Two Minute Wine Tasting Tips – Details, episodes & analysis

What to do when your wine tour itinerary gets off track.

This episode is a real behind the scenes look at a tour group who's itinerary got off track and what steps we took to ensure a successful day.

We also discuss tips for how guests and wineries can ensure they don't experience these itinerary delays in the future.

Enjoy!

Transcript:

Hi, welcome to two minute wine tasting tips. Today we’re going to discuss wine tasting in the cellar season. Why it’s preferred, and what compromises you should expect to make.

There are a number of different wine regions that have seasons, like winter. The Willamette Valley is a good example, where your tasting experience will most definitely be indoors. You can thank the rain and cold temperatures for that. 

Why do we call it Cellar Season? I think originally it was a fancy name for the slow season. Now I think the name implies the change of location from the viticulture outside in the vineyard, to the happenings of the winery inside. It’s a much more intimate side of the wine tasting experience.

Cellar Season is one of my favorite times of year to taste wine. It brings a focus back to the winery. When you are inside you can get a glimpse of winery operations, including encounters with the winemaker. Some of us visualize the “winemaker” as a bit of a celebrity. However, they are often in comfortable clothes, heads down, working on the tasks of the day. 

Cellar Season is a great time to see some winemaking action, and engage in conversation with the winemaker. I have also learned that among the responsibilities of winemakers is promoting and selling wine. This means they have brushed up on how they communicate the winemaking process and the characteristics of the vineyard and wines. Don’t be shy, they are not here to be the smartest in the room, but rather help you connect with the wine.

With that said, if you are curious, don’t be shy. Cease the moment and engage. You wont regret it. 

Now let’s talk about the compromises of wine tasting in Cellar Season. 

The outdoors. The vines are dormant, there are no flowers blooming, and the views can often look a bit different than clear sunny skies. I challenge you to embrace this time of year. Take in the beauty of seeing the wine country in a very raw form. I promise it will still take your breath away. 

Even though it’s overcast, admire the views. See the valley landscape and the curious lines of fog. See the rain approach through the mountains. These are incredible moments where nature forces its connection on you.

Tasting rooms are smaller, so wine tasting with larger groups is typically out of the question. Keep your group sizes to 6 or less. In fact this is a good time to visit wine country with a few friends or another couple. Outdoor spaces tend to be limitless for wineries, however indoor spaces are finite. And many wineries just don’t have the indoor space to host large groups. Large groups require more staff, which is another reason many wineries are not able to accommodate groups over 6 people. 

Tasting menus tend to focus on the reds versus white wines. Is this really a negative? I think not. You’ll find alternative wine programs from wineries who are purchasing grapes from other parts of Oregon and producing less common varietals. Don’t be afraid of whites in the Cellar Season. You’ll get an entirely different experience from drinking a glorious Riesling on a cold winter day.

Let’s talk about weather. If you melt in the rain, then Cellar Season in Oregon is not the best place for you. I can’t think of a better indoor activity than wine tasting. The rain makes it easy to say yes to a cozy tasting room.

Do yourself a favor this Cellar Season and plan a day of wine tasting. I guarantee you’ll get every bit as much out of the experience as you would in the Summer.

Listen to Part II of my struggles and tips to make your next trip one to remember. This episode focuses on the struggles with how to choose wineries and design a perfect itinerary.

Full transcript here.

This is the first of two episodes that are all about the real-life struggle of planning a trip to Walla Walla. Which is one of Washington’s premiere wine tasting regions. It was important to me to drink my own Koolaid on this one, and plan just like so many of my customers do. It’s still so shocking to me, how much work goes into planning a quality trip. I wanted to document it, and share my advice from the perspective of a wine country curator. 

Click here to see full transcript. 

Each year we are faced with finding the perfect gift for our loved ones. Should you give an item or an experience? If you are searching for a git for the 21 and over crowd, then you've come to the right place. I'm going to walk you through some local, unique, and long lasting gift ideas.

Full Transcript

Scared of outdoor wine tasting in Oregon. Don't be. These five wineries offer warm and cozy outdoor tasting experiences that will leave you feeling festive for the Fall and Winter season.

TRANSCRIPT:

Hi there! I just love the Fall. So for today’s tasting tip, I’m going to introduce you to five wineries with cozy fireplaces and delicious wines. After this episode, If this isn’t something you do already, I’m willing to bet you’ll give Fall and Winter wine tasting a try… and if you do that… I can almost guarantee you will make wine tasting a new Fall or Winter tradition.

For years the thought of wine tasting in the Fall and Winter never really crossed my mind. Wineries in the Willamette Valley used to make a big deal Thanksgiving weekend with wine discounts, music, and other festivities...But if you are a beaver or a duck fan, that is a big football weekend. Yes, I’m a duck and that is the priority.

Aside from that, many of us are focused on other traditions that go along with this time of year, you know all things Halloween, then we get catapulted into Thanksgiving and in case you haven’t noticed the holiday season has already started, thank you Target!

I’m here to tell you, Wine tasting in the Fall or Winter needs to become a new tradition. Maybe you have some family that visits each year, or you want to get festive with some special friends. This is the best time of year to go wine tasting and trust me it will put you in a festive mood.

Pre Pandemic, I felt like many wineries really didn’t make an effort in the fall and winter. That’s because it was considered a time to take a break after harvest.  But after going through all things pandemic, wineries have really leveled-up creating some magical experiences in Oregon’s cellar season.

They have added tents with fancy furniture and plants, loungafied their fireplace areas and created some absolutely charming and cozy outdoor spaces that will give you the perfect excuse to put on your plaid winter coat, and make good use of your warm and trendy pendleton blanket.

But seriously, these five wineries feature fireplaces and wine tasting that will make your fear of wine tasting in the rain and cold a thing of the past.

Let’s get to the list.

Fairsing is perched on the top of Laughlin Loop, and is most famous for it’s amazing wine and panoramic views. I’m here to tell you a visit in the winter is super peaceful. They have a wonderful patio with a warm and inviting outdoor fireplace. But bring a blanket to take the edge off, they are high up there where the weather is a bit more brisk.

Lemelson has another great outdoor fireplace that makes the patio that much more inviting. Plus, they are close to Carlton if you want to have some delicious brick oven pizza from Park and Main. it makes for a great day. And let me tell you park and main has a pretty amazing firepit area. I actually looked up their firepit it was so beautiful. Not in my price range, but always enjoyed when I’m there.

Solena Estate is warm and inviting all year round, but with their tented lounge space and large built-in fireplace, you are set for a cozy outdoor tasting with great service and great wine.

Willamette Valley Vineyards also has a grand fireplace on their estate patio, which is open for bottle service. And if fireplaces aren’t your thing, they also have the wine pods that are super cool looking and offer a unique outdoor experience.

Ponzi vineyards is the closest of these wineries to Portland and offers fireside seating. Their modern firepits allow for a very social and inviting atmosphere.

There you have it! Five fabulous wineries to get cozy and enjoy some of the Willamette Valley’s best Pinot Noir!

If you're thinking, wine clubs aren't that complicated, what's more to learn. This podcast points out some not so common things to consider when joining a wine club. And these important things, may also point out the 'real' value of a wine club membership you already have.

Get in the mood this fall with two of the best fall activities followed by some great Willamette Valley wine tasting.

TRANSCRIPT:

Hi there! In today’s episode, I’m going to blow your mind with two perfectly fall activities that pair well with a visit to a local winery. If you were already planning on visiting wine country this Fall, you should consider the itineraries I’m about to recommend. Plus, we are only talking a 30 minute drive from Portland.

What does fall remind you of? For me I think Apples, fresh Cider, oh and my favorite Fall sweet treat cider donuts. What about mounds of maple and oak leaves. Our house is surrounded by 30, 100 year old oak trees. I know a thing or two about leaves. What about fields of sunflowers, or putting pots of mums on your front porch. And pumpkins. Lots and lots of pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors.

What if you could have all these sights and smells followed by a glorious glass of Pinot Noir or  Chardonnay.

Are you with me.  Do I have you swooning over Fall like a pumpkin spice latte?

The first perfect fall day I’m gonna describe starts with a visit to the Oregon Heritage Farms. They are located on Scholls Ferry Rd a few miles past Mountainside High School. This place has a variety of scrumptious apples. You can pick them or purchase them in the shop. Craving fresh cider, caramel apples perhaps. This place will surely get you in a festive fall mood. Plus, there are the sweetest photo opportunities among the apple trees.

Once you are all warm and fuzzy head on down the road to one of the following tasting rooms for a flight or a glass of your favorite Pinot. They are all within 10 minutes of here.

Ponzi Vineyards

Hamacher Wines

Alloro Vineyard

Hawksview Winery

Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Ok so let’s recap.

Start the day off at Oregon Heritage Farms and then head on down the road to one or maybe two of the wineries I listed for some wine tasting. Between the farm and a winery that’s a perfect fall day.

Now, nothing says Fall like a pumpkin patch experience. Especially one without the huge crowds. Red Berry Barn is a wonderful destination. It’s right off hwy 99 just outside of Sherwood. Heck, it’s just down the road from the famous Christmas tree farm, Sleigh Bells. You may even want to head on up the hill before or after your visit to Red Berry Barn to check out their gift shop.  They have the best holiday decor for all seasons.

Anyway, back to Red Berry Barn. They have the perfect amount of Fall Festivities that go from Sept 25 - Oct 31. You can partake in activities such as corn maze, hay rides, yard games etc.  Plus more activities for kids.  They have the BEST, i’m telling you best, apple cider donuts. And while you're at it pickup a berry pie and a chicken pot pie in the farm shop. Inside the farm shop they have homemade ice cream and a pretty good espresso bar if I do say so. They do not disappoint. The best part is all the same wineries are within 10 minutes of here too.

Go ahead, set a date, make a winery reservation at one or two places and pop-on-into Oregon Heritage Farms or the Red Berry Barn. You’ll warm up all your Fall feels just in time for the holidays!

In this episode, we are taking a deeper look at the benefits of wine tasting at a tasting room and why you should consider this type of experience next time you go wine tasting.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Today we’re talking about Winery visits vs Tasting rooms. What are the reasons you should consider one over the other?

I’ll preface the podcast by saying, you should choose whichever you personally feel like. There is no judgement from me. I know there are many of you listening, who haven't given tasting rooms a proper try. I hope to give you some confidence that there is magic in tasting rooms too. Perhaps after listening you’ll expand your horizons and change it up the next time you go wine tasting.

Let’s define these two terms so we are on the same page. The term Winery traditionally refers to where the wine is made. In Oregon, most wineries are located near the vineyard for which some or most of the grapes come from. At a winery there is almost always a tasting room or tasting area, but for the sake of this podcast, let’s keep it simple and say a wine tasting at a Winery is located at a Vineyard.

Whereas, a tasting room is usually in a town separate from the winery and vineyard. In the Willamette Valley, most tasting rooms are located in the three most popular wine towns in some of the popular wine towns of Dundee, Carlton and McMinnville. In fact you can find somewhere between 10-20 tasting rooms in a couple blocks.

I don’t think I need to describe a Winery too much. They usually have well manicured grounds, with rolling vineyards, some sort of view, and plenty of indoor and outdoor space. I almost always have customers coming to me for this type of experience. And if you have never been to a Winery, it surely should be top of your travel, even bucket list.

I’m gonna focus on tasting rooms, today. Since I assume this is not the first thing we think of when going wine tasting. There is no doubt some amazing wine can be found in tasting rooms. In fact, many wineries establish tasting rooms in regions that are not where they are from to introduce their wine to new audiences. For example there are a number of Walla Walla wineries, such as Tertulia, Owen Row, and Zebra Cellars that have tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley. It’s special because they offer wine varietals that many Willamette Valley wineries do not offer. And that many people desire, such as bold reds.

Other reasons to head into town for your wine tasting, my favorite would be eating out at the local restaurants.  When you wine taste at the Winery, there is never enough time to stop at a restaurant. There is too much commuting time and tastings just take longer.

At a tasting room you can get more tastings in a shorter amount of time.

They take walk-ins even during the days of Covid. This means you can be more spontaneous and not have to book reservations 3+ weeks in advance.

Tasting rooms also allow you to get a feel for the local community as you’ll see daily happenings, such local pedestrians, and small business bustle.

Shopping, window or otherwise, is a great way to travel from tasting room to tasting room. These stores cannot be replicated and often carry unique local goods.

So my challenge to you is, if you are visiting, spend a day visiting wineries and a day in town visiting tasting rooms. If you are local and no stranger to wine tasting. Perhaps visit one Winery and then spend the rest of your day in town visiting tasting rooms and eating the local cuisine.

What do customers want in a wine club and how has NW Wine Shuttle delivered a wine club that also incorporates wine tasting experiences in an entirely new way.