Happy Holidays to all! I am someone who loves reflecting on past seasons and the roses and thorns that come along with growth throughout the years. Upon reflecting back on this year, I thought it would be fun to compile the most notable wine tastings I have experienced up to now.
These tastings are ones that have stuck with me through the years, tastings that really made me feel something and become so enthralled with the community around our Wine Industry. The stories behind the wine are really what make the Willamette Valley home to all of us. I hope this inspires you guys to get out and not only try the wines from these wineries, but also get to know those who are behind the scenes making it happen.
Up first is a venue where I had volunteered to bottle before even really tasting wine, and now any time I am invited up, I drop everything to be present. Soter Vineyards at Mineral Springs Ranch has a cozy, yet separated, tasting room where they serve wine in the front and host some of the most excellent chefs in the back kitchen.
Although their Estate Flight is always something to write home about, the elevated Soter tasting experience I would recommend (and that’s worth every penny) is Soter’s Provisions Tasting. You’ll not only leave with a full heart but also a full stomach.
Soter offers the Provisions Tasting by appointment only, and speaking from pre-covid times, they hosted in groups of 6, so in addition to an amazing flight with delicious courses, we were also able to meet some new friends at our table.
The second winery I want to zero in on is slightly off the beaten path, and 100% worth visiting if you’re even remotely close.
Illahe Vineyards has some of the most beautiful vineyard views off of their patio, and they like to have fun and allow their guests to draw with chalk while getting settled into their tasting. Fortunately (and unfortunately I guess) the rain decided to come down the day we visited… And to the cave we went!!
From Sparkling wine, to an amazing backstory,, our host was extremely detailed, funny, and personable as she walked our group through the flight of wines. Eventually she gifted us a pour from a very special project, Illahe’s 1899 project. 1899 being the last year without electricity, from harvest to delivery, this wine is produced solely by man (and Horse) power! Impressive, right?!
Illahe is appointment only, follow them on IG to see when their new tasting room will have its grand opening!
Hazelfern!!! Honestly I am just going to link you to my IG caption about this place because I don’t think I could do a better job describing how I felt during my experience there. Thank you, again, to Laura and the Hazelfern team for hosting us… I have no idea how that was 2 years ago! I’ll be back soon :)
Hazelfern is by appointment only, go visit them!
De Ponte… oh man, you knew this was coming!
If I see the name, “De Ponte” on a wine list, I’m ordering it. The people, the wine, the views! De Ponte is one of my most memorable tasting experiences because even when I had never tasted wine, the staff was so patient, & found a way to explain the ins and outs of each wine, without making me feel like a rookie. In addition to that, they were great overall conversationalists. I think having the balance in a host of knowing when to chat and catch up, but on the flip side, knowing when to pour and peace out is one of the best traits a person can have - the staff here at De Ponte gets it.
De Ponte has the best gifts, too. My favorite wines to gift from De Ponte are the following:
-Dundee Hills Pinot Noir (perfect for family, friends, co-workers)
-Sparkling Melon de Bourgogne (Special Occasions!)
-Still Melon de Bourgogne (My Mom’s Fave)
-Shot Put Syrah (when I buy a gift for myself :) )
So if you’re looking for a place to impress your friends, family, maybe even a date ;) take them to De Ponte and pass along the message that Lucy says Hi!
De Ponte is by appointment, but if you call ahead and they can accommodate, they’ll welcome you in for a tasting!
Last but certainly not least, a place where you feel like you’re home just by walking in the door. Dominio IV is a property turned elevated barn, but their tasting room is in a quaint little house where the winemaker lives right up the stairs. Pretty much the Willamette Valley Wine Country dream!
The Owners, Patrick and Leigh, are active community members who I met outside of the wine industry and knew I immediately had to go visit. After accidentally getting a full tasting experience from their winemaker, Ryan, I was enthralled with how much care was really placed on this property, and in the bottles.
The laughter, stories, curiosity, and dedication that the Dominio IV team gives to their visitors makes all the difference in the world while tasting. After discovering Dominio IV, I can’t say enough great things about it. If you’re in Carlton and have a chance to visit, I highly encourage you to do so!
Soon Enough I will back to get some photos of Dominio IV! Until then, visit their IG Page for all the fun updates :)
Dominio IV prefers a heads up before you visit, please visit this link to make an appointment
Thank you to everyone for reading this week, there are more blogs, podcasts, and of course IG posts coming your way in 2023! Happy New Year!! -Lucy
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