Oregon WIne Archives - Dr. Liz Thach, MW

Seven Small Family Wineries to Visit in the Umpqua Valley of Oregon

The small family winery is alive and well in the fairytale Umpqua Valley. Often overlooked with the mad rush to the Willamette Valley just one hour north, or the warmer Rogue and Applegate Valleys of Southern Oregon, the Umpqua wine region is located in the center of Oregon where two rivers converge into one of the most picturesque mountain valleys in the West. The word “Umpqua” is based on the Native Americans who lived in the area, and is thought to mean “thundering waters." The Umpqua Valley of Oregon - View from Cooper's Ridge Winery The main town [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:23:01-08:00July 19, 2019|

Magnificent Meals at Domaine Drouhin, Serene and Penner Ash Wineries in Oregon

(May 2017) In addition to elegant food-friendly pinot noirs, the Willamette Valley is also well known for fresh farm produce grown in sustainable ways. So in addition to experiencing beautiful vineyard landscape and exquisite wine tastings, the 42 MWs on the tour organized by the Oregon Wine Board were treated to a variety of magnificent meals. Following is a recap of some of these delicious meals. Local Oregon Appetizers at Domaine Serene Cellar Lunch at Domaine Drouhin On the second day of our Oregon wine tour we were welcomed to Domain Drouhin. Established more than 25 years ago [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:39:49-08:00July 12, 2017|

Visiting the Unexpected Beauty of the Columbia Gorge Wine Region

(May 2017) As the bus slowly approached the town of Hood River, I became more excited because it was my first time to visit the Columbia Gorge wine region. Whereas I have visited the Willamette Valley many times in the past, this smaller, less well-known wine region of Oregon was new to me. Looking out the window, I was pleased to see how charming the scenery was with trees filled with pink blossoms, tall pines, and the glittering blue of the massive Columbia River weaving through the town. Waterfall Rushing Down to Meet the Columbia River We stopped [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:40:44-08:00July 9, 2017|

An Eye-Opening AVA Tasting of 30 Oregon Pinot Noirs at Adelsheim Vineyards

(May 2017) I was very much looking forward to meeting the legendary David Adelsheim, Chairman of Adelsheim Vineyard, with over 40 years of experience making Oregon wines. As one of the original winemakers of the Willamette Valley, he also helped to establish the Oregon Wine Board and has mentored many newcomers over the years. Finally Meeting David Adelsheim David did not disappoint us, because he was a very charming host and welcomed us with the utmost hospitality to his cellar, which was set up with a sea of tables for the most comprehensive and amazing tasting of Oregon [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:41:06-08:00July 6, 2017|

A Three Day MW Wine Tour of Oregon

(May 2017) Though Oregon and Washington State border one another, and even have overlapping appellations, they are like two different countries when it comes to wine. After spending five days touring Washington wine country, and then crossing the border to Oregon, the only thing in common between the two famous wine regions is their friendly and hospitable welcome. The Beauty of an Oregon Vineyard, Willamette Valley Indeed, as the 42 MWs on this trip soon discovered, Washington State, with its massive cabernet based blends and warmer weather could easily be compared to Bordeaux, whereas Oregon, with its focus [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:41:38-08:00July 5, 2017|