With more than a dozen Willamette Valley wineries hosting dinners on the eve of IPNC weekend, it makes for a tough decision when choosing which one to attend. These Thursday night events are a great way to kickoff what becomes a series of multi-course, multi-flight meals that help define and shape IPNC. The evening Scott and Martha Wright hosted at their downtown Carlton winery on Thursday, July 22, was no exception.

In fact, this event exceeded expectations on so many fronts, I probably could have gone home the next day and been happy with that experience alone. The interesting people, the amazing food, the wonderful setting, the engaging conversation, and of course, the delightful wines, combined to form a microcosm of what IPNC generates during its three day run.

Arriving after a longer-than-expected journey from Seattle, Scott Paul's dinner helped transform my road weary mindset into one that was ready to enjoy the company of a diverse group of people who have in common a strong passion for Pinot noir. Not only was there a love of good wine shared amongst us, but also a collective appetite for good food and good conversation. Aren't these the three key ingredients that make for a memorable meal?

In terms of the food, Chef Vitaly Paley and his team from Paley's Place prepared four fantastic courses, each paired with wines from either Oregon, California, or France. As a result of this meal, I now understand why so many rave about Paley's Place; a must visit on my next trip to Portland. Here is the menu, which weeks later still makes me hungry for another plate of that fantastic fennel roasted rabbit salad or another serving of that heavenly hay-roasted dry-aged rib eye entrée.

One of the best aspects to IPNC is the opportunity to meet and dialogue with winegrowers and winemakers from around the world. What makes these gatherings unique are not just the wines drunk, but more importantly the conversations that ensue.

At this dinner, I had the good fortune to find myself sitting next to Paul and Louis Meunier, sons of Alain Meunier and Sophie Meunier-Confuron of Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron. Several J-J Confuron pinots were included in a recent mixed case study of Burgundy wine I explored for a frame of reference in advance of IPNC.

This is the magic of IPNC: you can experience a Pinot noir from near or far earlier in the year, only to find yourself sitting next to the person(s) responsible for making it, hearing firsthand descriptions of where the grapes were grown and how the wine was made.

How serendipitous it was to have an opportunity to get to know the next generation associated with Domaine J-J Confuron and hear firsthand about this family's history in Burgundy. I was really impressed by the dedication and commitment these two young brothers (Paul is 21 and Louis is 18) had for their birthright. When asked if they would be staying after IPNC to see more of the U.S., Paul answered, "We must get back to care for the vineyard".

But it was his next statement that completely blew me away a few minutes later in our conversation: "We are doing this for our children." When I was Paul's age, I wasn't even thinking about my children, let alone how my vocational choices would affect them. It was truly inspiring (if not humbling) to listen to Paul and Louis talk about their family's vineyard, a place that existed long before their arrival and one that he and his brother will have a hand in sustaining for generations to come. What an enlightening conversation to have had with these two.

Paul and Louis Meunier of Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron

And if that weren't enough, I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Allen and Erica Meadows, who were also seated at my table. My conversation with Allen covered a variety of topics, including his path from a decades long career in corporate finance to becoming a professional wine writer with the launch of Burghound.com. Along the way, Allen and Erica shared stories about their early experiences with Pinot noir, especially the meals, wines, and moments that were most transformative.

If Allen's newly released book, , "The Pearl of the Côte, The Great Wines of Vosne-Romanée", matches the insightful stories he shared at dinner, then there is much to gain from reading this tome. I purchased a copy at his book singing during the weekend and look forward to sharing my impressions here once it's read.

Finally, it's worth noting the warm hospitality conveyed by Scott and Martha Wright as well as the rest of the Scott Paul team to me and the other seventy plus guests who gathered on this evening. I am so impressed with how well-executed this event was in terms of the food, the service, the wines, and the setting. This pre-IPNC dinner far exceeded the $150 I paid to attend. As a consumer constantly yearning to connect to the people and places behind the wines (e.g., Pinot noir) I enjoy at my table regularly, this was a fantastic experience.

Thanks Scott, Martha, Kelley, Kelly and the rest of the Scott Paul team for a great evening!

Scott Wright pouring '08 Audrey at IPNC alfresco tasting.

Related Links
IPNC Day One: Vineyard Tour, Winery Luncheon, Grand Dinner
IPNC Day Two: Grand Seminar, Alfresco Lunch, Salmon Bake