or did he have multiple such hats, I do not know.

I kept it ever since and even considered donating it to the Smithsonian Museum Aviation Section at one time.  It now seems an appropriate time to make it available to a person or entity seriously interested in possessing what I consider to be a valuable and real bit of memorabilia.

  (John died in 2009. I downloaded his obituary from the Internet. It was from the Tama, Iowa local newspaper, the place of his birth, and it states that he had been Hughes' personal physician).   by Chuck (more info upon request)

Now that I have done a bit more digging, I have found that Sleeter was a Lt. and had indeed treated Hughes after the crash, and hitched a ride with him on his first flight after the ordeal. Read the book starting on the bottom of 157.page
I have also found a reference to the hat being recovered and taken to a police station, then rushed to Hughes at the hospital. It kind of gave me chills, reading about the crash and his connection to Sleeter, and having the hat sitting here in front of me.

This may not be the hat he wore in the crash but all evidence leads us to believe it IS one of his hats.
If you have any aviation fans (with money) please let them know about this. Click here to see some of the other items up for auction.
We now have a letter from Dr Sleeter's wife attesting to the authenticity of the hat. 
To quote the letter: To whom it may concern,
Approximately 15 years ago my husband, Dr John W. H. Sleeter while guests at our home at 1200 S, Orange Groove Blvd, Pasadena, gave to Dr Charles Tannenbaum the hat that Howard Hughes gave him while he was under John's care after he was discharged from Good Samaritan Hospital after his plane crash.
I witnessed this gift being given myself
Patricia G. Sleeter
There is also a certificate verifying his service at the hospital that makes direct reference to Hughes case.
These may be sent by email upon request.
rcanaga@gmail.com

Abbelone 2017 Pinot Gris

I am sipping a Pinot Gris this evening while I paint and think of things to write about. When I am grabbing a bottle to take up to the studio I usually pay a lot of attention to what I grab, but tonight I just reach into the cellar and grabbed what hit my hand. I opened it and poured a sip into my glass. The colour told me it was a Pinot Noir Blanc with to much skin contact, but no! It is a Pinot Gris WITH skin contact! 
Though it was not left on skin long enough to be considered an Orange Wine, it has some of the characteristics. The longer skin contact imparts the slight tannins that give the wine a little more depth and mouthfeel.
 I am working on a 24x48 canvas tonight and trying to stretch myself a bit but this wine is helping me decide what is next.
This is one of my all-time favourites for a Pinot Gris. Abbelone Vineyards 2017 Pinot Gris.

"World Eater" 24x48 oil and wax. First layer

First layers of oil and wax on what MAY become a painting. I set up challenges for myself and this is a challenge.

Good thing I have a lovely pale companion to assist.

MarshAnne Landing Presents Cellist Kathryn Brunhaver in Concert

MarshAnne Landing

Presents

Cellist Kathryn Brunhaver in Concert

Monday, April 29, 2019, 7:00 PM

Cellist Kathryn Brunhaver returns to MarshAnne Landing accompanied by pianist Grant Mack.  Brunhaver received her BA at Peabody and Doctorate in Cello Performance at the University of Oregon.  Her performance resume includes positions with Eugene Symphony, and guest performances with Oregon Bach Festival, Rogue Valley Symphony, Chamber Music Amici, and numerous other regional ensembles.  Grant Mack received a BA in piano performance at the University of Puget Sound, Masters at the University of Hawaii, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Collaborative Piano at the University of Oregon.  Their program will feature the following works:

           

Cello Sonata #2 in G minor, Op. 5                               Ludwig van Beethoven

Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19                                  Sergei Rachmaninoff

                                                Intermission

Cello Sonata in D minor                                              Frank Bridge

Introduction and Polonaise in C major, Op. 3             Frederic Chopin

Limited Seating, Admission $50 includes abundant appetizers.  541-459-7998

49th Annual Greatest of the Grape

The Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association will be hosting the 49th Annual Greatest of the Grape on April 13, 2019 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. This is the oldest wine and food pairing event in Oregon. The event began 49 years ago when Richard Sommers initiated the idea at the Umpqua Hotel in downtown Roseburg.

Now, 49 years later the event has grown to a grand celebration of 28 wineries all from the Umpqua Valley plus tasty samples from local restaurants and caterers alike. It is an opportunity for them to showcase their finest wines and food pairings.

The popular local band Flashback will be present to provide the music for listening pleasure and dancing. There will be a silent auction for browsing, featuring gifts with local wine and so much more.

The Wheel of Wine event is provided to attendees to enter for a chance to win a special bottle of wine by spinning the wheel for $20.00 a spin. All proceeds from the Wheel of Wine goes to the Southern Oregon Wine Institute scholarship program. 

Tickets are on sale on the website www.umpquavalleywineries.org on the event link. You may also purchase tickets locally at Abacela or Melrose tasting room. There is a choice of two entry times: VIP tickets are for early entry at 6:00 p.m. at $125.00 per person. Ticket sales are limited in order to have less number of people for the first hour. The general entry time is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $90.00 per person. All attendees will receive a complimentary wine glass. The event concludes at 11:00 p.m.

Bus shuttle service will be offered from three local hotels and Seven Feathers Casino Resort. Check the website for details.

Along with the Professional Wine Judges awards, attendees may also vote for their favorite wine and wine and food pairing. Voting will be provided on the UVWA app, so bring your mobile phone with you to the event. Winners will be announced at 9:30 p.m.

Join us for a festive evening celebrating the Greatest of the Grape! 

Friday the 5th at J.Scott

J. Scott Cellars 520 Commercial St., Unit G Eugene, Oregon 97487 541-357-5279 FRIDAY, April 5, 4-9 pm: Celebrate the end of a work week with Friday WineDown here at J. Scott Cellars urban winery in the WestSide Warehouse District! Bring your friends to enjoy delicious wine from our extensive menu along with pizza from Viking Braggot Company. For tonight's entertainment, a tasting room favourite, Scott Austin (5:30-8:30). SATURDAY, April 6, 1-??: A good day to stop by J. Scott Cellars and relax with friends and a bottle of your favourite wine! (Did you hear that Malbec is back in town?) FRIDAY, April 12, 4-9 pm: Join us for Friday WineDown here at J. Scott Cellars! Bring your friends to enjoy delicious wine from our extensive menu along with pizza from Viking Braggot Company. Tonight's music from John Bauman (5:30-8:30). SATURDAY, April 13, 1-9 pm: It's Crew Wine Club Release night! Jeremy Clark Pruitt will entertain from 5:30-8:30 pm while you enjoy a bottle of your favourite J. Scott Cellars wine. Pair it with some of that gourmet pizza from our WestSide Warehouse District neighbours, Viking Braggot Company. WESTSIDE WAREHOUSE DISTRICT SCAVENGER HUNT Saturday, April 20, 4-9 pm April 20th we are answering the question – Where is the Westside Warehouse District? - with a tap and tasting room adventure/scavenger hunt. The 4th Annual Westside Warehouse District Scavenger Hunt will include clue cards that send guests to all five member locations, Claim 52 Brewing, Crescendo Spirits, J. Scott Cellars, Noble Estate Urban and Viking Braggot Company Brewery & Tap Room. Start the scavenger hunt by picking up a clue card and looking for the first clue at any location. Turn in completed clue cards at your final destination for the chance to win a selection of fun prizes.  Joining the tasting/taprooms will be local food trucks and musicians!  Here at J. Scott Cellars, we have the energetic Indie pop sound of Brendan Curran from 5:30-8:30 pm, and delicious food truck fare from Bacon Nation! Complimentary transportation will be available between the five destinations throughout the event. The Westside Warehouse District was formed in 2014 when local breweries Claim 52 Brewing and Viking Braggot Company partnered with award-winning wineries J Scott Cellars and Noble Estate Vineyard and Winery. The group launched the newest wine and beer district in Eugene in March 2014 with the Westside Wine and Beer Loop. The newest member, Crescendo Spirits, joined in 2015. Celebration of Syrah McMenamins Edgefield Winery Grand Syrah Tasting & Benefit Auction Saturday, April 6 J. Scott Cellars will be pouring wine at this annual event in Portland, and there are still a few tickets available! Visit the site above for details and ticket purchase. J. Scott Cellars | 541-357-5279 | www.jscottcellars.com See what's happening on our social sites:  ‌  ‌

2019 Oregon Winery of the Year: Yamhill Valley Vineyards

Another wonderful Oregon Winery gets some well-deserved attention!

MCMINNVILLE, ORE. — There is a history spanning 35 vintages at Yamhill Valley Vineyards, but no year at Yamhill Valley Vineyards has been filled with as many emotions as 2018.

Head winemaker Ariel Eberle and longtime vineyard manager Carlos Escobar celebrated a string of gold, double gold and Platinum medals for founder/owner Denis Burger and his family.

Alas, 2018 also marked the peaceful passing of Stephen Cary, who spent 25 years as the winemaker at Yamhill Valley Vineyards and mentored Eberle for a decade. More from Wine Press Northwest

We're here to help you get through this winter!  Our latest Wine Club Release includes two very unique wines: our very first Tempranillo, and a Rose of Pinot Noir. Come enjoy both, while also indulging in some complimentary bites provided by Broadway Grill!  This menu is inspired by the release of our very first Tempranillo! Shrimp Ceviche in phyllo cups Sausage Paella with crostini  Gorgonzola, pear and walnut salad This will be a great opportunity to make your reservations for the Wine Club Discount Weekend happening on 3/2-3/3!  Enjoy the cosy ambience of our upstairs Loft seating, or savour the winter weather by one of our fire pits, add a cheese plate and make it a whole day! We'll also have live music by Timothy Patrick starting at 5:30 PM!  The Wine Club Pick-up party is happening this Saturday, February 16th from 12-5 PM. We hope to see you there! Get more information Register Now! I can't make it This event is complimentary for wine club members. Members are also able to bring an additional 4 guests to this. Even if you have picked up your wine, feel free to come, just please register to help us with accurate food count.    Sincerely,   Fawn Black Wine Club Manager LaVelle Vineyards Fawn@lavellevineyards.com