The Divine Iris In My Back Yard
As I walked around my yard this afternoon (enjoying every sip of the incredible King Estate 2009 Blackjack Pinot Noir), I couldn't help but snap a whole bunch of photos of the Iris that are currently in full bloom.
Seven Wines from Seven Vineyards: An ...
As you pull on to Ferry Street in Dayton, Oregon, looking for Seufert Winery in the 3 block core that covers most of Dayton's downtown, don't underestimate the wine that's waiting behind the brick-colored door that leads you into the tasting room, winery and barrel hall - there's a myriad of Pinot Noirs that will undoubtedly swoon your palate.
Streamlining it with Helioterra Wines
My first experience with winemaker Anne Hubatch's Helioterra Wines was of her crisp, fresh and totally focused 2011 Pinot Blanc. I instantly fell in love with the elegant floral and sweet citrus aromas. The mouthfeel was gentle and smooth, and the streamlined minerality was not overpowering, but just perfect. It was different from other Pinot Blancs - feminine, elegant, pure.
SnoothPVA: Terroir Driven Grüner Velt...
With Grüner Veltliner being one of my favorite white wine varietals, imagine my excitement when I found out that one of the Master Classes I'd be attending during the Snooth People's Voice Wine Awards was with famed award-winning Austrian Sommelier, Aldo Sohm, who would focus solely on different styles of Austrian Grüner Veltliners.
A Glimpse Into the 2012 Vintage Orego...
A few weeks ago, when I was in McMinnville to pop the cork on some Pinot Noir that some other wine writers and I blended last summer, I was lucky enough to get a glimpse into the 2012 vintage Pinot Noirs at R. Stuart & Company.
#SnoothPVA: Indigenous Varietal Itali...
Straight from an incredible lunch at Salinas, where we experienced the wines of Ribera del Duero, our group of wine writers headed back to the bright white basement of New York City's Altman Building, where we had previously started our day sampling the fresh and zesty wines of Brazil. It was time to sample twelve indigenous Italian white wines, starting with wines from northern Italy and working our way down to the southern Italian regions.
Best Case Scenario: Atticus Willamett...
Two families, each with distinctly different heritages, left the steamy beaches of South Florida for the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley where Atticus became a dream come true. All coming from different backgrounds, Irish, Grecian, Asian and Peruvian, the Insley-Orrego Family and the Porter Family combined their passion for wine to create Atticus
The Frugal Wino: Artisanal Pinot Blan...
My choice of wine is almost always influenced by the weather and this week was no exception. I found a delicious wine that was not only in my price range but was perfect for this early summer weather. This week I chose the 2010 Pinot Blanc by Artisanal Wine Cellars.
3rd Street Flats: The Place To Stay i...
With a quick turn of the key, I entered and found myself in a dining area with high ceilings and a skylight that offered a beam of natural light. Exposed brick walls, gorgeous bamboo flooring and a larger than life daffodil photo (turned into beautiful art) hung on the wall.
#SnoothPVA: Experiencing Spain in New...
From one wine tasting to the next, our group of wine writers that gathered in New York City last month, for the Snooth People's Voice Wine Awards, were lucky enough to be a part of several wine tasting Master Classes that focused on different wine regions around the world. As it just so commonly happens, wherever there is good wine, there is good food.
“There Will Never Be Anywhere L...
First leading us on a tour of the herb and vegetable gardens, where spinach, arugula, artichokes and fava beans (to name a few) are grown and used for culinary creations, Chris then took us through the restaurant and down the stairs to the wine cellar.
The Frugal Wino: 2011 Chehalem Inox C...
As my exposure to wine - especially from the Pacific Northwest - gets greater and greater, my excitement about finding new wines and wineries grows. I'm always on the hunt for new wines to try, and love it when I find one that is totally new to me - what a fun challenge to tackle!
The Allison Inn & Spa – Lu...
The Allison Inn & Spa is, without a doubt, the ultimate place to stay while experiencing Oregon's beautiful wine country. The elegance that exudes from this pristine property is perfectly matched with the elegance of the region's highly acclaimed Pinot Noirs.
#SnoothPVA: Wines of Brazil
Completely unfamiliar with the wines of Brazil, I was pleasantly surprised by these high acid, super fresh wines that are totally terroir driven.
Celebrating Malbec World Day
Malbec World Day, which for me actually turned out to be more like Malbec World Week, is an annual happening that takes place on April 17. For one 24 hour period, wine enthusiasts around the world pop the cork on a bottle of Malbec and celebrate this multi-layered varietal that is chock full of character.
The Frugal Wino: 2009 Three Wives Rem...
I have been a fan of Remy Wines for a while now and am fortunate enough to have found a bottle under $20 that I could share with you all. Like I've said in the past, I love a good red blend. It's not about the 'darker the better' for me necessarily, I just want a blend that can bring out the best in each grape chosen.
#SnoothPVA: Oregon Wine Out Shines th...
Being an Oregonian whose heart belongs to Oregon wine, this was the event of events for me - it was the one I was most looking forward to. With a true affinity and passion for the wines produced in Oregon, I was excited and proud to have the wines of my home state presented to and tasted by some of the top wine writers in the U.S. - I had no doubt I'd soon be reading comments in their blogs like those previously pointed out.
Dinner at Historic Silcox Hut with Wi...
"Willamette Valley Vineyards is having a big to do for Valentine's day, and they invited me to come along but I will be in Napa Valley that week. Want to take my place?"
The Frugal Wino: Anne Amie Vineyards ...
Picking out a wine during the spring season here in the Willamette Valley is always tough. One day it will rain for 12 hours straight, and the next it will be sixty degrees with sunshine. The wine I have picked out for this week I actually purchased a few months ago from Anne Amie Vineyards, which would be perfect for a warm sunny day.
#SnoothPVA: Wines of Scarpa
After briefly looking over the list of wines that were poured into the twelve glasses in front of me, I realized I was about to taste some seriously high-caliber wines. Ranging in vintages from 2007 to 1978, with prices from $52 dollars a bottle to $500 dollars a bottle, our weekend of wine tasting was most certainly beginning with a bang - a bang of big, bold Italian Barbera di Astis and Barolos.
#SnoothPVA Weekend in New York City
Together with Snooth, our group of wine and food bloggers certainly create a powerful social media voice in the world of wine.
The Frugal Wino: 2009 Two Birds by Cu...
During my usual stroll through the wine section, I spotted a wine that looked quite interesting: Cuckoo's Nest Cellars Two Birds blend.
Abacela named 2013 Oregon Winery of t...
On March 12th, Abacela was named the “2013 Oregon Winery of the Year” by Wine Press Northwest.
The Frugal Wino: William Rose 2011 Pr...
Now that spring has officially sprung, my cravings for wine have been changing. In the winter, all I want is a heavy...
The Frugal Wino: FlyGirl White by Air...
I feel so fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest, we have an absolutely wonderful selection of wines to choose from - great wines are definitely not difficult to find.
Best Case Scenario: Brooks Winery Jan...
From the pronounced flavors to the perpetual balance, each and every wine I've ever tried from Brooks Winery has been outstanding.
The Frugal Wino – Issue No. 1: ...
Originally hailing from Bend, Oregon which is mostly known for its beautiful views and excellent skiing, it...
An Oregon Pinot Noir Enthusiast and L...
Everyone who reads WineJulia.com knows I am not only a devoted wine enthusiast, they also know my wine enthusiasm is...
“Greatest of the Grape” W...
The Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association in Canyonville, Oregon, hosted their 43rd annual “Greatest of the...
Best Case Scenario: Johan Vineyards 2...
On Facebook yesterday, I asked, “Which of these 4 wines should I pop the cork on for the new featured Best Case...
Fine Dining in the Cellar with Domain...
I must admit, I really love my job. Who wouldn’t love attending fabulous food and wine events around the state...
Feast In The Cellar at Sweet Cheeks W...
Sweet Cheeks Winery, located in the heart of the southern Willamette Valley in Eugene, Oregon, is known for their...
Exploring Italy: La Fiorita Brunello ...
I love exploring Italian wines and varietals, and I’ve been nothing but incredibly impressed with the quality...
Best Case Scenario: Carabella Chehale...
Welcome to the first edition of Best Case Scenario where we’ll be focusing on one featured wine for two whole...
Best Case Scenario – From Block...
Best Case Scenario Just recently, a case of Oregon Pinot Noir arrived at my front door. Being the Oregon Pinot Noir...
Savory and Textured Wines: Grochau Ce...
A couple months ago, I met John Grochau of Grochau Cellars at his tasting room located in McMinnville, Oregon’s,...
2,200 Cases of Oregon Pinot to South ...
Although Oregon wine has been shipped to South Korea for many years, there’s never been a shipment nearly as...
Food and Wine Centric Portland: A Cit...
I recently had the opportunity to spend the weekend in the ultimate food and wine lovers paradise: Portland. Portland...
Exploring Italy: Zuani
My new found love for Italian wines continues to grow, and this time Zuani Wines has played a big part in the growth...
I Am A Wine Glass Snob
Just the other day, while relaxing with a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir at a local wine bar here in Eugene, Oregon, I...
About Me
I've been writing about wine for the South Willamette Wineries Association and Eugene Daily News. I relish in sharing my wine experiences while savoring every sip of every wine.