You can hardly visit the Willamette Valley without visiting some of its famed wineries and that's exactly what I did. Starting at Montinore Estate, one of the state's largest biodynamic/organic wine producers, we visited the stunning tasting room and then stepped into the vineyards for a visit with winemakers Ben Thomas and Stephen Webber.
When your guests are paying $275 a head, he's aware you'd better deliver. The kitchen employs 30 chefs, all of whom have undergone extensive training. He hopes his guests leave excited and with fond memories, something they can relate to and even laugh about. Before we left, he prepared a salad for me to photograph. Alas, before I could dig my fork in, the plate was whisked away.
Saturday morning I'll land at Rome's Fiumicino airport, where I will meet up with a group of fellow bloggers as we eat and drink our way through Orvieto, Montefalco and Torgiano before finally arriving in Perugia in the heart of Umbria.
On a dreary, rainy morning, Bob, Maggie, Laura and I climbed into Bob's pickup and checked out the incredible views from the vineyards. These young vines are producing sensational fruit and Bob is making superior wines.
Where we've fallen short I believe is in engaging you and opening a dialogue with you. I take full responsibility and I intend to change that. We've always wanted this to be a two way street and I encourage you to let us know how we can improve the experience for you.
The drive up the mountain can be harrowing, so allow plenty of time. The reception at the winery can be no less than frigid if you have not done your homework and made a reservation confirmed by email well in advance of your arrival. Cain is not a winery on the "party bus" tour of Napa.
My visit to Missouri wineries
I spent four days in Central Missouri tasting Missouri wine: Lake of the Ozarks and Columbia, with writers from the Internation...
A few minutes later, we were bouncing through 8 - 10 foot waves, getting drenched from head to toe, screaming and laughing with joy. The entire boat was filled with water.
So when looking for wineries outside of these areas, why not consider Pennsylvania? The most likely answer that will be given back is, “you are kidding?”
But wait, there’s more. On to the main course of “Roasted Pork Loin with Guinness Stout Glaze,” which requires a 12 oz bottle of beer. Chef Marty says that beer should never be bought in odd numbers and recommends employing the phone-a-friend option for remaining beers. I’m now begging Mr. W to cue the crane to get me out of my seat.
