Natalie's Estate Winery Winemakers Dinner at The Barberry

Saturday, May 6th, on the 19th birthday of Natalie, for whom Natalie's Estate Winery is named, 25 guests enjoyed a delicious family style Winemakers dinner at The Barberry, downtown McMinnville. 

All of the wines served were from the Natalie's Estate Winery brand.  

Special muse of whipped trout and ricotta, paired with Pinot Gris.  

Artist Christine Swanson at the beginning of the evening. 

Carlton Farms Pork Meatballs, summer squash and zucchini with herb creme fresh.  Paired with newly released 2015 Pinot Noir.

Braised Venison Loin served with potato gnocchi, black truffle buerre monte, braised collard greens and crispy leeks. Paired with 2014 Reserve Sangiovese. 

Listening to winemaker Boyd Teegarden describe the wines in detail.  

Dried cherry and pecorino bread pudding with an herbed créme anglaise. Paired with 2014 Zinfandel.  

More stories from Boyd. 

Two hours later, red Poppies by Christine Joy Swanson.  

We asked for names of charities the guests were passionate about, wrote them down, put them in the hat, and pulled one foundation name out: Family Bridge, Hillsboro, OR. 

As a way to give back, we auctioned this painting in a silent bid. 

Congratulations to dinner guest Adina (pictured on right), whose donation to Family Bridge will forever be a memory of this night as she enjoy Christine's painting in her home. 

27th Ann, one night away 5.4.17

It's incredibly hard to imagine our lives 27 years ago. It was a 90 degree scorcher for May and the little 20 and 22 year olds that we were, said I Do.  

Today, our lives are not defined by celebrating special days as though they are the moments to live for, but to celebrate every day together, and the "special days" just roll right into life.  

Marriage is not easy, but it's also not hard if you commit, support, be patient, and spend ridiculous amounts of time together. 

I am NO expert, but I am asked often what is a good secret to marriage? We always say the same thing, spend time together. Travel without the kids. Make time. It doesn't have to break the bank, it doesn't have to be epic. Make the little moments  epic by simply doing them. 

Different stages of marriage offer different opportunities. For the empty nest life, we choose to have coffee together, by candlelight and often classical music, every day. We may even get up earlier to do this which is difficult at times. It's the number one thing I miss when I travel. Number two is my cat. Sorry kids. 

27th Anniversary. May the 4th be with you.  

Forced MC to get a McMenamins Passport. First stamp: Roseburg!  

Made our way from Southern Oregon to Bend.  

Found a sign that said Michael, est 1986, his grad year from high school.  

ps. He's never actually been to Cabo Wabo, haha. Free shirt from a company trip in March. #classy #hesallmineladies

South Bend Bistro, in Sun River, OR. Chef Jeremy Buck is amazing. 

Favorite dinner view.  

Dont buy me gifts. Buy me a two to three hour slow dinner and I will love you forever. My happiest of places is enjoying art plated by chefs and raising a glass of wine. Add white linen and candles and, boom, you have me. 

Carried in our 2011 Roads End, by Dave Grooters. Special wine for special times .

Shrimp and lobster. Give me pasta, always.  

We may or may not have brought some 2011 Brooks Pinot Noir and put it in our Passport stamp winning tumblers to sit by the fire. 

Old Saint Francis, a McMenamins hotel, has the most spectacular soaking pool. It's a luxurious at it looks. 

Monday 4.20.17

When conversations are so enjoyable, it pushes back dinner to begin after 9 P.M. This is what life is all about, well this, and having friends who are amazing in the kitchen. I'm so impressed with people who love to cook and do it so well. 

Lobster Risotto ❤️ 

March golfing in Oregon

I'm a golfer. I keep saying those words. However, in Oregon, I'm a fair weather golfer, and fair weather has not been friendly to western Oregonians this year. I've read that we have had one full year worth of rain in just 3 1/2 months. Cabin fever is real for mediocre golfers like myself. 

We had a break and the sun spent a day with us, reminding the dreary that hope for summer is not lost.  

11 A.M. Domaine Roy on a Wednesday. 4.16.17

When you have the place to yourselves, before summer arrives. ❤️ 

Eyrie, it was a pleasure.

The luxury of living in a wine region is not lost on me. On a random Monday, I can find myself meeting new friends and barrel tasting from one of our founding vineyards, Eyrie.

Jason Lett, the son and heir of highly respected David Lett took time from his day to spend with us. I'm proud to know him (and his late father) and to have the Eyrie story live on. 

Note: anytime a winemaker says he's going to get the thief, let him. Don't speak, just listen.  

1974, 1976, 1986..... 

This was a blend from 1974 to the current vintage. It has not been released and I am incredibly honored to have tried it. I know the name, but will let the Lett's share it, someday. 

Trousseau, loved it!  

My Lucky Guests

My dinner party guests the other night do not know how lucky they were. On the table was the olive oil I had shipped back from Italy two summers ago, from the winery Villa Calcinaia located just outside of Florence. You will see me talk about them again, just wait. 

The La Vecchia Dispensa Aceto Balsamico was a gift from a friend a few years. I've been hoarding both of these, my prizes that sit quietly in my kitchen cupboards. 

Sometimes though, an evening warrants the best, even if it's just for my knowledge and palate. 

Two reasons to go to Camp 18

Camp 18 is a log cabin restaurant located 18 miles off the Oregon coastal highway 101, between Seaside and Cannon Beach.  

I go there for the picture widows, bird watching and cats that live on the property. If you want a cinnamon roll the size of your plate, they have it. If you want a raging log cabin fire and view of the Nehalem river rolling past, they also have these. That is, if you want them. 

The Waiting Room at R. Stuart and Co. Wine Dinner. 3.1.17

Guest chef and owner of The Waiting Room, Portland, brought the house down with four courses expertly paired with four wines and tawny dessert wine.  

Monterosso al Mare 5.2015

Keeler Estate Winery at Sunset

Scholarship Fundraising Dinner.

It's snowed big white flakes in the morning. The afternoon was crisp and clear. The table was filled with 24 guests who believed in the value of art and supporting dreams. The scholarship recipient is a university Art student wrestling to fund her education. Guest artist Christine Swanson shared her talents and inspiration with a live painting of the view from the home of the dinner. In a blind bid, Swanson's painting sold for 3000.00, making the total raised 6000.00. There is nothing like a night with great food and wine, conversation with strangers turned friend sand tears of happiness. 

R. Stuart and Co. Crab Feed 2.25.17

Crab and wine and everything's fine.  

Cup and Bar, Portland, OR

Black Rabbit Restaurant at Edgefield 2.22.17

The Barberry back bar

Stoller Winery 2.2017

Elizabeth Chambers Cellars 2.24.17

Jory. 2.23.17

Domaine Roy et Fils

Wineries I love category: Domaine Roy et Fils