A few months ago, while out to dinner with my lovely friends, I proclaimed that it was time we all took a trip to wine country. Nevermind I had never been to wine country and had no idea how to make a trip like that happen. Thankfully we have Sherri who stepped up and planned the whole trip.
I'm not sure why she chose the Willamette Valley in Oregon over going to Eastern Washington (maybe something to do with the winter weather east of the mountains) but I'm glad she did. The weather was perfect, although a little hazy and the scenery was beautiful.
I was mesmerized by the rows and rows of vines. I couldn't stop photographing them. It's kind of embarrassing how many pictures of vineyards I took. Don't worry, I'm only sharing a few with you.
Aren't they pretty?!
Our first stop was Adelsheim Vineyard where I found out I like Chardonney aged in stainless steel. Who knew?! I also pretty much fell in love with their Deglace, which is a dessert wine made from Pinot Gris grapes that have been frozen before being made into wine. The flavor explosion in my mouth when I took that first sip was unlike any wine I'd had before! I wasn't the only one who loved it!
Here we are tasting at Adelsheim.
We learn a thing or two about pruning vines from Derek at Patton Valley.
Umm yeah... You might notice he's kinda cute! And he's a budding business owner, making the first NW Vermouth called Imbue. He said it will be perfect with Gin or on the rocks with a twist of orange! I can't wait to try it.
We also stopped at Owen Roe Winery, but we were a little late after getting lost, so our tasting was a little rushed. That didn't stop us from buying up some of their wine. I purchase their Pinot Gris and a yummy red called Sinister Hand.
Next up I'll share all about our little oasis where we stayed for the rest of the weekend.
Happy wine drinking!
Love the post and the pictures!
Posted by: Jen | February 11, 2011 at 05:52 AM
What a wonderful trip!!
Posted by: The Incredible Woody | February 11, 2011 at 07:40 AM
Oh my, that Derek sure is easy on the eyes! Looks like a fabulous trip so far!
Vermouth always makes me think of my Grandpa, so have one for me!
Posted by: Meg | February 11, 2011 at 08:19 AM
Looks like a great time, and what fantastic photos. I've never been on a wine trip/tasting. My only experience with vineyards is "A Walk in the Clouds" and "Sideways." Thanks for expanding my horizons. :o)
Happy weekend to you!
Posted by: Lisa | February 11, 2011 at 08:38 AM
That looks like a fun trip, I should check out napa valley.
Posted by: John Kim | February 11, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Wow! Gorgeous country. It could almost be in France...
Posted by: Liz C. | February 12, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Meg is right, that Derek is rather lovely!
Posted by: trash | February 16, 2011 at 12:56 PM
I'm going to have to develop a taste for vermouth. What a great post. What a weekend!
Posted by: mrs. g. | February 16, 2011 at 04:27 PM