Show 359, February 8, 2020: Irvine & Roberts Vineyards’ Winemaker Vince Vidrine Part One

Winemaker Vince VidrineThe welcoming Irvine & Roberts Vineyards and winery is part of the picturesque Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. It’s located just five miles from the heart of Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The new Irvine & Roberts tasting room on the property offers stunning views of the estate vineyards and the surrounding hills.

“The Irvine & Roberts families bring a unique collection of skills and passions to create their ultra-premium, artistically crafted wines produced in a style that evokes elegance, balance, and richness in their flavors and texture.”

“The estate vineyard is an exceptional example of geology and climate that provides the perfect growing conditions for some of the world’s most complex grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Nestled between the Southern Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain Ranges, our ancient soils are some of the oldest in North America and are located on steep, high-elevation hillsides with glowing morning sun and shady, breezy afternoons.”

Winemaker Vince Vidrine skillfully pulls the cork on Irvine & Roberts Vineyards for us.

Show 359, February 8, 2020: Irvine & Roberts Vineyards’ Winemaker Vince Vidrine Part Two

Winemaker Vince VidrineIrvine & Roberts Family Vineyards is an alluring family winery in Ashland, Oregon, where we practice sustainable farming and produce ultra-premium Pinot noir and Chardonnay. Our high -altitude vineyard is adorned with distinctive soils, climate, and east facing slopes that produce wines with extraordinary balance, flavor and intensity. We believe great wines come from great soil, so we strive to be conscientious stewards of the land, protecting our vineyard soils through practices that are certified sustainable by LIVE and Salmon Safe. We admit to being obsessive with our grape growing practices to ensure quality in the vineyard, keeping grape yields low and production limited to ensure the optimal health of the vine; allowing us to produce exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with elegance and balance.”

“In 1997, Doug & Dionne Irvine returned to their roots in Oregon with the desire to raise their daughters in the same place that they had such fond childhood memories. Choosing Ashland, they soon discovered that the 80-acre ranch they would call home turned out to be an incredibly unique vineyard site. The first vines were planted in 2007, and the journey continued from there when Doug’s sister and brother in law, Kelly and Duane Roberts, joined Doug and Dionne and created Irvine and Roberts Vineyards.”

“We have a team of artisans and professionals in place to maximize the potential of this amazing site. From our tasting room ambassadors and vineyard artisans, to our management and winemakers and the distinct strengths of the family members themselves, Irvine & Roberts Vineyards is constantly striving for perfection. Out of love and respect for the great wines of the New and Old Worlds, our vision is to add our wines to the legacy of world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”

Winemaker Vince Vidrine has a great deal of experience working for prestigious wineries in both Oregon and Burgundy and we’re confident he’ll expand on our initial successes to craft complex, balanced and elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.” “I am very excited about the opportunity to work with this team.“”

““We are all completely focused on producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at the highest level,” said Vidrine. “With the completion of this new winery and with a meticulous farming program led by the Results Partners vineyard management team, this project is perfectly poised for an excellent start.”

Winemaker Vince Vidrine continues and skillfully pulls the cork on another Irvine & Roberts Vineyards selection for us.

Show 357, January 25, 2020: Dancin Vineyards with Proprietor Dan Marca Part One

Dan Marca of Dancin VineyardsDANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Tuscan Italian-esque vineyard estate known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. We last visited the picturesque hillside estate in 2015 and the facilities for guests have expanded since then.

The Marcas take only one thing more seriously than hospitality – growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes of exceptional quality and making premium wine that expresses the terroir of their special site while spotlighting the grape’s essential character.

“Our winery and tasting room are set magnificently on the forested foothills of Southern Oregon overlooking the Rogue Valley, one of the most unique terroirs in the wine making world. You’ll imagine you’ve been transported to Tuscany or Burgundy, or both!”

Dan pulls the DANCIN Vineyards cork for us with an update.

Show 357, January 25, 2020: Dancin Vineyards with Proprietor Dan Marca Part Two

Dan Marca of Dancin VineyardsDANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Tuscan Italian-esque vineyard estate known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. We last visited the picturesque hillside estate in 2015 and the facilities for guests have expanded since then. Time for an update.

“DANCIN is the discipline of cultivating seven separate clones of Pinot Noir along with four distinct clones of Chardonnay to create several exquisite expressions of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We blend these clones the way an artist mixes hues on a painter’s palette. We also artfully craft Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel and Port-style Pinot Noir. This, our various wines and vintages are named after movements within ballet, a form of dance wherein dedication and discipline are integral to the grace and beauty of the final performance.”

Proprietor Dan Marca continues.

Show 349, November 30, 2019: Winemaker and Ceramicist Andrew Beckham, Beckham Estate Vineyard, Sherwood, OR

Andrew Beckham of Backham Estate VIneyards“Andrew and Annedria Beckham arrived in the Chehalem Mountains, Oregon in 2005 with the dream of purchasing land to build a studio for Andrew’s art. Immersed in the contagious passion of their pioneering neighbors and fascinated by the incredible potential beneath the surface of their high-elevation site, they started a vineyard row by row, coming home from their day jobs to plant vines all night, raising three children all the while. In 2009 they made their first wine.”

“In 2012 their winemaking truly found its voice with the introduction of Andrew’s handmade amphora (clay pot) as unique aging vessels, used in conjunction with organic farming and low-intervention practices that they believe reflect their vineyard best.”

Beckham Estate Vineyards’ traditional, barrel aged wines carry the Beckham Estate label. Andrew’s amphora wines are under the moniker of A.D. Beckham (“creta” pinot noir, “50/50” noir/gris and pinot gris.)

Winemaker Andrew Beckham joins us to pull the cork on Beckham Estate Vineyard for us.

Show 345, October 19, 2019: Sandes of Time Bed and Breakfast (SE Portland, Oregon) with Proprietress Terry Sande

Terry Sande of Sandes of Time Bed and BreakfastSandes of Time Bed and Breakfast located on a large property in the Milwaukie suburb of SE Portland, Oregon is a refreshing and comfortable change from the typical chain accommodations. This historic, two-story, farm-house style home is perfect for guests staying one night or several.

Built from 1904 to 1907 it has been restored and renovated to include four antique-filled guest rooms or suites with all the contemporary conveniences.  You’ll find the decorating warm and welcoming, the spacious yards and gardens peaceful and relaxing.

“The 2-course breakfast menu varies each day and is a very good reason to get up in the morning after a restful night’s sleep in our comfy beds.”

“Find a quiet porch swing, listen to the water as it trickles down the rocks and splashes over the waterfall, have a glass of lemonade and let time stand still for just a little while at the Sandes of Time Bed and Breakfast”

“Our goal is to make our guests as comfortable as possible so that staying at the Sandes of Time Bed & Breakfast will be one of the best parts of the trip!”

Proprietress Terry Sande welcomes us to Sandes of Time.

Show 345, October 19, 2019: Alloro Vineyard, Sherwood, OR with Proprietor & Vineyard Manager David Nemarnik Part One

David Nemarnik of Alloro VineyardAlloro Vineyard in Sherwood brings Old-World allure to Oregon, just 30 minutes southwest of Portland. The 80-acre estate is a bucolic homage to Italian tradition, from its iconic Tuscan farmhouse and culinary gardens to the heirloom sheep that graze the vineyard cover crops. “Alloro” is Italian for laurel—a salute to founder David Nemarnik’s Italian/Croatian heritage, and the Laurel Ridge site itself. Holistic agricultural practices and respectful stewardship create terroir-driven wines showcasing purity of fruit with a clear sense of place.”

“David Nemarnik grew up in Portland helping his parents start a produce business, and has been fascinated with growing and fermenting his whole life. In 1999, he founded the Alloro estate to create world-class Pinot Noir in a manner that honors his family’s food & wine traditions and respect for the land. Today, Nemarnik lives on the property with his daughter, surrounded by wine grapes, culinary gardens, olive trees, chickens, sheep, and registered Hereford cattle.”

David pulls the cork on Alloro for us.

Show 345, October 19, 2019: Alloro Vineyard, Sherwood, OR with Proprietor & Vineyard Manager David Nemarnik Part Two

David Nemarnik of Alloro VineyardAlloro Vineyard brings Old-World allure to Oregon. Nestled in the south-facing slopes of the Chehalem Mountains just 30 minutes outside of Portland, the 70-acre Alloro estate is a bucolic homage to timeless tradition. From the iconic Italian farmhouse and culinary gardens to the heirloom sheep that graze the vineyard cover crops, and herd of Hereford cattle, the winery and vineyard is built upon the sustainable holistic agricultural practices, respectful stewardship, and intense passion for food and wine of David Nemarnik, Alloro’s founder and vineyard manager.”

“Alloro makes wine exclusively from 33 acres of estate vineyards perched on sloping hillsides in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The Vineyard is dry-farmed, and tended with the lightest possible touch. L.I.V.E.-certified, Salmon-Safe agricultural practices strive to promote natural biodiversity and improve sustainability every year. The site’s Laurelwood series of soils—dark brown loess topsoil layered on brick-red decomposed basalt Jory soils that act as a sponge—offer optimal fertility and moisture for the micro-climate.”

Alloro produces three estate Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rose of Pinot Noir, and Vino Nettare—a dessert wine made from Muscat and Riesling.”

Proprietor David Nemarnik continues.

Show 344, October 12, 2019: Kyra’s Bake Shop with Proprietress Kyra Bussanich Part One

Kyra Bussanich of Kyra's Bake ShopKyra’s Bake Shop with locations in Oregon’s Lake Oswego and now in Portland is a popular, gluten-free bakery presenting outstanding scones, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, doughnuts, muffins, vegan bagels, wedding cakes & pastries with inventive flavors. Proprietress and Baker Kyra Bussanich proves daily that her celiac safe creations can taste just as delicious as the traditional delights containing gluten. Her motto is “Keep Portland Sweet.”

Kyra enjoys the distinction of being the only baker to be a 4 Time Winner on Food Network’s’ Cupcake Wars.” Keep in mind that’s with gluten-free baked goods. Kyra joins us.

Show 344, October 12, 2019: Kyra’s Bake Shop with Proprietress Kyra Bussanich Part Two

Kyra Bussanich of Kyra's Bake ShopKyra’s Bake Shop with locations in Oregon’s Lake Oswego and now in Portland is a popular, gluten-free bakery presenting outstanding scones, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, doughnuts, muffins, vegan bagels, wedding cakes & pastries with inventive flavors. Proprietress and Baker Kyra Bussanich proves daily that her celiac safe creations can taste just as delicious as the traditional delights containing gluten. Her motto is “Keep Portland Sweet.”

Kyra enjoys the distinction of being the only baker to be a 4 Time Winner on Food Network’s’ Cupcake Wars.”

“After being disappointed in the gluten-free products that were available on the market, I thought I’d have to live without birthday cakes and scones and doughnuts. I attended the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu patisserie program, which gave me a solid foundation of knowledge about classical French baking techniques, which I applied toward baking gluten-free. By craving, and by necessity, I began experimenting with alternative flours and developed a handful of cake recipes that taste as good, if not better, than traditional wheat-filled cakes.” – Kyra Bussanich

Kyra Bussanich continues with us.