Beyond the Bottle : Places Archives

January 06, 2011

Most Popular/Favorite Posts from 2010

Here's a list of the most viewed (and implied read) posts from last year, along with my favorites published in 2010. One thing is clear about this site: most of those visiting seek wine reviews or tasting notes. Even still, a significant number of visitors read my "Perspective" posts, which focus on relevant topics that go beyond how a wine tastes. A heartfelt thanks to all of you who visited BeyondtheBottle.com in 2010. I hope you enjoyed reading about my experiences with Oregon and Washington wine. I also hope my coverage helped enhance your own enjoyment of a wine,...

Posted by Thad W. at 02:29 PM | Permalink

November 11, 2010

Review: Farm to Fork, Dundee, OR

It's a rare occasion when I will eat at the same restaurant twice in one month, let alone the same week. And I have yet to recall a situation where I have chosen to eat another meal in the same restaurant within a 24 hour period. Well, Farm to Fork in Dundee, Oregon, is now the only restaurant where I have eaten four meals (two dinners, one lunch and one breakfast) within such a short period of time. It's that good, plain and simple. Granted, I was staying at the Inn at Red Hills making it extremely convenient to...

Posted by Thad W. at 07:31 PM | Permalink

November 09, 2010

Photos: The birds and the bees in the vineyard

A watchful eye and a handy shotgun were some of the approaches taken to keep birds away from ripening fruit at Brick House Vineyards. This year's harvest in the Willamette Valley suffered from a severe bird problem. Up close, you could see the damage from clusters picked clean of fruit. From a far, you could hear the shotguns, canons, and bird calls throughout the day. While birds were being scared away, honeybees didn't seem affected by all of the noise, as was evident by this one enjoying a taste of Brick House chardonnay the day before it was harvested....

Posted by Thad W. at 02:43 PM | Permalink

November 02, 2010

Photos: An afternoon at Brick House Vineyard

Upon arriving at Brick House Vineyards to shoot one afternoon during harvest, Doug Tunnell and Melissa Mills invited me to first sit down with the rest of their crew to have a glass of wine as they finished up a late lunch. That's what it is all about - taking pause and soaking it all in before getting back to work. I like that approach and appreciated the kind welcome from Doug and Melissa, who were such gracious hosts throughout my stay. Grace is a word that aptly describes Brick House wines, ones that I am a big fan of...

Posted by Thad W. at 06:04 PM | Permalink

April 18, 2010

List of Oregon's Certified Vineyards and Wineries

Here are the vineyards and wineries in Oregon that have received certification for sustainable, organic, and/or biodynamic practices. This list was compiled based on information found at the Low Input Viticulture & Enology, Salmon-Safe, Oregon Tilth, and Demeter® USA sites. As a result, this list may not always reflect the most current or comprehensive certifications received by an Oregon vineyard or winery. Vineyards Alloro Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Amity Vineyards (LIVE Sustainable/Tilth Organic) Anindor Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Anna Marie Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Apolloni Vineyards (LIVE Sustainable) Aurora Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Avellana Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Bass Hill Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable) Bayliss Vineyard...

Posted by Thad W. at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

List of Washington's Certified Vineyards and Wineries

Here are the vineyards and wineries in Washington state that have been certified for some type of sustainable practice, be it organic, biodynamic or otherwise. Washington's list was compiled based on info found at the Low Input Viticulture & Enology, Salmon-Safe, and Demeter® USA sites. As a result, this list may not always contain the most current or complete certifications received by a Washington state vineyard or winery. Vineyards Badger Mountain Vineyards (Salmon-Safe) Double River Estate Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Figgins Estate (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Frenchtown Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Heather Hill (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Les Collines Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe) Loess Vineyard (LIVE Sustainable/Salmon-Safe)...

Posted by Thad W. at 08:44 PM | Permalink

February 07, 2010

Connections: Oregon Vines and Family Roots

For anyone who has been following my posts these last couple of years, it should be readily apparent that I am biased toward Oregon wine. That said, this bias may not exist for reasons solely associated with my subjective taste preferences. In the last year, I have come to realize my personal journey with wine, especially that comprised of Oregon fruit, may be just as much about my past as it is about my palate. While I am a Texan by birth and an Okie by childhood, both branches of my family tree have firm roots in the state...

Posted by Thad W. at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 14, 2009

A Visit to Lake Chelan AVA

This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit several wineries in the new Lake Chelan AVA (see links below for more info on this area). While the extremely cold weather might have forced one to stay inside and enjoy a few mugs of gluvine, I managed to venture out to sample local wines along the north shore of the lake. On Friday, I visited Vin de Lac and Hard Row to How and then made trips on Saturday to Wapato Point Cellars, Benson Vineyards, and Lake Chelan Winery (reviews for each visit will be posted soon). At each...

Posted by Thad W. at 09:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 27, 2009

Profile: The Allison Inn & Spa

If you're planning a visit to the Willamette Valley, then The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg deserves to be at the top of your list of places to stay. Granted, there are less expensive options available in the valley, but for those seeking a more inclusive resort experience, The Allison is it. A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to spend two nights at The Allison (full disclosure: a special rate was provided), which opened in September to considerable fanfare. Why the fuss? Until now, nothing like this hotel and conference center existed in the Willamette Valley....

Posted by Thad W. at 06:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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January 06, 2011

Most Popular/Favorite Posts from 2010

November 11, 2010

Review: Farm to Fork, Dundee, OR

November 09, 2010

Photos: The birds and the bees in the vineyard

November 02, 2010

Photos: An afternoon at Brick House Vineyard

April 18, 2010

List of Oregon's Certified Vineyards and Wineries

List of Washington's Certified Vineyards and Wineries

February 07, 2010

Connections: Oregon Vines and Family Roots

December 14, 2009

A Visit to Lake Chelan AVA

November 27, 2009

Profile: The Allison Inn & Spa

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