Columbia Gorge, Multnomah Falls, and Mt. Hood were pretty cool views on the way to Phelps Creek Vineyards on a hot hot 100 degree afternoon. On this particular day, each of the several hundred attendees of the Wine Blogger’s Conference in Portland had marching orders to step on one of many buses and travel “somewhere in Oregon wine country”. Hey, rough task but someone had to do it! Twenty five wine bloggers, industry folk, and lil’ ‘ole me with many new friends settled in on Bus 1 (of course bubbles were served en route!) for a fantastic afternoon and evening of wine, food, camaraderie, and laughter! As we have said again and again…we were the lucky ones!
After leaving the bus, several hay wagons took the awestruck winelovers up a very steep road to meet and greet reps from Phelps Creek Vineyards and the staff of five local wineries. The view of the vineyards at my feet and Mt. Hood in the distance were yet more reasons to love this beautiful country of mine and it was clearly an inspirational moment. (OK, maybe the heat was starting to kick in as I was doing a bit of gushing…and that was before the wine!) Ha! As we stepped from the wagon, wine was poured (surprise!), appetizers were offered, and a vineyard tour was forming. Yes, please!
But who was leading the vineyard tour? None other than Bob Morus, owner of Phelps Creek Vineyards. Amazingly, Bob, in his pre-vineyard days, lived in Glen Ellyn, Illinois – the suburb-on-the-train-line next to my current home in Wheaton! (There is a distinct possibility we may have seen each other in a wine shop back in the day – who knew?!) In the mid-1980s, he read about the explosion of Oregon wineries and the production of its Pinot Noir. With this info in his back pocket, Bob ventured to Sam’s Liquor’s in Chicago and (in his words) “started buying all the Oregon wines I could carry away”! Of course he,along with family and friends, loved these wines from this up and coming area…and was hooked. The dream of owning a vineyard in Oregon and making fantastic wines became a reality in 1989 when Bob purchased the land in Hood River. Subsequently, the house was built and grapevines were planted in 1990.
Reps from the five wineries poured some of their favorites during “happy hour” and each staff member was approachable, fun, and knowledgeable. Wineries included Cathedral Ridge, Phelps Creek Vineyards (but of course), Viento Wines, Naked Winery, and The Pines~ all of which provided wine pairings with our fantastic dinner (use the link provided for more information on their amazing selection of wines). Fast friendships were made (umm, again…wine was involved) and once the dinner bell was rung, everyone was ready to discover what was around the corner~
And quite a discovery it was…I loved the perfectly appropriate table settings and staging thanks to Hood River, Oregon’s Riverhood Rentals (follow me on Pinterest and find out how much I love table settings…). Four wine bloggers were seated at tables with two “reserved” seats which were for the several winery owners or reps who shared their story and information about their wines. I absolutely loved getting to know each person in a casual, fun, beautiful environment and after each course was finished, there was a switch and two other winery friends joined the table! Loved it (and keeping that concept in mind for a future personal event)!
Are you ready for the menu? Wonderful food provided by Din Din Supper Club & Catering of Portland and the many wine pairings were perfect. As an FYI…I’ll be posting tasting notes of these wines on Monday, September 3 so please check back~
*First Course*
Lobster mushroom carpaccio with lovage and sauteed chanterelle with treviso and Sakura Ridge pickled currant
Paired with…Viento Gruner Veltliner 2010, Naked Complicated Viognier 2009, The Pines Viognier 2009
*Second Course*
Sturgeon and cocozelle zucchini salads with gem lettuces
Paired with…Phelps Creek Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2010, Cathedral Ridge Reserve Chardonnay 2009
*Third Course*
Reisler Farms lamb loin, Vans cherry chutney with aged balsamic, basil, and whole grain mustard and potato gougere
Paired with…Phelps Creek Cuvee Alexandrine 2008, Cathedral Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir 2009
*Fourth Course*
Braised beef shortrib with fresh pocha beans and heirloom pepper carrot sauce
Paired with…The Pines Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Viento Barbera 2011, Naked Oh! Tempranillo 2010
*Fifth Course*
Fresh Fern’s Edge goat cheesecake with peach licorice coulis
Paired with…Phelps Creek Estate Ice Wine 2009, The Pines Sweet Sierra 2009, Viento Gewurtztraminer Ice Wine 2009
Was it hot in Hood River, Oregon? You bet it was…in a good way. Thanks, Bob, and others who made this “grape experience” at Phelps Creek Vineyards pretty cool!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Cindy