Wine? Old, rich people drink that strange tasting stuff!

So I thought when I was younger. Just like so many other things, my father helped broaden my horizons into the realm of wine. It was not until my mid-twenties that he introduced me to the Oregon wines that I have come to love. In those days I had much to learn since my understanding of wine had been limited to seeing colorful bottles at the local grocery store or looking at the prices that restaurants charged for wine. Back then, while in college, I was on a ramen noodle budget so those prices were rather horrifying! Yet, in time I would come to find that there was much more to the experience of wine than random selections or the associated price tags. I would also find out that you did not have to pay a prohibitive amount of money to enjoy great wine.

But why even drink wine? Although everyone may have their own reasons, here’s my take: it is for the experience. Psychologically, we always seek balance and connection in our lives. Pairing the right wine with the right foods is like placing two halves together to make a whole. Therefore, the experience with the meal becomes complete. For me, I feel the same about enjoying wine with good people and those I love. Whether we are sharing Sunday brunch, a celebratory dinner, or a romantic evening, pairing the right wine for the moment with open hearts builds the close bonds we so seek. I have had some of the most amazing, passionate conversations of dreams, hopes, and innermost thoughts over glasses of wine. It is in those raw and real moments, after all the facades and barriers have come down, that hearts can really make a connection.

Connections through wine are not limited to the foods we partake in nor with those folks we are closest with though. I was born in Oregon and have always felt it is home for me, no matter where the Army sends me in the world. When I drink a glass of wine from Oregon, I feel the connection. This connection is a result of the right balance of weather, soil, sun, and stewardship. In the rush of that first sip of wine, I taste the cool, misty rain. I taste the emerald green glow of sunlight upon the fields and grass wet with morning dew. Captured in this single moment of lifted glass and rushing feeling are the memories, beautiful places, joy, and love of family who are back home whilst I am in faraway places. Within that taste is an explosion of senses and emotion. This, is my connection.

Yet, whatever connection you may associate with wine, it is an absolutely worthwhile investment. The connections that it produces are priceless, will continue to grow, and will remain with you the rest of your days. That is my experience with wine. What is yours?

We start the morning off with 4 charter buses loading up and heading north to the Seattle Mariners game vs. the Boston Red Sox. Wine tasting all the way up, catered lunch in the bullpen during batting practice, great seats, snacks and more wine on the way home.

Just when the buses leave the winery, bike riders of all levels from all over Oregon will begin riding the southern route of our Bike Oregon Wine Country. Tasting wines from several other wineries and returning to Eola Hills for an amazing catered lunch, dessert bar, and great wine all prepared by our very own winemakers

Also our traditional Sunday Brunch will be taking place complements of Simply Delish Catering. Buffet style service with pan fried oysters, omelet bar, eggs benedict, crêpe station, dessert bar, great wine and mimosas of course, and much more.

Quite the Sunday we have planned, but that is what makes Eola Hills Wine Cellars so unique and special. We hope everyone enjoys their adventure here no matter which one you choose. Our staff works hard to provide the best wine, food, and entertainment possible.

I will tell you how I pick a bottle of wine.

I start with the varietal that goes best with dinner or that I just want to stock up on.  I prefer Cabernet Sauvignon.

Then I look at the price range I am willing to spend. Keep in mind you generally pay for quality, but not always. Often times you pay extra for a name or location. I believe there are plenty of high quality wines out there for $10-$20. The trick is to get the quality for the price.

Once I have narrowed it down thus far I look for a particular vintage I know was good. Each year brings out different flavors and characteristics in wine. Cooler years cause grapes to have higher acid levels and lower sugar levels. This equates to lower alcohol levels and lighter styles. Hot years produce higher sugars and lower acid levels creating bigger more robust wines with more alcohol and color. There are many other factors that occur, but these are the basics.

Last, when I have it narrowed down to just a few wines I look for region. With cabs I know everyone thinks California is king, but not the case. Maybe king in price, with many bottles priced over $50.  Each region will certainly have their own distinct qualities, but with these simple guidelines I feel confident going into any store and walking out with a winner.

The last thing anyone wants is to bring a bottle of wine to dinner on a leap of faith. Trust me, the label has nothing to do with how the wine will taste.  Keep in mind to open certain wines well in advance of drinking to allow them to breathe. Also what kind of wine glass you use will affect the overall taste, but I will go in depth on this next time.

Several of the Eola Hills staff participated in a blind tasting of 12 different Pinot Noirs from around Western Oregon. The bottles were completely concealed and mixed up; the glasses were numbered and randomly poured. The wine ranged in price from $10 to $40 per bottle retail. Here are the results:

1) 08 Eola Hills Wolf Hill 2) 08 Eola Hills LaCreole 3) 08 Willamette Valley 4) 07 Eola Hills LaCreole 5) 08 Erath 6) 07 Willakenzie Estate 7) 09 Eola Hills Estate 7) 08 King Estate Signature 9) 08 Duck Pond0 10) 07 A to Z 11) 08 Acrobat 12) 08 Firesteed

Tasting Room

Wine Special of the Month | March 2011
6 Pack Estate Reds for $60

Awards & Festivals

The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival was a success…. Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc took Best of Show!!! McMinnville Seafood & Wine Festival LaCreole Cabernet – Silver See us at the Astoria Seafood & Wine Festival April 29 – May1st

Events
Brunch is every Sunday, see brunch times and other events here ]]> http://www.eolahillswinery.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=26 0 http://www.eolahillswinery.com/blog/?p=17 http://www.eolahillswinery.com/blog/?p=17#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 03:47:37 +0000 JW http://www.eolahillswinery.com/blog/?p=17 Continue reading →]]> Ever wonder how many grapes it takes to produce 1 bottle of wine? Let’s start in the vineyard with an average of 3 tons per acre, or 6000 pounds. This will yield 495 gallons of juice which will be fermented and fill about 8 barrels. Each 60 gallon barrel will fill about 285 bottles or 24 cases. This equates to 2.4 pounds of grapes needed to fill 1 bottle.

Eola Hills produces approximately 125,000 gallons of wine a year, and is the fifth largest producer in the state among approximately 400 wineries. Oregon ranks 3rd in the U.S. for number of wineries, 5th for production output, and have the highest per ton value of grapes.

Feb-Mar  2011 Events:

Sunday Brunch -9am-2pm. Voted “Top Choice for Best Brunch” by StatesmanJournal.com.

Romance in the Cellar -February 12th & 14th – Very Romantic & Live Music

Winemakers Dinner- March 12^th – Steve A. & Steve R. will prepare a 6 course dinner and discuss wine pairings.

Wines of the Month
Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Sangiovese
6 Pack $60

Important News An event is on the horizon. For some of you the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is a time to put on your wild seafood costumes and let loose. For others, it is a golden opportunity to sample the best Oregon has to offer under one roof. Either way, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is going to be there serving up a storm February 25^th – 27^th. Come join us!

We provide free wine tastings 7 days a week from 10am-5pm and winery tours upon request.