Embark on a journey to the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, where the vines are more than just plants - they are the storytellers of the earth, the sun, and the seasons. In this episode of the Weinnotes podcast, I sit down with Tom Caruso, the visionary behind Pray Tell Wines. Our conversation is like uncorking a bottle of his finest - it unfolds with layers of passion, history, and a deep connection to the land. Tom's story is a tapestry woven from threads of memory, tradition, and...

Embark on a sparkling journey with us in this special podcast episode, revisiting our July 21st, 2021 newsletter. We've been on a mission to unravel the mysteries of sparkling wines, exploring the enchanting world of bubbles that add effervescence to our lives. Discover the captivating tale of how sparkling wine, often associated with celebrations, originated as a delightful accident. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history, from "The Devil's Wine" to the refined methods of sparkling...

Buckle up for a captivating journey as we sit down with Mariel and Michael from Guerrilla Wine Company in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The adventure unfolds with a love story that began at third sight during the tumultuous days of COVID. Join us as we explore the reasons behind their daring leap of faith, and discover the surprising items that had reached their expiration date in Mariel’s fridge. Get ready for an unexpected twist. Mariel, whose mom owned a bottle shop in Maine, shares her...

Happy Thanksgiving! Join me on this special episode as I relive my unforgettable visit to Tendril Wine Cellars, released on this joyous day in 2023. Amidst the warmth of family gatherings, delicious food, and excellent wine, let's dive into the tale of my exploration. In my July 17th, 2021 newsletter, I embarked on a quest for Oregon sparkling wines. Inspired by a couple from Florida, Alfreda and Michelle, who raved about their visit to Tendril, I couldn't resist reaching out to explore the...

Join us for an extraordinary journey into the world of Oregon wine with the legendary winemaker, Joe Dobbes. In this captivating interview, we explore the rich tapestry of Joe's life and career, from planting marionberries at the age of 13 to becoming a prominent figure in Oregon's wine industry. Key Moments: - Discover the roots of Joe Dobbes' winemaking journey, from planting marionberries at a young age to selling to Smuckers, and the pivotal decision to transition from pursuing a medical...

Join us on a journey to Prive Vineyard, a hidden gem in Oregon's Willamette Valley. In this podcast, we revisit a captivating newsletter from July 10th, 2021, as we explore the enchanting story of Prive and its transition under the ownership of Piper Underbrink. The 4th of July celebration sets the stage for this adventure, much like the anticipation of lighting fireworks. A chance discovery through Rusty, the Prince of Pinot, leads us to the previous owners, Mark and Tina Hammond, who lived...

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Andy Joly, the creative force behind Capers Cafe, as we dive deep into the origins of this remarkable establishment and the fascinating role wine plays in its story. In this unique interview, we take a blind tasting journey through five exceptional Oregon Chardonnays, unraveling their stories, flavors, and the mysteries hidden in each bottle. We start with the intriguing history of Capers Cafe, discovering how it came into existence and when...

Welcome back to our podcast as we embark on a revisit to Van Duzer Vineyards, set against the stunning backdrop of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Our journey takes us to July 3rd, 2021, a date etched in memory for more than one reason. We start with a tale of the unexpected, a three-day heatwave that made a seasoned traveler feel like a piano plummeting from a five-story window. Join us as we recount this riveting experience and the simple joy of savoring wine on a back deck, watching dogs...

Join us for a captivating journey through the world of winemaking as we sit down with Bryan Berenguer, the extraordinary winemaker behind Human Cellars, nestled in the heart of Oregon's wine country. This interview takes you beyond the vineyards, into the mind of a passionate winemaker, and unveils the inspirations that shape his life's work. Bryan's story is one of serendipity, nature, and healing. We begin with his connection to the Indie Wine Maker Event. It's a testament to the...

Last week, the tech world was buzzing with Apple's developers' conference, WWDC, and while innovation was at its peak, another tale of transformation was unfolding amidst the picturesque landscapes of Oregon's Willamette Valley. It's a story of Dan and Jeanne, a duo whose lives were deeply entrenched in tech in the bustling city of San Francisco. They set forth on a journey that took them from sipping whiskey in the city to crafting sparkling wines in the tranquil vineyards of Oregon. Jeanne,...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Alison Frichtl Hollister, the talented senior winemaker for Hall, Walt, and Baca Wines, located in the heart of California's Wine Country. In this episode, we explore Alison's remarkable journey, from her upbringing in Oregon's Willamette Valley to her thriving winemaking career in California. Alison's upbringing in a creative household, where she was exposed to art and expression from an early age, shaped her unique perspective on winemaking. Her...

Welcome, wine lovers, to another enthralling episode of our podcast. Today, we delve into the world of Audeant Wines, an Oregon-based winery that embodies the spirit of artistry in winemaking. Memories often carry profound significance. As our host reminisces about legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey and his mesmerizing storytelling, we're about to embark on a narrative journey that rivals the tales of old. However, this isn't a Paul Harvey imitation; it's a unique exploration of Audeant...

Join us for an enthralling journey through the world of wine as we sit down with the insightful and talented Aaron Lieberman, the driving force behind Oregon's acclaimed Iris Vineyards. In this illuminating episode, we explore Aaron's rich experiences, from viticulture to the Peace Corps, and how they've shaped his remarkable career in winemaking. Episode Highlights: The 2023 Vintage: Dive into the fast-paced world of winemaking in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Aaron shares the exhilarating...

Prepare to embark on a unique wine journey as we explore the world of Lavinea, a winery that's been making waves in the Oregon wine scene. In this special episode, we'll dive into a tale of blind tastings, vineyard discoveries, and unforgettable wine experiences. Join us as we recount the excitement and suspense of tasting through a six-year vertical of Lavinea Pinot Noirs, each sip a mystery waiting to be unraveled. Our host, A.J., shares his candid thoughts and changing guesses as he...

Join us for an extraordinary episode as we sit down with Erich Berg, the 6'2" winemaker with a flair for fashion, in an interview that unveils the fascinating twists and turns of his life's journey. Erich's captivating story begins with an unconventional blend of careers – from his time as a successful model to his current role as a distinguished winemaker in Oregon's Willamette Valley. We'll explore how his unique path, brought him to the world of wine and discover the unexpected parallels...

Dive into the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley as we journey through the flavors and stories of Bryn Mawr Winery. In this captivating episode, we revisit a day steeped in wine exploration, tracing the path of our encounter with Karen Howard Smith, the Director of Hospitality at Bryn Mawr. The date was May 29th, 2021, during the McMinnville Wine Competition, where fate led us to this remarkable destination. Karen's connection with the world of wine extends beyond Bryn Mawr, intertwining...

Step into the world of Oregon's Willamette Valley through the eyes of a passionate winemaker, David Paige. In this special episode, we sit down with David, the mastermind behind David Paige Wines, to unravel stories that dance through vineyards and echo within glasses. As a featured winery at IPNC 2023, David shares his insights, likely brushed with memories of past gatherings with winemaking peers. Speaking of memories, the nostalgic Steamboat Pinot Noir Conference finds a place in our...

Welcome back, wine enthusiasts! This week, we're taking a delightful stroll down memory lane to May 22nd, 2021, when I had the privilege of visiting Youngberg Hill. As I meandered up the enchanting driveway, Wayne Bailey's daughter zipped by on a lawnmower, her infectious smile setting the tone for the day. Smiles truly are contagious, aren't they? Youngberg Hill's charm hit me like a spellbinding symphony – a massive tasting room perched on a hill, vines stretching as far as the eye could...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Greg Lambrecht, the visionary founder of Coravin, as we delve into a decade of groundbreaking innovation in the world of wine. From disrupting traditions to shaping new possibilities, Greg has transformed the wine industry with his revolutionary Coravin technology. Now, as Coravin celebrates its 10th anniversary and introduces the Coravin Vinitas, we explore the remarkable journey that led to this milestone and the inspiring stories that shaped...

In this captivating revisiting podcast from May 15th, 2021, join us as we embark on a thrilling adventure with Bells Up Winery - a passionate venture that beautifully blends wine, music, and genuine hospitality. Dave and Sara Specter, the visionary couple behind Bells Up, take us on a journey filled with intriguing stories and heartwarming moments. From their humble beginnings in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Dave made wine in his garage while working as an attorney, to their serendipitous...

Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Channing Frye, the visionary behind Chosen Family Wines. In this episode, we delve into a range of topics, from the excitement of upcoming events like IPNC and Give Joy, Get Joy, to the profound impact of collaborations and the journey of Chosen Family Wines. As we gear up for the much-anticipated IPNC, Channing shares the honor and process of getting wines featured at this prestigious event. We also explore his incredible experience at...

Step into the captivating world of Nicholas J Wines as we take a journey through time and terroir with an exclusive revisiting episode from May 1st, 2021. Join us as we rediscover the enchanting tale of this exceptional winery located in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Our adventure begins with a sun-drenched morning, as we embark on a trip down memory lane, reliving the music of Nirvana's territorial pissing while our host's bald head longs for the warmth of the sun. The moment...

Join me in a captivating conversation with Ari and Brandy Grey, the passionate winemakers behind Greywing Wines, nestled in the picturesque Oregon's Willamette Valley. In this episode, we delve into their remarkable journey, filled with serendipitous moments, family heritage, and a deep love for the craft of winemaking. Ari and Brandy's story begins with a leap of faith, as they made the bold decision to move to Oregon sight unseen. Little did they know, this leap would shape their destiny...

Join us for a mesmerizing journey to King's North Winery in Oregon's scenic Willamette Valley. On a radiant March day in 2021, our host ventured into this family-operated winery, encountering warm hospitality, exceptional wines, and an atmosphere that exuded the joys of community. From the moment of arrival, the sunlit picnic tables and friendly faces set the stage for an unforgettable tasting experience. As our host found solace in the embrace of the sunlight, the bar offered an inviting...

In this interview, we delve into the captivating story behind Compris Vineyard, a winery that goes beyond the glamour and delves into the passionate labor that creates the extraordinary wines we enjoy. Our guest, Dru Allen, takes us on a heartfelt journey through his lifelong dream of being a wine lover turned vintner at Compris Vineyard in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Join us as we uncover the incredible backstory leading up to this interview. From memorable encounters with Tempranillo at...