Spring is right around the corner, time for wineries to shake off the winter sleep. Because most local wineries are small, family-owned affairs, many close for the winter. As we finish up the winter pruning, we reopen the tasting rooms and release new wines. Go to www.eastvalleywine.com for information to plan a tour or to purchase local wine.
Pudding River Winery
9374 Sunnyview Road, N.E. , Salem
We’ve reopened our tasting room for the season and will be open everyday from noon to 5 p.m. for the rest of the year. We have recently done some decorating at the tasting room and are inviting folks to come by and visit.
We recently released our much anticipated port dessert wine made from 100 percent Walla Walla Valley Syrah as a new addition to our line-up. We are attending many festivals in the next couple of months, including Savor Cannon Beach and SIP! McMinnville Classic. On March 23, I’ll be pouring at Fitts Seafood in Salem from 2-4 p.m.
– Sean Driggers
Vitis Ridge Winery
990 N First, Silverton
Vitis Ridge has new awards including a gold medal for the 2011 Marechal Foch, Astoria/Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Fest. Silver medals were awarded for our: 2011 Riesling, Portland Seafood & Wine Fest 2008; Fab Four Red, Newport Seafood & Wine Fest; 2009 Petit Verdot, Newport Seafood & Wine Fest. We earned a bronze medal for the 2012 Pinot Gris at the Astoria/Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Fest.
Our new wines are the 2012 Pinot Gris and 2012 Chardonay. Coming in April, stop by to taste our 2012 Sparkling Early Muscat; 2012 Grigio d’Oro (dessert white); 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2011 Merlot.
We’ll be pouring at the Spring Beer & Wine Fest at the Portland Convention Center March 29 – 30. And, of course, we’re open at the Silverton tasting room Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
– Chris Deckleman
Hanson Vineyards
34948 S Barlow Road, Monitor
In addition to reopening our tasting room from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, March and April bring a busy season on the road, traveling to tastings and events.
For the fourth year, we’ll be pouring at Rhapsody in the Vineyard in Corvallis on March 16 and a big regional event, Spirit Mountain Wine Fair March 23 – 24.
We’re excited to release our 2010 Pinot Noir Blanc. Made with 100 percent Pinot Noir grapes, this white wine has a depth of rich flavors and a silky smooth finish. In April, comes our zesty 2011 Pinot Gris.
– Jason Hanson
Forest Edge
15640 S. Spangler Road, Oregon City
Late spring in the vineyard is one of cleaning up and repairing. The vineyards have been pruned and vines tied up. Applying a dormant spray is next and then replacing posts.
We’ll watch the vineyard for signs of swelling buds and the start of the 2013 growing season. In the winery, we are trying a sparkling hard cider, using the traditional méthode champenoise. The cider is now laying down in tirage, the step where it goes through a second fermentation with the addition of more yeast and sugar. We’re hoping it will be ready to release this Memorial Day.
We’re pleased to announce three Forest Edge Vineyard wines received awards at the 2013 Savor NW Wines Awards: Silver medal for 2008 Chardonnay; Silver medal for 2010 Sucré Chardonnay and Bronze medal for Sparkling Rosé.
Visit us at these upcoming events and taste our award winning wines:on March 16, we will be in Corvallis at Rhapsody in the Vineyard. March 29 – 30, visit us at the Spring Beer & Wine Fest at the Potland Convention Center.
– Jan Wallender
