Young Rogues in the Rogue Valley - Northwest Wine Anthem Feature

From the Northwest Wine Anthem:

Today on the Anthem, a pair of rogues in the Rogue Valley may just be making the region's most compelling wine. The first part of our Southern Oregon Wine focus for May is about God King Slave Wines.


Read the full article here!

We are so appreciate of such a flattering review of our wine and efforts. Clive has been such a great supporter and we feel incredibly fortunate to have impressed his palate.

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Favorable Tweets!

When tweets like this pop up in your feed, consider it a great day. And we did.

Thanks Clive - Northwest Wine Anthem.

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A Look of What's to Come.

2011 Sauvignon Blanc. 

2010 Syrah - Tempranillo.

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Padrone Peppers and Sauvignon Blanc

Padron Peppers are possibly Chris's favorite food. They literally melt in your mouth with a small amount of salty heat and lingering pepper flavor. He was first introduced to them in Santa Fe at the incredible Spanish restaurant, La Boca, where his cousin worked as a chef. Since then he seeks out restaurants featuring them on their tapas menus (he was in heaven when we traveled to Spain), but unfortunately in Southern Oregon they are tough to come by. So, he is growing his own and preparing the seeds for germination today. We will have our first crop mid-Summer. 

Padron peppers are best enjoyed as an appetizer prepared very simply by cooking them in a hot olive oil coated pan and sprinkling with sea salt prior to serving. 

These beauties will pair nicely with our 2011 Sauvignon Blanc that has lively acidity, striking citrus and underlying gooseberry notes. The wine will be released May 1, 2012. 

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Rogue River Rafting & Wine Tour Returning to the Wild & Scenic this July!

Paddle by Day -  Sip Local Wines by Night

The second annual Rogue River Rafting & Wine Tour will return to the Wild & Scenic this July 18th-20th. Floating down the Rogue has never been better as Chris and I will be pairing Southern Oregon wines, cheeses and chocolates with Craig and Tina from Rogue River Outfitter's first-class hospitality.

Guests will enjoy three adventure-filled days paddling on the river and two comfortable nights in riverside lodges, the rustic Black Bear Lodge and the gorgeous Paradise Lodge.

Last year's trip featured the debut of our 2009 Syrah-Tempranillo along with wines from Troon Vineyard, Quady North Wines, God King Slave Wines, Del Rio Vineyards, Folin Cellars and Abacela paired with delicious meals prepared by our guides.

Our Testimonials from Last Year's Trip

We felt the selection of wines showcased some of the best from our region and we were so excited to share them with such eager wine enthusiasts. It was an incredible collaboration to enjoy the scenery and adventure of the iconic Rogue River with the wines that are produced in this valley. - Chris 

The scenery was beautiful, the wildlife was exciting, the river was thrilling, the food was exceptional, the lodging was comfortable, but the best part was the people, including the guides. We came together and are taking away lifelong memories. Wine has always been such an important tool in bringing people together and building lifelong friendships and this trip was no different. I hope we continue this trip for years to come and are able to share our regional wines in such a unique way. - Christine 

The tour was a highlight of our Summer and we hope you jump on board for round two! Won't you join us? 

Book Today!

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Oregon Micro-Wineries Dinner Announced

We will be traveling to the Willamette Valley to feature our wine at Restaurant503 in West Linn on Thursday, April 19th. Hosted by Tim Shimmel from Oregon Wine Sales, we are among great company as the menu will feature wines from his incredible portfolio including Noble Pig Wines, Ghost Hill Cellars, Laura Volkman and Anam Cara Cellars. 

6 Course Prix Fixe Dinner
Thursday, April 19th at 6:30 PM
$65/person
Reservations Required 503.607.0960

1st Course
Assorted Canapes
2008 Noble Pig Pinot Blanc

2nd Course
Grilled Shrimp
fennel orange salad
2010 Ghost Hills Cellars White Pinot Noir

3rd Course
Scallop Ceviche
mango salsa
2009 Laura Volkman Chardonnay

4th Course
Duck Confit
polenta cake & cherry jus
2009 Daedalus Pinot Noir

5th Course
New York Strip Steak
potatoes rosti, grilled asparagus & rosemary demi glace
2009 God King Slave Syrah/Tempranillo

6th Course
White Chocolate & Pear Bread Pudding
2009 Anam Cara Late Harvest Gewurztraminer

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Vintage South - Southern Oregon Pivotal to Oregon WIne Industry

In case you missed Saturday's Mail Tribune front-page story Vintage South by Janet Eastman, here is your second chance to read about Southern Oregon's progression in the Oregon wine industry after last week's Oregon Wine Industry Symposium.

Mail Tribune / Jamie Lusch

 Southern Oregon Will Play Pivotal Role in Oregon's Branding

A few of my favorite points:

• Regions that rely on one wine can suffer when that grape goes out of favor. "There is a folly to hitching your wagon to one varietal," said Martin, who owns Troon Vineyard in Grants Pass and sells zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, syrah, viognier, sauvignon blanc and blended wines.
• "Southern Oregon is our insurance policy," said Joe Dobbes, one of the state's larger producers with Dobbes Family Estate wines and the lower-cost Wine by Joe.
• "The quality of the grapes has improved over time," Dobbes said. "They are planting the right grapes and clones in the right spots. It takes time to figure that out."
• "It was the best conference I've been to in the industry," said Christine Collier, a former Willamette Valley Vineyards employee who now works for Troon and bottles tempranillo under her own label, God King Slave. "It felt so collaborative and 'brand Oregon,' instead of 'brand Willamette Valley.' "
• Speaker Rob McMillan, founder of Silicon Valley Bank's wine division, predicts a 7 to 11 percent growth in the fine wine category across the nation and said that Oregon is getting back in balance between supply and demand. Kurt Lotspeich of Trium wines in Talent said it was the most positive report he's heard in five years.
• Southern Oregon University climatologist Greg Jones gave a presentation on last year's tough harvest and his forecast that this will be a "recovery" year with a warmer summer. Afterward, he was standing in the middle of the convention hall amid a sea of 140 vendors.
• SOWA's Martin said that direct-to-consumer sales have increased 50 percent in Oregon. "That's impressive," he said, "but there is a limit to that. It won't keep growing at that rate. So we have to go on the road and take the conversation to the next step, that we make great pinot noir, but also other varietals."
• Sam Tannahill of A to Z Wineworks in Dundee, who buys sangiovese from Del Rio Vineyards as well as pinot noir and pinot gris from the Moores and Aguila Vineyard, spoke at Wednesday's general session called Oregon Wine in the Eyes of the World. "People like diversity," he told the audience. "They don't want to drink pinot noir every day of the week. If they like the wines of Oregon and they don't feel like a pinot noir, they will try a syrah, pinot gris or chardonnay."

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Get it While You Can, Portland!

Korkage Wine Bar & Shop in SW Portland is featuring our Syrah - Tempranillo by the glass this weekend. Supply is dwindling, so get it while you can, Portland!

- Chris & Christine

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Wine Pick - The Oregonian

High fives to all our website readers!

Katherine Cole of The Oregonian selected our wine as her wine pick and writes some kinds words:

2009 God King Slave Rogue Valley Syrah-Tempranillo ($26): When they aren't working their day jobs at Troon Vineyard and Folin Cellars, Christine Collier, 24, and Chris Jiron, 27, are the youngest winery owners in Southern Oregon. The two are off to a fine start with their first release, this meaty, spicy, herbaceous red; they'll release a sauvignon blanc in the spring. After a couple of name changes (they're transitioning from "Long Story Short Cellars"), the pair settled on a title for their label that's taken from the famous Constantin Brancusi quote, "Work like a slave, command like a king, create like a god." It's pretty heady stuff for a couple of 20-somethings. 
 --Katherine Cole- 



http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2012/01/small_bitesparsnips_paper_towe.html


Made our night!

- Chris & Christine

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Partnership with Oregon Wine Sales

The morning after the 22 hour travel day back from Barcelona, I woke up to a email seeing if we were interested in northern Oregon distribution.

I turn to Chris and said, "Are we?"

We hadn't made it that far in our business plan or goals, yet. Should I be admitting that?


But, you can never plan when opportunities come knocking.

So, I replied, "Sure, we'd be interested in hearing your proposal. Why don't we plan to meet in the next month or two when we are back in Portland."


But, as luck had it, Tim from Oregon Wine Sales was headed to our side of town and encouraged a meeting within the hour. I was willing to throw back on plane clothes and tease my hair so it look purposefully messy, although it was quite the opposite. Why not?

First impression of Tim, he is a go-getter. He has band together with two other industry alum and is putting together a portfolio of brands that we are honored to be on the same page as. I mean seriously, look here!

So, we are excited to announce our partnership with Oregon Wine Sales. We have committed some of our last remaining cases of our 2009 Syrah - Tempranillo to the crew and have confidence they will help us share our wine with many more people. Stay tuned...

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Viva La España!

In just a few hours we will be boarding a plane to Espana! I (Christine) was becoming increasingly anxious since we hadn't planned any of the 12 day escape beyond our flight. But, once I looked up the quaint village and winery we will be headquartered at, my stress was eased.

We will be flying into Barcelona and heading southwest to the Priorat region, which many consider Spain's most exciting and up-and-coming winegrowing appellation. Chris's friend, Albert works as the assistant winemaker at his family's winery, Vall Llach. To our pleasant surprise, Vach Llach is one of the leading producers in Priorat (even named on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 List of 2011). They make three red blends from 60-90 year old Cariñena, Granacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah vines. Chris and Albert met this past Spring working harvest in New Zealand's Marlborough region and spent an additional week traveling the islands.

Outside of winery visits, we hope to take in as many of the recommendations our new friends, Thomas and Kate, from Divison Winemaking Company graciously gave us as their top eats in Barcelona and the six cheeses Tom from the Rogue Creamery suggested to seek out.

We are packing four bottles of our wine to share with our host and new friends.

We can't wait to share our experience with you.

Salud!

Chris & Christine

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Friday Night Pouring at 38 Central

God King Slave - Wine for our time... Friday 5-7 pm, enjoy a complimentary tasting of God King Slave Wine ~ special prices by-the-glass & by-the-bottle, small plate food pairings & experience "the fine art of casual dining" at 38 Central. Their words, "Come kick it with the the Best of the Valley." http://www.facebook.com/events/316160198401985/

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'Tis the Season... For Top 100 Lists

'Tis the season for Top 100 Wine Lists...

...and as the Northwest Wine Anthem puts it, "We think the Top 100 list from the Wine Enthusiast makes great toilet paper. Not one Oregon wine? Get the hell out of here."

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Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour - Part II

• Experience the new age of Oregon wine in the second leg of the Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour. Saturday, December 17th 5:00-8:00 pm Red Slate Wine Co., Portland The night will feature three wine (maybe more) brands from three distinct regions: Division Winemaking Company- It started as an "itch" when Tom enrolled in an entry level sommelier course and when Kate visited her family home in the Loire Valley in central France. It has now evolved into a winery on Divison Street in Southeast Portland, the site of Tom and Kate's first home together. Division represents the two sides of wine growing; vineyard farming and wine making. Finally, Division is the two people who strive to bring their creativity, ideals and love of wine. God King Slave Wines - At 24 and 27 years old, Christine Collier & Chris Jiron, have released their inaugural wine, a Syrah-Tempranillo blend from the Rogue Valley. Their mission to “Create like a God. Command like a King. Work like a Slave.” is bringing new energy to the Southern Oregon wine industry. Brigadoon Wine Company- Having caught the winemaking bug at an early age, Matt Shown has been working in the vineyards since he was 8 years old. Matt will be showcasing the Pinot Noirs and Pinot Blanc his family are committed to making. Enjoy the lineup from these three producers for just $10 (waived with 6 bottle purchase). The Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour will be a traveling series showcasing young winemakers from around the state.

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This Weekends Pourings

I have some upcoming tastings and I'd love to pour for you! Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm I'll be at the Harry & David Country Village and on Monday from 5-8 pm I'll be at Corks Wine Bar & Bottle Shoppe for the Jacksonville Barn Company Fall Open House. I hope you can try our wine soon!

- Christine

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Downfall of a Cult California Winery

A must watch for anyone who works in the wine biz! Simply hilarious. Does this mean our 14.5% alcohol wine will reign? haha

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Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour

A month or so ago, I was at the gym when an idea struck me. Let's get other young winemakers together and celebrate the future of Oregon wine. And so it begins...

Experience the NEW AGE of Oregon wine in the first leg of the Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour.

Saturday, September 24th
5:30-8:30 pm
Corkscrew Wine Bar in SE Portland

The night will feature three hot new wine brands from three distinct Oregon regions:

Fausse Piste- Jesse Skiles is celebrating the Rhone in a different kind of Way. In 2008, at the age of 24, Skiles departed as the Chef at Owen Roe Winery to develop Fausse Piste, a boutique Rhone based wine label using vineyards from across Washington and Oregon. Jesse’s has acquired a strong following and hopes to open a Tasting Room in the heart of Portland in the near future.

God King Slave Wines - At 24 and 27 years old, Christine Collier & Chris Jiron, have released their inaugural wine, a Syrah-Tempranillo blend from the Rogue Valley. Their mission to “Create like a God. Command like a King. Work like a Slave.” is bringing new energy to the Southern Oregon wine industry.

Brigadoon Wine Company- Having caught the winemaking bug at an early age, Matt Shown has been working in the vineyards since he was 8 years old. Matt will be showcasing the Pinot Noirs and Pinot Blanc his family are committed to making.
Enjoy the lineup from these three producers for just $10 (waived with case purchase).

The Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour will be a traveling series showcasing young winemakers from around the state.

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A Proud Parent

It is so exciting to see your own wine on someone's dinner table. I imagine the feeling is like watching your little one walk for the first time or graduate kindergarten 

(okay... maybe not that significant, but you get my point). 

Amye, my dear friend from high school, was enjoying some Syrah-Tempranillo with pizza night! 

- Christine

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Uncle Mitch, CSW

One of the most gut-wrenching moments from visiting family this weekend was when Uncle Mitch swirled, sipped and swallowed our wine. See what this CSW thought of our wine. 

Family is so humbling!

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OregonWineGeeks.com Review

We have our first real "review" (outside of our parents) and it is really cool!

OregonWineGeeks.com had this to say about our 2009 Syrah-Tempranillo:

This unique red from two young winemakers with the label God, King Slave.
  Create like a GOD.Command like a KING.Work like a SLAVE.- Constantin Brancusi

You should let this young wine breath a moment before going at it.  A light ruby color, lower alcohol red half Syrah and half Tempranillo is elegant and refined.  The nose has a touch of barnyard, subtle black fruit, spicy green pepper, a touch of leather and black pepper.  The mouth feel is full with a sweet fruit and a subtle tannin.  This mayl improve even more over the next year or two but is satisfying and hits the palate just right now.  We had this today at 38 Central, our WINE central on Tuesdays for sup and sip.

Score: 89 
Cost: $ 28

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