Greatest of the Grape in Review

The Greatest of the Grape is the annual event to showcase the wines of Umpqua Valley. Diane and I attended this year along with 750 others. Other than a few suggestions to improve the evening, we had a good time. It's great to see all our winemaking friends in one big room. And we shared in the joy of those that won awards, knowing full well that on any given day it could be the other wine that wins!

Mostly the event is for fun and the people surely appeared to be having lots of it. As for a serious tasting event it lacked a few critical points. First, the wines were scattered throughout the room, whites next to reds, etc. No clear segregation of styles was made. We all know that a particular tasting order should be observed if you want to keep your palette from being overwhelmed. Second, was the noise of the band(very good on its own) and the announcer. It's hard to compare notes with your partner if you have to shout.

My last suggestion would be to include a Vintner's Award by polling the wineries in attendance. There's nothing like a little peer recognition.

Hats off to all the wineries...YUM! Keep up the good work. We love you!

Greatest of the Grape Awards (voted by the People)

OVERALL:

Hillcrest Vineyards 2006 Syrah San Roc

Delfino Vineyards 2007 Syrah

Food/Wine Pairing

Bradley Vineyards 2007 Riesling/ Tomaselli's Pastry Mill and Cafe

Runner up: Delfino Vineyards 2006 Syrah/UCC Culinary Program

BEST WHITE:

Girardet Wine Cellars 2006 Chardonnay

Runner up: Crater Lake Cellars 2008 Riesling

BEST RED:

Becker Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir

Runner up: Henry Estate 1999 Winemaker's Reserve Pinot Noir

Judge's Awards

PLATINUM:

Misty Oaks Vineyard 2006 Pinot Noir

GOLD (5):

REDS:

Hillcrest Vineyards 2006 Syrah San Roc

Foris Vineyards and Winery 2006 Pinot Noir Maple Ranch

Cliff Creek 2004 Claret

Valley View Winery 2006 Tempranillo

WHITES:

Daisy Creek 2007 Viognier

SILVER (5):

REDS:

Henry Estate 1999 Winemaker's Reserve Pinot Noir

Eola Hills Vineyard 2006 Reserve Wolfhill Pinot Noir

Edan Vale Winery 2003 Reserve Cabernet Franc

WHITES:

Bradley Vineyards 2007 Riesling

Crater Lake Cellars 2008 Riesling

BOLD= UMPQUA VALLEY WINE

No Free Lunch (Wine?)

I don't know of any other business that simply gives its product away without demanding a purchase. Yet many of our local wineries still do not charge any tasting fee. For them, I believe it's about the wine and not financial security when they smile and pour out their lives' blood into your glass. They want you to share in the joy that they feel from having taken a bunch of fruit and transforming it into a work of art.

What is the proper response to this largess? Simple: Buy a bottle or two of the wine. Sadly, there are those that miss this important step in the wine tasting experience. To me missing this vital step would be like going to a Mexican restaurant that serves chips and salsa before the meal, then just getting up and walking out after you ate only the chips!

Part of my mission is to help people understand what it means to be on the other side of the tasting bar, having poured wine for six years. Foremost, tasters should have an attitude of gratefulness that they are allowed a taste of wine before they purchase. Again, where else can you sample the goods before you buy? Even if you decide that the wine is not to your liking (and everyone has that right), at least express your warm sentiments for the generosity of the winery.

These winemakers work very hard to bring you the joy of wine. Help support them with a purchase of their wine.

P.S. What's wrong with the photo above? Leave me your answer (comment).

Zinfandel in the Umpqua Valley AVA?

Why not! After all Zinfandel was one of the first vines planted in Umpqua Valley in the 1880's! Only a few wineries produce a Zinfandel, Hillcrest and Delfino. I had the pleasure of sampling a bottle of the Delfino 2007 Zinfandel last night. Both Diane and I felt that the wine definately showed the highlights of a Zin and qualified on our list of "must share" wines at one of our many wine parties!
Point is: Our AVA can grow most any grape. While we are still experimenting with the best fit, it's comforting to know that we need not be limited to Pinot Noir only!! We'll never match the intensity of the Dry Creek Valley(Sonoma) Zin's but we are much more than a one-varietal wonder.

Clinging to the Old Ways

How blissful it must be to be stuck in the past. There were 160,184,192 Americans the year I was born, now there's over 300,000,000! Point is you have to grow up if you like it or not. Our little town of Roseburg is no exception.

It's time we all embraced the future and let go of the restrictive attitudes that create a stagnate community.

We have a marvious opportunity to transform our town into a vibrant tourist destination. While many refuse to acknowledge or even recognize that our Umpqua Valley wines are headed for worldwide acclaim, the fact is the industry is growing by leaps and bounds. Below is a quote from a recent article from the Oregon Employment Dept.

"The value of wine grape sales (in the Umpqua Valley) has also grown, going from $1.2 million to $4.8 million. Douglas County now ranks 4^th among Oregon counties for wine grape production." Read the whole article.

"Signs" of Spring

Our VinVan got a beautiful face lift this week. Keep an eye out for our freshly signed van as we escort more eager wine tasters around the Umpqua Valley AVA.

Diane and I are excited about the growing number of enthusiasts that are signing up for our tours. We have booked several return tasters!
Get in on the fun and join us on our next tour!


Another Sign of Spring is a happy cat! Here's our Jack out in the Sunshine. What a glorious day!


Hope you are enjoying your break from the rain.