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.

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 the Joseph Drouhin family from Burgundy, the winery’s motto is “French Soul, Oregon Soil.” I had visited here twice in the past, and this time was just as welcoming as the prior visits.

Even though it was raining lightly when we arrived, the terrace overlooking the vineyards had a stunning view and we enjoyed a variety of fresh appetizers before being ushered into the cellar. There amongst the stainless steel tanks we were able to partake of a buffet of fresh salads, fruits, and brick oven pizzas. Afterwards we enjoyed the “stories of the winemakers,” over a tasting of more amazing pinot noirs.

Gala Dinner at Domaine Serene in New Estate Club House

That evening we dressed up to attend a very elegant dinner at the new tasting room/club house just opened at Domaine Serene. Again, I had visited this winery several times in the past, but in their original building. The new clubhouse is stunning with a large welcoming fountain in front of the Spanish style architecture with melon stucco walls and red roof tiles.

As we entered, we were handed a glass of rose and invited to see the view of the vineyards out the wall of windows. Next we headed into the magnificent cellars made of white limestone. There we enjoyed a walk-around tasting of more Oregon wines, as well as a tempting table of Oregon cheese, meats, oysters, vegetables and other charcuterie items.

Dinner was held upstairs in a baronial ballroom with massive white stone fireplaces. We sat down at tables of eight, including two Oregon winemakers joining us at each table. Again the meal was comprised of fresh Oregon cuisine, including roasted beets, apples, sunchokes, breads, nuts, foie gras, and tuna as starters. The main course was a choice of Korean BBQ or Roasted Pork Leg. Dessert was Rhubarb compote with vanilla ice cream. Of course, every table was filled with mixed bottles of Oregon wine.

The piece de resistance was a jeroboam of Domaine Serene 2005 Evenstad Vineyard Pinot Noir. It made me think of the 750ml bottle of this I had brought to a Masters of Wine dinner in London when I was still studying for the exam. We were each asked to bring a bottle of wine from our country that we were proud of. I brought the Domaine Serene Evenstad and it disappeared quickly – which made me feel good – considering there were also many lovely bottles of Burgundy on the table.

 

The evening concluded with the winemakers each providing a brief welcome and explanation of their winery. The chef and serving staff also were greeted by much applause and thanks. A truly magnificent and elegant evening in the Willamette Valley.

 

Baked Salmon Farewell Dinner at Penner-Ash Winery

The final evening of our trip we all gathered at the stunning Penner-Ash Winery with its modern architecture of wood, stone, and steel set atop a hill. Vineyards and pine trees surround the winery, and there is a large stone terrace with fire pits. We met here and in the great room inside, for a walk-around tasting and a debrief of our 3 day MW tour of Oregon wine regions.

Penner-Ash Wine Cellars was started in 1998 by Lynn Penner-Ash, winemaker, and her husband Ron. After studying at UC-Davis and working at Stag’s Leap and Rex Hill, Lynn built the gravity flow winery and focused on making award winning pinot noir. Recently the winery was acquired by Jackson Family Farms as part of their expansion into Oregon wine. Lynn is still actively engaged in winemaking, and is fortunate enough to work with the legendary Eugenia Keegan, who is the General Manager of Operations for Jackson Family Wines in Oregon, and winemaker at Gran Moraine Winery.

I was fortunate enough to sit with Eugenia for part of the magnificent dinner in the barrel room of Penner-Ash. We enjoyed a family style meal of baked Oregon salmon, fresh vegetables, salads, breads, and delectable desserts. Of course, again we were treated to many amazing Oregon wines, and were joined by some of the winemakers from the Columbia Gorge and Southern Oregon Winery Associations – a true testament to how well the Oregon Wine Industry works together to support one another.

Departure from Portland International Airport

The next day we all awoke early to take cars and vans to the airport in Portland. Several of us had a last coffee together before jetting off to all parts of the globe. For me, it was just a quick flight to Santa Rosa, back home in Sonoma County. For others it was off to Hong Kong, London, Paris, Munich, and all of the many other locations around the work in which MWs work. Thank you Oregon for a magical visit!