Weekends in Dundee

Join us as we explore Willamette Valley Wine Country one weekend at a time!

Hiking Harvey Creek Trail to Purple Hands Winery

by

Last Sunday we went on an adventure! The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the mid to low sixties and not a cloud in the sky. We were trying to figure how we wanted to fill our day, when I simultaneously got a phone call from my Mom and a text message from our Neighbor. Everyone wanted to get outside and do something!

Our neighbors wanted to do some wine tasting, and they also just rescued a little dog named Ginger, so we decided to take Ginger and my parent’s dog Cooper on hike together over to Purple Hands Winery via the Harvey Creek Trail.

Dundee_Views

[Read more…]

The Slowest Growing Lettuce

by

So you may or may not remember…but back in November, I was working on a little garden project. We had enjoyed fresh lettuce from our garden all summer and it took very little effort. I figured we’d plant a winter crop of lettuce and save ourselves some money at the grocery.

After looking at all sorts of complicated greenhouse projects on Pinterest, I decided to keep it simple and make a makeshift greenhouse out of some clear plastic tubs. I was so smitten with my fantastic idea, I could just envision our abundant supply of lettuce!

Sprouting_Lettuce_3

[Read more…]

Buzzing with Excitement ~ Second Year Beekeeping

by

Things sure have changed since my last visit to Ruhl Bee Supply. Last year around this time I was nervously following The Renaissance Man into this huge warehouse building full of honeybee supplies. I had no idea what I was doing and was convinced we were getting in way over our heads with this whole “Beekeeping Thing.”

I’m happy to report that this year I felt like a seasoned pro! We must have spent two hours perusing the store and slowly filling our carts with new honeybee equipment. Just look at all of those supplies.

Ruhl_Bee_Supply_1

[Read more…]

The Pears are Budding!

by

It sure is hard to believe that we’ve had such a mild winter. I just kept thinking that we’d get a hard freeze or some snow…

But to be honest, I’m ok with sunshine. The warm sun feels like a happy hug on my skin, and even our pear trees are starting to feel the love! The espaliers that we planted last summer are beginning to bud, and I’m sure we’ll have full on blooms within the week!

Pear_Espaliers

[Read more…]

Celebrating Cupid!

by

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine_Balloons

Have you purchased your flowers, roses, and chocolates for your loved ones? It’s important on this day, and every other day that you spread love among family and friends.

Valentine_Roses

When I was a single lady…way back in college, I will tell you my favorite gifts came from my girlfriends. We’d pretend like we were in grade school again and everyone would send cards to one another. So I encourage you all to think about the people you care most about in life, and perhaps you pick up the phone or send a note to wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day.

XOXO,

Kristen

A Walk in the Viewmont Greenway Park

by

Hello everyone and Happy February! It’s so great to be writing again after missing a few weeks here on the blog.

I’m very excited to share a really neat project with you today. The Renaissance Man and I love to go for walks, and on a sunny day in late January we went on a walk around town. The views always take my breath away, we live in such a beautiful place! I seriously have to pinch myself almost daily.

DSC06739

[Read more…]

Winter Daffodils & Honeybees

by

Yesterday was a beautiful day, it was the kind of January Saturday that you dream about! The sun was out, the temperature was in the mid-60s, and I could feel the hints of Spring almost everywhere. Despite having our fair amount of rain this winter, the temperatures have remained mild and I’ve been slowly watching my daffodils peak out of the ground.

DSC06696

[Read more…]

#WineWednesday ~ Winter’s Hill Estate

by

All across the Oregon Wine Industry, critics have been raving about the exceptional 2014 harvest and how it was quite possibly the Vintage of a Lifetime! Pretty impressive accolades considering harvest occurred in mid-September and the Pinot Noir won’t be available for purchase until Spring 2016…the wait is going to be the hardest part!

Before I dive into our experience at Winter’s Hill Estate, I must disclose that I’m very much still in the “learning phase” when it comes to identifying great wine. However, my education around wine received a big step in the right direction after a 2014 Barrel Tasting at Winter’s Hill Estate. 

DSC05803

[Read more…]

Winter Colors ~ Black Cap Raspberry Vines

by

This time of year the ground is wet and the weather is cold. Most of the trees are bare and everything just seems to be in a muted shade of brown or green…hibernating through the winter preparing for the summer months ahead.

Although, if you find yourself driving through the country this time of year, you might just spot a beautiful field of purple. And if you squint your eyes and forget how cold your fingers are while taking a picture along the side of the road, you might even convince yourself that you’ve found a lavender field!

The rows upon rows of lovely purple vines are in fact black cap raspberries! Beautiful don’t you think?

Black_Cap_Raspberries_Winter

[Read more…]