Every time I venture into Oregon wine country, I get lost. Whether I’m going somewhere I’ve been before (rare) or headed to a destination unknown (likely), I always seem to lose my way, passing my planned turns, rambling down unknown paths, discombobulated over north or south, east or west. The butterflies usually begin a few minutes before my departure, and they cease to rest – particularly if I’m required to arrive in a timely manner – until I am present and accounted for.
I can’t tell you what it is. I become entranced by the wineries, meticulous rows of meticulously planted grapevines rising and diving in every direction. Luxurious homes and hideaways are scattered about on the horizon, interspersed between carefully laid plots of land, with expansive views of the sprawling valley below. Beautiful, multi-million dollar operations and roadside tasting rooms begin to fly by, with signs for nearby vineyards pointing in every direction. It becomes mesmerizing, especially for a Midwest girl like me.
With a warm bright sun in the sky, I made my way to the mystical “Oregon Wine Country” (much like Michigan’s “Up North”) this past Sunday to experience my first International Pinot Noir Celebration. Set on the stage of the beautiful Linfield College campus, I had read the raves and reviews of the prestigious pinot noir gathering, and was thrilled to be invited. Armed with music, a bottle of water, and what I hoped were good directions, I departed for my destination.
And thankfully, I didn’t get lost.
A renowned event amongst the who’s who of wine, the International Pinot Noir Celebration celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, bringing together folks from every corner to enjoy the delicious red delight. With sessions and pairings throughout the weekend, each IPNC is attended by over 500 guests annually, with 150 winery representatives descending upon Linfield, pairing featured wines with dishes from 50 of Oregon’s best chefs and restaurants.
At this year’s Passport to Pinot, a sort of compact tasting session held at the end of the weekend’s packed schedule, I ate everything from fava bean and porcini crostinis (Bar Avignon) to fleur de sel chocolate cookies (Two Tarts Bakery). My favorite bites included a spicy southern-style Italian sausage from Dundee’s Salumeria di Carlo, a potato skordalia with emmer and anise crackers from Fernando and Marlene Divina’s Terrace Kitchen, and the pinot noir truffles from Moonstruck Chocolates.
Wineries pouring during the afternoon had to flow in two shifts to allow guests to sample the bevy of wines offered, with tastes from Domaine Drouhin, Montinore Estate, Maison Alex Gambal, Stoller Family Estate, Penner-Ash, Sokol Blosser, The Eyrie Vineyards, Domaine les Temps Perdus, and Tantalus, among many others. My favorites of the afternoon – the 2008 King Estate Pinot Noir, the 2008 Sotor Pinot Noir, and the 2008 Matello Souris. Among the chefs, vintners, journalists and wine enthusiasts, IPNC Executive Director Whitney Schubert, and wine man Josh Wesson, made the rounds.
~Jennifer Heigl
*Photo credit: Daily Blender