Tag Archives: Pinot in the Windy City

Oregon, Provence Wines Big Hit

08 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by in Oregon

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CHCIAGO, Il. – As trade events go, Thursday was a smash hit. The Willamette Valley wineries created a standing room only response during their first trip to Chicago.

Organizers said 500 trade (wine importers, wholesalers, retailers, and wine press) members registered and crowded into City Winery on the city’s near downtown west side.

Even more impressive was the 500 registered for the public tasting event Thursday night at $65 per person.

Penner-Ash

Penner-Ash

I was able to interview some old Oregon friends and several I’ve always wanted to meet. I chatted with Lynn Penner-Ash, David Adelsheim, and John Bergstrom among others.

Oregon Pinot Noir has established a standard that almost never disappoints. The wines were amazing. I talked with many of those folks and others about the emergency – or continued emergency – of Oregon Chardonnay.

After catching up with old friends Jesse Lange, Bill and Donna of Winderlea, and David Milliman of Drouhin, I dashed across town to the Provence tasting.

Breban

Breban

The most amazing thing about the wonderful Provence wines is the price point. Fabulous Rose’ can cost as little as $12-$18. I had the chance to interview Jean-Jacquies Breban, President of the Provence Wine Council about Rose’ booming popularlity in the US and what that means to producers back in France.

I have notes on some labels to explore and specific great wines I tasted I’ll get up in next few days. I remain on the road for my real job for a couple more days.

Provence, Oregon Visiting Chicago

05 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by in France, Oregon

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Trade tasting events often are hosted by importers and wholesalers and give wine media, retailers, and wholesalers a chance to taste some wines. They’re always nice events, in great places, with really good food.

Chicago 230 x 300By an unfortunate coincidence, Oregon’s Willamette Valley producers and France’s Vins de Provence are holding tastings Thursday at almost exactly the same times on opposite sides of downtown Chicago.

But the great part is winemakers and winery owners will be on hand at both events. That’s a wine writer’s gold mine!

I registered for the Pinot in the Windy City event first then learned the date of the Provence pouring. So I have a strategy to get to both but downtown Chicago traffic could play a role.

The Oregon producers are making their first excursion to Chicago. “We’ve touched both coasts with our traveling events and look forward to sharing our wines in the great Midwest,” said Sue Horstman, Willamette Valley Wineries Association Executive Director.

A public tasting will take place 6-9 p.m. at City Winery on the near west side of downtown following the trade event. Anyone can taste the great Pinot, Pinot Gris and other wines for $65 by registering in advance.

ProvenceI know Oregon friends Jesse Lange, Lange Estate Winery, and Bill and Donna from Winderlea will be in attendance.

Across town near the lakeshore, Vins de Provence will host a trade tasting presenting approximately 20 wineries pouring their Provence Rose’ and other wines.

The explosion of US sales of Provence Rose’ makes the visit a great story to share.

I hope to make both events. Or as I like to call it – work, work, work!