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.
