To:Harry's Room Newsletter
Tue 4/2/2024 11:28 AM
The wine industry in Oregon is thriving, especially in places like McMinnville. As soon as you land in PDX, billboards extolling Mcminnville’s luscious wine scene greet you. The vineyards and wineries of the McMinnville AVA (American Viticultural Area) are nestled amongst Oregon’s rolling coast range foothills. The unique geology, climate, and geography of this region consistently produce world-class wines.
Yesterday's clear, sunny weather was perfect for UFO watching and wine tasting. My girlfriend and I drove through the vineyards to McMinnville’s Third Street, lined with several wine tasting lounges. Our first stop was Pinot Vista Tasting Lounge, where we had the place to ourselves. The host, resembling Geri from Toy Story, suggested a table by the storefront window, offering prime people-watching seats.
Geri took our drink orders. I opted for Pinot Blancs, Sauvignon Blancs, and Chardonnays, while my friend Anne chose a Rose, Chardonnays, and her favorite Malbec. Throughout our flight tasting, we discussed our wines, pretending to be experts.
After Pinot Vista, we explored Third Street, passing by six more wine tasting lounges, each with its own unique aesthetic. One in particular was filled with soft pastel colors and contemporary furniture with minimal textured fabric, compared to Pinot Vista’s more rustic farm house decor.
Chris James Cellar’s tasting room caught our eye with its sophisticated Mediterranean style facade and front patio facing the sun. The curated flight highlighted some of Chris Jame’s award-winning bottles, including a 2019 Lagrein and a 2019 Tempranillo.
Dates play an important role in wine, indicating the vintage and year of harvest. Turning 30 this year, my friend and I entertained the hosts' inquiries about our IDs, a reminder of aging like fine wine.
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