Our neighbor always has the inside track when it comes to fun wine tasting events. She’s a tasting room manager and knows just about everyone in the industry! So when we were coming up with our itinerary Memorial Day Weekend she mentioned an event we just had to attend…a special tasting at the Historic Medici Vineyard Estate.

Medici opened up their vineyard estate for a rare chance to taste four exciting projects focused on crafting honest wines. We were treated to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Rosé by the winemakers who made them! It was so fun to meet the people behind Varnum Vintners, A.F. Nichols, Swick Wines, and Medici Vineyards.

The tasting was super intimate, and getting to talk with the winemakers was my favorite part. I love getting this close to the wine! Some vineyards and tasting rooms are almost too “over done” and forget that we’re Oregonians and that a casual and personal experience keeps people coming back for more.

I seriously could take pictures of wine barrels for days…they’re all so unique and seeing the wine stains on the outside of the barrels just makes me smile. Just think about the endless passion that goes into each glass of wine.

The views looking over Newberg from the tasting room were captivating.

My favorite wines from this four vineyard tasting were the ones produce by Varnum Vintners. In particular, I loved the Riesling…I even convinced The Renaissance Man to buy two bottles for our collection! The Riesling was on the sweet side and was really fruit forward on the palate.

Winemaker Cyler was so knowledgeable about everything! He took the time to explain how and why he selects certain grapes for purchase, and I really came away with a whole new understanding about the winemaking process. Cyler and his partner Taralyn moved to Oregon from Arizona last summer and jumped into the winemaking business by purchasing grapes from local vineyards that met Cyler’s needs as a winemaker.

Cyler selects grapes that are own-rooted varietals and are at least twenty five years old. Own-rooted means that the grapes are of the same stock from the roots all the way to the leafs. Some vineyards graft preferred varietals onto hearty root stock, but many don’t feel comfortable with this practice because it has the potential to change the taste and structure of the grapes.

Before selecting which grapes to purchase, Cyler takes the time to walk each vineyard getting a feel for the land and making sure it meets his standards. Once the grapes are purchased, then the work beings as he and his partner harvest the grapes and manage every step of the production. Being able to purchase grapes and then make wine allows new winemakers to get into the market without the huge up front investment of buying a vineyard and growing grapes of their own. Plus, in the Willamette Valley, we have plenty of grapes to go around!

If you get the chance, be sure to check out Varnum Vintners, and in the meantime…I will just be over here with my camera continuing to sip on the Varnum Riesling and taking pictures of wine barrels. Ha!

We had a lovely weekend celebrating wine in the Willamette Valley, and I hope you enjoyed tagging along. Cheers!