One of Those Days!

Ever have one of those days when everything just fell into place? And to top things off, you end up barrel tasting as the winemaker explains his latest creation! You could have had that day if you were on our wine tour this Sunday!

I often have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming this fabulous wine adventure that I am living here in the Umpqua Valley. Imagine having a time machine that could take you back to when wine country meant just that: Countryside with little wineries here and there. Now imagine the here and now with that same quaint country feeling where you can indulge your lust for great wine in a bucolic setting. You need not image when you are here in the Umpqua Valley AVA!

Listen carefully. Stop thinking only Pinot Noir in Oregon. Umpqua Valley is so beyond just Pinot Noir. Dyson (pictured above) is the wine maker at Hillcrest Winery, just outside Roseburg. He poured us some "instant cuve'es" from the barrel that he will be releasing soon. Not a drop of Pinot Noir! People here like to push the limits of what is just the latest trend for the fickle American palette. I know of at least two varietals that where planted for the first time in the U.S. right here in the Umpqua Valley. (Tempranillo and Grüner Veltliner.)

You are invited to discover for yourself the unique premium wines of the Umpqua Valley when you join Diane and I on one of our tours or Sunday brunches. We would love to meet you!