Mar 30, 2012

Family Fun at Troon Vineyard's Annual Easter Festival

With an afternoon of fun for the whole family, Troon Vineyard will be hosting their annual Easter Festival on Sunday, April 8th from 1-4 pm. 

The staff has been busy stuffing plastic eggs for the past week in preparation for the huge egg hunt. 

Vintner, Chris Martin filling eggs
Last year’s festival boosted the largest attendance in the history of the event with over 400 children and parents.

The 2011 Egg Hunt

The vineyard will also be hosting a dragon bounce house, Mr. Bubbles the Balloon Twister, egg coloring and buffet for the kids and wine for the adults. 



We view our Easter Festival as our annual community get together,” Vintner, Chris Martin, states. “Our Winery has always strived to be a destination that is viewed as fun for the whole family. This is an event that is clearly enjoyable for all ages, as evidenced by its continuing growth.  We have a few new surprises for the kids this year.

The Easter Festival is free for adults and $5.00 per child, but complimentary for Troon Vineyard’s Cellar Dweller Member’s children or relatives.

Troon Vineyard is located at 1475 Kubli Road in the Applegate Valley. For more information call 541.846.9900.

Mar 26, 2012

Rogue River Rafting & Wine Tour Returning to the Wild & Scenic this July!


Paddle by Day -  Sip Local Wines by Night

The second annual Rogue River Rafting & Wine Tour will return to the Wild & Scenic this July 18th-20th. Floating down the Rogue has never been better as Chris and I will be pairing Southern Oregon wines, cheeses and chocolates with Craig and Tina from Rogue River Outfitter's first-class hospitality.

Guests will enjoy three adventure-filled days paddling on the river and two comfortable nights in riverside lodges, the rustic Black Bear Lodge and the gorgeous Paradise Lodge.


Last year's trip featured wines from Troon Vineyard, Quady North Wines, God King Slave Wines, Del Rio Vineyards, Folin Cellars and Abacela paired with delicious meals prepared by our guides.

Our Testimonials from Last Year's Trip

We felt the selection of wines showcased some of the best from our region and we were so excited to share them with such eager wine enthusiasts. It was an incredible collaboration to enjoy the scenery and adventure of the iconic Rogue River with the wines that are produced in this valley. - Chris 

The scenery was beautiful, the wildlife was exciting, the river was thrilling, the food was exceptional, the lodging was comfortable, but the best part was the people, including the guides. We came together and are taking away lifelong memories. Wine has always been such an important tool in bringing people together and building lifelong friendships and this trip was no different. I hope we continue this trip for years to come and are able to share our regional wines in such a unique way. - Christine 

The tour was a highlight of our Summer and we hope you jump on board for round two! Won't you join us? 

Mar 16, 2012

FARM to FORK Announces 2012 Season


The 2012 FARM to FORK Schedule is Here! 
Tickets Go on Sale March 20th at 7am PST 

Here is a look at the FARM to FORK 2012 Season. This year Matthew and Erin are working on two very exciting, yet confidential projects that will result in significant changes to their current FARM to FORK model in 2013 and beyond. As a result, they will only feature five signature Farm Dinners this summer. This means that opportunities to join them out on Oregon's Backroads will be harder to come by, but to compensate they've planned new surprises, and each event promises to be an epic celebration of Oregon's Local Food Community!

About FARM to FORK: A traveling farm-to-table restaurant, local food fundraiser, and community celebration rolled into one. Farm to Fork Events are designed to reconnect people to the source of their food, and to honor the talented farmers, food artisans, winemakers, and chefs that contribute to the growing culinary reputations and local food communities of Southern Oregon. They began in 2010 to rave reviews and features in regional publications like Sunset Magazine.

There will be 140 Seats available at each event.

Fields Farm in Central Oregon
Saturday, July 21st - BEND
featuring Maragas Winery and Central Oregon Food Policy Council
Words from the directors: Inspiring things are happening in Central Oregon's Local Food movement. So we're headed to Bend for an event to remember. Help us celebrate the regions farmers, winemakers, food artisans, and food advocates on July 21st!

Willow Witt Ranch in Southern Oregon
Saturday, August 11th - ASHLAND
featuring Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden and 1000 Friends of Oregon
Words from the directors: Willow Witt Ranch is by far one of the most beautiful farms in all of Oregon, with an equally inspiring story. Join us at this historic property and celebrate Southern Oregon's Local Food Community in style.

Afton Field Farm in the Willamette Valley 
Saturday, September 1st - CORVALLIS
featuring Tyee Wine Cellars and Strengthening Rural Families
Words from the directors: We're headed to Corvallis for the first time! And our Farm to Fork Farm Dinner at Afton Field Farm will be a part of this year's Bounty of Benton County Weekend! Join us at this incredibly beautiful farm, meet the host farmers (who worked with and were inspired by Joel Salatin), and immerse yourself in the region's local food community. 

Kiyokawa Family Orchards in the Hood River Valley
Saturday, September 8th - PARKDALE
featuring Viento Wines and Hood River Valley Residents Committee
Words from the directors: One of our most memorable events took place last year at Kiyokawa Family Orchards: a picturesque farm with a unique story, nestled in the shadow of Mt. Hood. We're so excited to be back, and even more excited to celebrate the farmers, winemakers, and Local Food Community of the Hood River Valley. This will be another event to remember!

Barking Moon Farm in Southern Oregon
Saturday, October 6th - JACKSONVILLE
featuring Folin Cellars and Rogue Advocates
Words from the directors: Join us for our 2012 Season Finale at Barking Moon Farm, home to some of the most talented produce farmers in all of Oregon, and celebrate the harvest with Southern Oregon's Local Food Community. 

AND DON'T FORGET..... 

Farm to Fork Wild & Scenic Adventure
Wednesday, June 20th - Saturday, June 23rd
Join Farm to Fork Events, Park Kitchen, Troon Vineyard and Momentum River Expeditions for the first installment of our new FOOD ADVENTURE SERIES: The 4-Day Farm to Fork Rafting Trip on Oregon's Wild and Scenic Rogue River. Combine the world famous Rogue River with artisan meals straight from Southern Oregon farms and support the local food movement. TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW at Momentum's Site

Farm to Fork Artisan Underground 
What is the Underground?
It's our version of a culinary speakeasy, featuring local farmers and food artisans. Stay tuned for the first Underground Dinner in April, in Southern Oregon REQUEST A PASSWORD AND JOIN THE GUESTLIST HERE.

Mar 13, 2012

A Brief History of Merlot - The Laughable Version

I spotted this video on The Gray Report this morning and found myself snickering too much not to share. It was created as a promotional tool by Gundlach Bundschu, the second-oldest California winery, celebrating their 154th anniversary yesterday (major congratulations are in order!). The video depicts the evolution of Merlot, from Cabernet Sauvignon's wingman to the soft and flabby joke of The Sideways era. Pay attention to the supporting roles played by Cabernet Franc and Malbec, which are spot on hilarious.





Mar 5, 2012

Un'Wined - Celebrate Oregon Wine - April 29th

Oregon Wine Board's new logo
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

As reported in January, Governor Kitzhaber signed a proclamation designating May as Oregon Wine Month. To kick off the month's festivities, the Oregon Wine Board will be hosting a grand tasting, Unwine'd: Celebrate Oregon Wine, on April 29th from 3-6 pm at the Left Bank Annex in Portland.

The event will feature:

  • 100 Oregon wineries (9 from Southern Oregon)
  • Superior Cellar restaurants
  • Wine education stations
  • Souvenir wine glass
  • Wine store - taste what you like and easily purchase it!
Tickets are $50 and available now


Participating wineries:

"Greatest of the Grape" Winners Announced

The distinctive wines of the Umpqua Valley and Southern Oregon were the celebrated stars of Saturday's "Greatest of the Grape" wine and food extravaganza held at Seven Feathers Casino Resort.

Sponsored by the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association, the gala event attracted more than 900 guests and volunteers from all over the Pacific Northwest. The highly sought after tickets to the oldest celebration of wine in the state sold out one week prior to the event. This year's theme, "...The Greatest Grapes!", paid tribute to fine vintages from 28 Umpqua Valley and Southern Oregon wineries, divinely paired with the culinary creations of 13 area restaurants.

Back in February, the 28 wines submitted by the wineries were judged by a panel of wine judges with the results held as closely guarded secret until the night of the event. Throughout the evening the guests enjoyed voting to name the "People's Choice Awards" for their favorite wine and wine & food pairings. The winners announced Saturday evening were:

People’s Choice Awards for Wine & Food Pairing

Winner:             Abacela’s 2007 Tempranillo Reserve paired with Marcona Almond Stuffed Date Wrapped with Serrano Ham by The Mark V of Roseburg.
First runner up:             Trium’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Kobe Beef Wellington with Cabernet Demi Glaze by Joe Monkey Caffe of Roseburg.

Food Judges Award – Best Food

  Winner:                Szechuan Chicken Salad in Filo Cup by Fine Things Catering of Roseburg.

First runner up:    Furikaki Seared Tenderloin with Bhut Jolokia Sauce by A Couple of Chef’s
                              Catering of Roseburg.

Judges’ Awards for Booth Presentation:

    Winner:                        Joe Monkey Caffe
    First runner up:            Cornucopia Restaurant & Catering of Eugene

 Professional Judge’s Awards for Wines:

 Platinum:        Bradley Vineyards 2009 Riesling

 Gold:              Abacela – 2007 Tempranillo Reserve
                        Glaser Estate - Muscat
                        Misty Oaks Vineyard – 2009 Gobbler’s Knob Red Blend
                        Pyrenees Vineyard & Cellars – 2010 Sauvignon Blanc
                        Troon Vineyard - 2009 Old Vine Meritage

 Silver:             Chateau Lorane – 2010 Sauvignon Blanc
Daisy Creek Vineyard – 2009 Malbec
                        Delfino Vineyards – 2009 Syrah
                        Henry Estate – 2009 Winemaker Reserve Pinot Noir
                        Sienna Ridge Estate – 2008 Riesling
                        Trium – 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

“Greatest of the Grape” Wine Awards - the People’s Choice 

Best White Wine

Winner:                       Glaser Estate - Muscat
First runner up-Tied:   Becker Vineyard - 2011 Muller Thürgau
                                    Girardet -  2011 Riesling Estate Grown

Best Red Wine


Winner:                        Abacela – 2007 Tempranillo Reserve
 First runner up:                 HillCrest – 2009 Pinot Noir Memorial Cuvee

 The 2012Greatest of the Grape”:   Abacela – 2007 Tempranillo Reserve

A portion of the evening’s proceeds support local students studying viticulture and enology through the UVWA Heritage Scholarship Fund. In addition, the UVWA spends the majority of its proceeds on marketing efforts designed to attract visitors who will enjoy the wineries and unique attractions and hospitality of the “100 Valleys of the Umpqua”.   

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