Dispatch · Saturday, November 5, 2022
Ten Oregon Wine Events Worth Your November
Karen MacNeil calls ōkta the new French Laundry, a six-degrees game of Oregon wine, and A.J.'s top ten wine country events for November.
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My morning walks with Globgor the last couple of days have been in the dark, and rain coming down sideways. Starbucks also released its Christmas cups this week. I heard the Christmas song, “You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch” as well. I just accepted the fact summer is over a few weeks ago. So please excuse me while I grab a magnum, hibernate, and binge-watch the heck out of seasons one and two of Dead to Me, so I am ready when season three drops on November 17th.
Karen MacNeil was in Oregon a couple of weekends ago promoting the 3rd edition of her book, The Wine Bible. I assume she visited ōkta in McMinnville while here because today, on her blog, she opened her latest post with, “The new French Laundry lives—and it’s in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.” The post's title, “BEST RESTAURANT ALL YEAR…” Wine Country will get crowded, won't it?
We all know the six degrees of Kevin Bacon. Today, I am playing the six degrees of Oregon Wine Country. Lawrence Wine Estates acquired Château Lascombes in Bordeaux. The Lawerence family also recently purchased Burgess Cellars in Napa. The winemaker for Burgess Cellars is Meghan Zobeck, who was on Sparklers for SOMM TV. The first few episodes were filmed at At The Joy in Eola-Amity, where Lytle-Barnett was also featured.
If you have a New York Times subscription, I hear there is an excellent write-up about McMinnville titled "Savoring Oregon’s Wine Country, No Driving"
W. Blake Gray has an article titled “Global Warming Saves Oregon's Vintage.” It’s a great read on getting more perspective on the 2022 vintage. I would have chosen a different title, but that is off-topic. As I said way back in the May-ish time frame, this year presented all of the characteristics of a Class Oregon vintage.
The newsletter this week doesn’t have a story to it at all. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and events in November are a big deal in Wine Country. I also needed to plot out where I wanted to go on Thanksgiving weekend. So, I am providing my top 10 events to attend in November!
November 12 - Sokol Blosser - Harvest Bounty
I will openly admit I haven’t dived deep into the wines at Sokol Blosser, but I was excited to hear about this event. They are doing a five-course meal every second Saturday starting in November until March. I have a feeling one of these dinners is in my future.
November 12 - Flaneur - Kellie’s Sparkling Class
Flaneur knows how to speak my heart! Kellie is spectacular with her knowledge of wine. Add on her cheerfulness, and you couldn’t ask for much more. Well, maybe you could with her doing a Sparkling class. Who doesn’t want to learn more about Sparkling? It’s so complex and fun. Mix in a bit of danger with corks flying all over the place, and it will be an unforgettable event!
November 18 - Brooks - Caviar & Bubbles Sabering Party!
I feel awful that I haven’t been out to Brooks this year for a tasting. It is always a treat to take in the views while tasting some killer Pinot Noir and Riesling. I get way too excited to explore their other varieties, such as Muscat and Viognier. It looks like there is some Tempranillo along with Petite Syrah I need to explore. Anyway, their Sparkling Riesling and Sparkling Muscat is a must! If you have wondered how to saber a bottle of Sparkling, this is your chance. It is a blast to overcome the fear of learning something new! Oh, how can I forget Chef Norma’s food! I would be there in a heartbeat if I could attend this event!
November 19 and 26 - Iterum - Thanksgiving Open House
If you read the newsletter last week, you know about Joe Dobbs new label called Iterum. This is an outstanding opportunity to meet with Joe and taste his new wines. I highly recommend taking advantage of this chance! When you visit the link below, there is also mention of a Winemaker’s Dinner that sounds spectacular!
November 19 - Dusky Goose - 20th Anniversary Tasting Event
Dusky Goose has a special place in my heart, and their wines are incredible! I can’t attend this event, but Lynn Penner-Ash and the current winemaker Hans Van Dale will be there. I am sure there will be some fantastic stories, mouth-watering food and, of course some exceptional wines!
Shameless Self Promotion Inserted Mid Top Ten List😎
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November 19 - Domaine Divio - Anniversary Celebration
Who doesn’t like Domaine Divio and their winemaker Bruno? The property is gorgeous, the wines are top-notch, Sara always goes out of her way to ensure you are well taken care of, and Bruno always goes around to talk with everyone at all events! Oh, and Bruno has an Aligote you should try. Please don’t quote me on this, but it is generally around this time of year Domaine Divio releases their Sparkling. What better time to open some Bubbles than during an Anniversary Celebration!
November 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Weekend with The Wine Collective at Björnson Vineyard
I have been following Arabillis Wines since the summer of 2021 when I did my Oregon Sparkling report. Kenny McMahon, the winemaker, is working on some Sparkling, and I am doing my level best to wait. Anyway, Arabillis, along with some other winemakers, including Cho Wines, Denison Cellars, Falcon Stoop, Sun Break Wines, and Violet Vines, will all be in attendance. Outside of Cho, I haven’t heard of the other winemakers, and I cannot wait to attend this event!
November 25 and 26 - Archery Summit - Thanksgiving Open House
A Thanksgiving Open House and the Archery Summit Caves, who can say no to that proposition?
November 25 - 27 - Utopia - Thanksgiving Weekend In Wine Country
Visiting Utopia up in Ribbon Ridge is always a treat! I always enjoying pulling into the driveway at Utopia, it feels like you are leaving the real world to enter into another dimension of reality. I am sure Dan will be around to tell stories, make sure you feel at home and one day I need to share with him a bottle of Cab he made. Thank you Bryan and Laura!
November 26 and 27 - Antiquum - Fall 2021 Pinot Noir Release Party
When you have been waiting years to visit Antiquum, and they are doing a Thanksgiving event, there is no way I can not go. I have a magnum of their Pinot sitting in the cellar, even though I have never tasted their wine. Everything about their farming practices tells me everything I need to know about their wine because we all know wine starts in the vineyard. I looked for other events in the area but haven’t seen any. I might stop by the new Elizabeth Chambers wine lounge in Eugene while I am in the area. We will see.
With Gratitude,
A.J.
PS - Would you like to see more event emails in the future that only listed events? There might be a little rambling, but not too much.
A.J. Weinzettel
Wine journalist & podcaster covering Oregon wine country