Day one of my third-ever visit to the Willamette Valley started at Four Graces winery at Dundee. We tasted they dry and rich Pinot Gris ($18) and fell in love with their their Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc ($20) The wine had a beautiful richness and texture. Great white wine.
The two delightful young ladies pouring Tuesday walked us through the two whites and Four Graces' three Pinot Noirs. At $29, $45, and $75, this stop tends to be a bit higher on the price point but really nice PInot.
Following a local recommendation is always a good idea in wine country anywhere. When we Mari at Willamette Valley Vineyard's tasting room recommended Community Plate for lunch - we were there.
Owner Scott Cunningham greeted us when we entered and talked us through the menu. Community Plate is a great addition to the "farm-to-fork" concept in Oregon's restaurants.
My lunch - really! This was the CP Burger with horseradish mayo (which I had on the side), local greens, caramelized onions, and cheddar. Kettle chips fresh from the kitchen were the perfect complement.
Meeting fun people is half the joy of visiting wine country. Mari Yeckel was a blast at Willamette Vineyard's McMinnville tasting room. Here she is pouring and having fun with my hosts and friends Drew and his mother La Donna. Drew took many of the photos in this album.
Mari poured several wines for us - including a really nice Syrah-based Rose'.
"Honest Chocolate" cannot tell a lie! These handmade truffles were dynamite. The McMinnville shop has some eclectic combinations of chocolate, wine, herbs, and other flavors.
Frankly, one of the day's highlights had little to do with wine. We visited with Lynnette Shaw and Amy Wilder at the Republic of Jam and had a real unexpected palate-pleasing tour-de-force! Strawberry Spice Pinot Jam anyone?
Amy prepares items for our tasting plate.
I'll go into detail another time - or just visit the Republic of Jam website. But I'm not sure I've ever had such a range of interesting flavor combinations on one small plate. The glass is Pomegranite Culinary Sauce with sparkling water and lemon. It was divine.
Blueberries were cooking in the Republic of Jam kitchen.
Lynette, Amy, and Charles - the Jamprentice - or latest new employee.
