On a recent visit to South Willamette Valley, I discovered Iris Vineyards. The winery’s production facility is located in Cottage Grove, but Iris’s tasting room is situated about 20 minutes from both Cottage Grove and Eugene. The drive is well worth the visit because of the spectacular views. Perched atop a knoll, the tasting room
Mudgee Musings – Australia Wine Country
Some of the many delights of traveling are discovering an unexpected site, cozy restaurant, or photo op that takes you by surprise. The whole region of Mudgee was like that for me. An unknown (to me) wine region, that was one of my excursions to Australia Wine Country with the Wine Media Conference. Now, you’ve
Escape to the South Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley spans 150-miles from Portland to Cottage Grove, with the Willamette River flowing along its entire length. Most people think of the Willamette Valley as the area between Salem and Portland, but this article will delve into the South Willamette Valley that includes the cities of Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield and Cottage Grove. Recently
Show Me Missouri Wine
The wine industry has played a significant role in both the history of Missouri and the United States. Our wine heritage must include Missouri wine because the state was the number one wine producer in our country during the mid-1800s and also home to the first AVA in the US Appellation system. After several visits
Year in Review: Best Wines of 2019
It is that time of year when I like to think about the best wines I have enjoyed throughout the year and share those outstanding wines in my year in review. Here are my favorites from 2019. Best Wines from 2019 Please note there is no particular order to the best wines I list. I
Bells Up Winery: Wine Music Hits All the Notes
Music is an essential part of the wine message at Bells Up Winery in the Willamette Valley. Music comes in many forms for David and Sara Specter, owners of the winery. As you enter the winery you first encounter the wine music with their logo of the French horn. I would say in their own
Holiday Red Wine To Enjoy This Winter
When I think of Christmas and New Year’s, I think of red wine. Perhaps it is because red is such a prominent color at this time of the year or the fact that I think of the gorgeous variations of the hues that come forth with the variety of red wines. With red on my
Dancin Vineyards: The Delights of the Rogue Valley
Autumn is the ideal time of the year to visit Dancin Vineyards in the Rogue Valley AVA. Not only does the wine dance, but the fall colors of the foliage create an exquisite performance as if they are dancing in the wind. All this makes visiting this winery spectacular. The story of Dancin is a
Organics & Biodynamics In Australia’s Mudgee
On my recent trip to Australia, I spent 2 1/2 weeks visiting about six cities and three wine regions, including Mudgee. Kind of like a pig in, you know what- immersed in my element because I live for wine, travel, and food. I attended the Wine Media Conference for the first time, and its first
Thanksgiving Wine and More
At this time of the year, most of us wonder about the best Thanksgiving wine to serve with our holiday feast. Because of the flavors, we savor during our holiday meal, a wide variety of wines that will suit the occasion. This year I am thinking about whites to complement our dinner fare. We can
