Two Minute Wine Tasting Tips

Transcript:

Hi, welcome to two minute wine tasting tips. Today we’re going to discuss wine tasting in the cellar season. Why it’s preferred, and what compromises you should expect to make.

There are a number of different wine regions that have seasons, like winter. The Willamette Valley is a good example, where your tasting experience will most definitely be indoors. You can thank the rain and cold temperatures for that. 

Why do we call it Cellar Season? I think originally it was a fancy name for the slow season. Now I think the name implies the change of location from the viticulture outside in the vineyard, to the happenings of the winery inside. It’s a much more intimate side of the wine tasting experience.

Cellar Season is one of my favorite times of year to taste wine. It brings a focus back to the winery. When you are inside you can get a glimpse of winery operations, including encounters with the winemaker. Some of us visualize the “winemaker” as a bit of a celebrity. However, they are often in comfortable clothes, heads down, working on the tasks of the day. 

Cellar Season is a great time to see some winemaking action, and engage in conversation with the winemaker. I have also learned that among the responsibilities of winemakers is promoting and selling wine. This means they have brushed up on how they communicate the winemaking process and the characteristics of the vineyard and wines. Don’t be shy, they are not here to be the smartest in the room, but rather help you connect with the wine.

With that said, if you are curious, don’t be shy. Cease the moment and engage. You wont regret it. 

Now let’s talk about the compromises of wine tasting in Cellar Season. 

The outdoors. The vines are dormant, there are no flowers blooming, and the views can often look a bit different than clear sunny skies. I challenge you to embrace this time of year. Take in the beauty of seeing the wine country in a very raw form. I promise it will still take your breath away. 

Even though it’s overcast, admire the views. See the valley landscape and the curious lines of fog. See the rain approach through the mountains. These are incredible moments where nature forces its connection on you.

Tasting rooms are smaller, so wine tasting with larger groups is typically out of the question. Keep your group sizes to 6 or less. In fact this is a good time to visit wine country with a few friends or another couple. Outdoor spaces tend to be limitless for wineries, however indoor spaces are finite. And many wineries just don’t have the indoor space to host large groups. Large groups require more staff, which is another reason many wineries are not able to accommodate groups over 6 people. 

Tasting menus tend to focus on the reds versus white wines. Is this really a negative? I think not. You’ll find alternative wine programs from wineries who are purchasing grapes from other parts of Oregon and producing less common varietals. Don’t be afraid of whites in the Cellar Season. You’ll get an entirely different experience from drinking a glorious Riesling on a cold winter day.

Let’s talk about weather. If you melt in the rain, then Cellar Season in Oregon is not the best place for you. I can’t think of a better indoor activity than wine tasting. The rain makes it easy to say yes to a cozy tasting room.

Do yourself a favor this Cellar Season and plan a day of wine tasting. I guarantee you’ll get every bit as much out of the experience as you would in the Summer.

Transcript:

Hi There, welcome back to two minute tasting tips. Today we are going to talk about the trend of transportation to and from wine related events. These events could include wine festivals, winemaker dinners, wine club events. The list goes on.

There are a few different categories of transportation to consider.

1. Hire a teenager

2. Hire a transportation company (good for groups of 5+)

3. Uber or Lyft

4. Purchase the transportation ticket

Let’s discuss these in reverse order. There is a trend right now that I personally hope grows not just for my own personal gain through the business, but because I believe it brings huge benefits to both the organization and consumer. Many wine related events, usually ones where you can taste multiple wines, beers or spirits are now offering a transportation option to and from the event from a central location. 

This is huge! For not much more than the ticket price, you can have transportation to and from the event. Some people say, “well I still have to drive to the central location.” Yes, this is true, but you have options. The central location is likely close to your home. It’s easy to schedule a quick uber ride or phone a friend/spouse to drop you off. Boom problem solved. You are boarding a vehicle that will take you to the event and back. No need to fuss about logistics or safety; it's all done on your behalf. You just have to buy the right ticket.

There are so many different events that happen in our wine country. Especially since we are living in an experience based economy. It’s not just about the product anymore, it’s about how you experience the brand. This couldn’t be more true for the food and beverage industries. Wineries are now innovating on the types of events they offer in order to get you to keep coming back. 

Once you get there, it’s amazing. Beautiful spaces and views. But the problem is how do you get there, and do you really want to commit to two hours of driving? You could Uber or Lyft, but be careful. Oftentimes wine countries are rural and don’t have as much demand for these services. 

If you are a group of 5+ you could consider hiring private transportation. Many tour companies also offer transportation by the hour. If you are traveling with a larger group and can split the costs. This option is a no brainer. Plus, you can listen to your own tunes and create the vibe before getting to the event.

If you have the luxury and trust to hire your friend's teenage son or daughter, I have seen this be a successful option. Just be considerate of the times you are asking them to drive. Picking you up at 10pm, driving in the dark in a rural area, maybe not the best choice.

No matter what you choose, choose one. You’ll have a better time, you’ll get the most out of your tickets, and you’ll avoid a tragic ticket or accident.

This episode talks starts with the top four reasons you shouldn't join NW Wine Club. If you relate to any of them, listen no further. If you don't this just might be the best wine club you've ever heard of.

Planning a day of wine tasting can be overwhelming and daunting. There are so many wineries to choose from, where do you begin. This episode talks about two simple clues that will give you the focus you need to design a great itinerary and ensure a smooth day of wine tasting.

This episode explores how to determine your wine storage needs based on your wine current wine buying patterns and objectives. 

For many of us, going to a winery was the perfect family outing. We could get some fresh air, picnic, have wine and spend time with out kids. It seems all that has changed since the pandemic. Is it for our safety, or an evolving wine country. 

Scared of outdoor wine tasting in Oregon. Don't be. These five wineries offer warm and cozy outdoor tasting experiences that will leave you feeling festive for the Fall and Winter season.

TRANSCRIPT:

Hi there! I just love the Fall. So for today’s tasting tip, I’m going to introduce you to five wineries with cozy fireplaces and delicious wines. After this episode, If this isn’t something you do already, I’m willing to bet you’ll give Fall and Winter wine tasting a try… and if you do that… I can almost guarantee you will make wine tasting a new Fall or Winter tradition.

For years the thought of wine tasting in the Fall and Winter never really crossed my mind. Wineries in the Willamette Valley used to make a big deal Thanksgiving weekend with wine discounts, music, and other festivities...But if you are a beaver or a duck fan, that is a big football weekend. Yes, I’m a duck and that is the priority.

Aside from that, many of us are focused on other traditions that go along with this time of year, you know all things Halloween, then we get catapulted into Thanksgiving and in case you haven’t noticed the holiday season has already started, thank you Target!

I’m here to tell you, Wine tasting in the Fall or Winter needs to become a new tradition. Maybe you have some family that visits each year, or you want to get festive with some special friends. This is the best time of year to go wine tasting and trust me it will put you in a festive mood.

Pre Pandemic, I felt like many wineries really didn’t make an effort in the fall and winter. That’s because it was considered a time to take a break after harvest.  But after going through all things pandemic, wineries have really leveled-up creating some magical experiences in Oregon’s cellar season.

They have added tents with fancy furniture and plants, loungafied their fireplace areas and created some absolutely charming and cozy outdoor spaces that will give you the perfect excuse to put on your plaid winter coat, and make good use of your warm and trendy pendleton blanket.

But seriously, these five wineries feature fireplaces and wine tasting that will make your fear of wine tasting in the rain and cold a thing of the past.

Let’s get to the list.

Fairsing is perched on the top of Laughlin Loop, and is most famous for it’s amazing wine and panoramic views. I’m here to tell you a visit in the winter is super peaceful. They have a wonderful patio with a warm and inviting outdoor fireplace. But bring a blanket to take the edge off, they are high up there where the weather is a bit more brisk.

Lemelson has another great outdoor fireplace that makes the patio that much more inviting. Plus, they are close to Carlton if you want to have some delicious brick oven pizza from Park and Main. it makes for a great day. And let me tell you park and main has a pretty amazing firepit area. I actually looked up their firepit it was so beautiful. Not in my price range, but always enjoyed when I’m there.

Solena Estate is warm and inviting all year round, but with their tented lounge space and large built-in fireplace, you are set for a cozy outdoor tasting with great service and great wine.

Willamette Valley Vineyards also has a grand fireplace on their estate patio, which is open for bottle service. And if fireplaces aren’t your thing, they also have the wine pods that are super cool looking and offer a unique outdoor experience.

Ponzi vineyards is the closest of these wineries to Portland and offers fireside seating. Their modern firepits allow for a very social and inviting atmosphere.

There you have it! Five fabulous wineries to get cozy and enjoy some of the Willamette Valley’s best Pinot Noir!

If you're thinking, wine clubs aren't that complicated, what's more to learn. This podcast points out some not so common things to consider when joining a wine club. And these important things, may also point out the 'real' value of a wine club membership you already have.

In this episode, we are taking a deeper look at the benefits of wine tasting at a tasting room and why you should consider this type of experience next time you go wine tasting.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Today we’re talking about Winery visits vs Tasting rooms. What are the reasons you should consider one over the other?

I’ll preface the podcast by saying, you should choose whichever you personally feel like. There is no judgement from me. I know there are many of you listening, who haven't given tasting rooms a proper try. I hope to give you some confidence that there is magic in tasting rooms too. Perhaps after listening you’ll expand your horizons and change it up the next time you go wine tasting.

Let’s define these two terms so we are on the same page. The term Winery traditionally refers to where the wine is made. In Oregon, most wineries are located near the vineyard for which some or most of the grapes come from. At a winery there is almost always a tasting room or tasting area, but for the sake of this podcast, let’s keep it simple and say a wine tasting at a Winery is located at a Vineyard.

Whereas, a tasting room is usually in a town separate from the winery and vineyard. In the Willamette Valley, most tasting rooms are located in the three most popular wine towns in some of the popular wine towns of Dundee, Carlton and McMinnville. In fact you can find somewhere between 10-20 tasting rooms in a couple blocks.

I don’t think I need to describe a Winery too much. They usually have well manicured grounds, with rolling vineyards, some sort of view, and plenty of indoor and outdoor space. I almost always have customers coming to me for this type of experience. And if you have never been to a Winery, it surely should be top of your travel, even bucket list.

I’m gonna focus on tasting rooms, today. Since I assume this is not the first thing we think of when going wine tasting. There is no doubt some amazing wine can be found in tasting rooms. In fact, many wineries establish tasting rooms in regions that are not where they are from to introduce their wine to new audiences. For example there are a number of Walla Walla wineries, such as Tertulia, Owen Row, and Zebra Cellars that have tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley. It’s special because they offer wine varietals that many Willamette Valley wineries do not offer. And that many people desire, such as bold reds.

Other reasons to head into town for your wine tasting, my favorite would be eating out at the local restaurants.  When you wine taste at the Winery, there is never enough time to stop at a restaurant. There is too much commuting time and tastings just take longer.

At a tasting room you can get more tastings in a shorter amount of time.

They take walk-ins even during the days of Covid. This means you can be more spontaneous and not have to book reservations 3+ weeks in advance.

Tasting rooms also allow you to get a feel for the local community as you’ll see daily happenings, such local pedestrians, and small business bustle.

Shopping, window or otherwise, is a great way to travel from tasting room to tasting room. These stores cannot be replicated and often carry unique local goods.

So my challenge to you is, if you are visiting, spend a day visiting wineries and a day in town visiting tasting rooms. If you are local and no stranger to wine tasting. Perhaps visit one Winery and then spend the rest of your day in town visiting tasting rooms and eating the local cuisine.

What do customers want in a wine club and how has NW Wine Shuttle delivered a wine club that also incorporates wine tasting experiences in an entirely new way. 

Are you the type of person that likes to level up your experiences every once in a while. I encourage you to consider it the next time you visit wine country. Many wineries in the Willamette Valley wine country are finding new and exciting ways to experience their wine. This podcast gives three great ways to consider leveling up next time you are planning a trip wine tasting.

Full Transcript:

Hi there, I’m Kim with NW Wine Shuttle, and I’d like to offer a two minute tasting tip on how to level up your wine tasting experience.

In the last five years, it’s amazing how far wineries have come with their focus on experiences. Wine country has quickly become one of my favorite places to do something new.

Many of us think of wine tasting as the same ol thing. Have a flight of wine, sit in a beautiful setting and move to the next.

This is no longer the case. If you are willing to do a little research and follow your favorite wineries there is always something unique going on. I really do mean follow wineries directly and don’t rely solely on public calendars. The real good stuff is harder to find.

Some of my favorite ways to easily level up your day of wine tasting is to include one of the following to your itinerary.

• Book a cabana or a pod. Seems simple, but sitting in a pod changes the entire vibe of the wine tasting. It feels so much more cool and exclusive. Plus, it makes for some great photos, a couple places that feature pods are Willamette Valley Vineyards and Dobbes Family Estate. A cabana is another awesome way to get out of the tasting room or off the patio and enjoy wine with a different view. Durant has their cabanas places smack dab in the middle of the vineyard.  You have to travel by ATV to get to them. If you need anything you use a traditional walkie talkie to make your request. So fun! Adelsheim is also another great place for a cabana experience.
  
• Do a vineyard tour. I’m not talking your average vineyard tour, but one that includes an ATV or tractor or tractor like Durant Vineyards. They are usually hosted by a winery VIP and make you feel a bit more connected to the wine you are tasting. Plus, you can usually be followed by a vineyard dog. Which who doesn’t love that.
  
• The last recommendation, but definitely not the least, is to book a private tasting experience. There are a few that provide unprecedented ambiance making it feel as special as a dinner out and not your typical wine tasting. There are a few wineries that only allow one group at a time such as Anticia Tera or Abbott Claim.
  
• Leveling up can also come in the form of a curated tour experience where you have access to people and places not commonly open to the public.
  

If you are a regular to wine country but find yourself visiting the same wineries and enjoying a similar wine flight experience each time. Considering leveling up. The same goes for a new visitor to wine country who wants to add something unique to their visit. These experiences do not disappoint and are sure make a good story on instagram… Just kidding.

If you are planning a trip to wine country and want some help leveling up contact concierge@nwwineshttle.com.

In this episode, we offer three compelling reasons to plan your next trip to wine country on a weekday. Now that we live in a world where we value our time and have more work flexibility, there is no reason not to try for yourself.

In Oregon, when Spring hits people starting planning their outdoor adventures. Wine tasting has become one of the top activities to do when the weather is nice.  In this episode, Kim shares what to expect wine tasting in 2021, and tips for how to have a worry-free day in Wine Country.

If you're planning a trip to the Willamette Valley and would like advice on how to ensure the best possible experience email concierge@nwwineshuttle.com.

In this podcast, Kim describes three reasons why wineries need and want to keep group sizes small.  Is this a trend that will change after the pandemic or one that will stick?

Listen to find out recommendations for how to make your group wine tasting successful.

In this episode Kim explains the new policies for bringing picnics to wineries and other options for how to enjoy food while you wine taste.