Kim Kolb
Day 2 was filled with a little history. Our first stop was the Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill. To see the conditions that workers back in the 1840's is incredible. Things we take for granted they didn't have, like good lighting. Got to see the machines that the wool was cleaned, dried, combed, and finished on.. Very impressive. We also learned that the Mill Creek became a very polluted river because of all the chemicals and dyes that got dumped into them. Now, they say it is one of the cleanest.
After our Mill stop, we are off to lunch at the Willamette Valley Vineyards.
I love when you get off the bus, the first thing waiting is a glass of wine. We tried many wines which were really good. One that I really liked was 2009 Estate Pinot Noir, and the 2010 Pinot Gris.
Then after a quick tour through the vineyards and cellar, we went up to have an amazing lunch. Salad, Chicken, and a seafood soup dish. Then Marion Berry Bread Pudding for dessert.. Let's just say, we left very full. I have to say Don the winemaker is very good at what he does. Daniel the assistant winemaker has a really good story of how he came to his position. Matt is their marketing person and he gets it and does an amazing job!
Next we are off to Piluso Vineyards. Sandy is the winemaker and her husbands name is Pinky... How Awesome! They do all their own picking, crushing and all that is involved in making wine. Sandy really knows her grapes. She spent some time showing us the difference between varietals.. I got kinda lost on the amount of clones a Pinot Noir can have.
Next up was E.Z. Orchards for some cider and strawberry shortcake. Let's just say that now I am officially stuffed...The sample we were suppose to get turned into a ginormous amount.. I had all the berries, peaches, strawberries, and blackberries... Oh my was that good!
Now it was time to say good by to our excursion trip and Irene Bernards, our guide... We are heading back to Portland.
After arriving back to the hotel and checking in... we got a little down time.. Next up is the Welcome Reception by the Oregon Wine Board.
There were 40 wineries in attendance and my goal was to try one wine from each.. that worked until we got to the back half of the wineries and they just had to pour the other couple of their wines.. Good Marketing on their part!
Got to spend some time with Ivy from Left Coast Cellars after the tasting...Really like her and the winery she works for.
Off to bed in anticipation for what tomorrow brings!