On a sunny morning in July, we drove up to the beautiful winery and tasting room at Nicolas-Jay, one of the most highly regarded wineries in Oregon.
The tasting room patio.
Nicolas-Jay was putting on a breakfast that was paired with 5 of their delicious wines–an event we were very much looking forward to.
We have written about this winery and its beautiful setting several times before. But each time we visit, we continue to be struck by the beauty of the site. The winery and tasting room sit at the bottom of a bowl-like structure of hillsides in the Dundee Hills AVA, most of which are now planted to grape vines. At the top of the vineyards stand Oregon forests (oak and Douglas Fir) which appear like sentinels watching over and protecting the vines.
Read More
The Dream Team: Tracy, Brandon, Ally, Al, Chase & Andy.
As the final grapes are pressed and the last barrels tucked away, my harvest internship has officially come to a close. It’s hard to believe how much has been packed into these past 4 weeks — the early mornings, hot days, late nights, and everything in between. Physically, it was one of the toughest experiences I’ve ever gone through.
The long hours during harvest are legendary for a reason. There’s no stopping the process once it starts, and the grapes certainly don’t wait. But as I’ve come to realize, the physical side is only one part of the equation. What truly made this experience special was the people I shared it with.
Read More
Harvested Pinot Noir about to get processed.
My third week as a Harvest Intern was the most busy and intense yet as the balance of the fruit was brought in. At the peak of harvest, when the fruit is coming in from the vineyard, time is of the essence and the effort is at its max.
The grapes need to be handled quickly and efficiently to preserve their quality. As soon as the fruit arrives at the winery, it’s essential to move it into the next stage of processing—whether it’s sorting, destemming, or crushing—before it begins to warm up or ferment prematurely.
Read More
Aaron & Tracy Kendall.
In life, they say nothing is certain, but in the world of wine, few things come as close to a sure bet as two accomplished winemakers teaming up for their own project. The duo we’re discussing happen to be husband and wife Aaron and Tracy Kendall. Aaron was the assistant winemaker at Beaux Freres, now head winemaker at Compris Vineyard, and Tracy was the associate winemaker at Nicolas-Jay.
After recently purchasing an established vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, together they bring a wealth of wine expertise to their own project, Folly of Man.
Read More
Just one of the many incredible views at Ghost Hill Cellars.
Deep in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where rolling hills are blanketed with lush vineyards and the air is perfumed with the scent of ripening grapes, lies a winery shrouded in legend and steeped in tradition: Ghost Hill Cellars. This unique vineyard not only produces excellent Pinot Noir but also offers a story as rich and intriguing as its wines.
The name “Ghost Hill” isn’t just a catchy moniker; it carries a spine-tingling tale that has been passed down through generations.
A cross marking where the miner’s horse’s bones were found.
According to local legend, in the late 1800s, a miner traveling through the area struck gold on what is now Ghost Hill Cellars. Tragically, the miner met an untimely end before he could claim his fortune, and it’s said that his restless spirit still roams the hill, guarding his hidden treasure. On misty mornings and moonlit nights, locals have reported eerie sights and sounds, adding an extra layer of mystique to this already enchanting location.
Read More
Recent Comments