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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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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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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Wine Release Party!

Join us at our favorite local restaurant for a very monumental event. 

- Chris & Christine

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Will Row for Wine

Twenty-two bottles of Southern Oregon wine floated the Wild and Scenic portion of the Rogue River this July 20th-22nd. Only empties returned thanks to the guests attending the first annual Rogue River Rafting & Wine Tour hosted by Rogue River Outfitters. 


Guests enjoyed two nights and three days on the river paddling by day and sipping local wines by night. Rogue River Outfitters approached Chris and I to select and present the wines to pair with the evening meals. The wines selected for the trip included Troon Vineyard “The River Guide” Dry Riesling, Quady North Cabernet Franc, Del Rio Vineyards Viognier, Folin Cellars Tempranillo, Abacela Port, and the inaugural release of God King Slave.

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 Jiron

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 Collier

Dates for the 2012 Rogue River Rafting & Wine Tour have been set for July 18th-20th. The trip will have 12 paddles open and we would love for you to join us. Please visit the Rogue River Outfitters page for more information and to book your trip. 


Rogue River Outfitters is a second generation family-owned and operated guide and outfitter service. Craig and Tina Hughson truly believe the Rogue River is one of those beautiful world famous rivers that everyone needs to see and experience. They are one of few outfitters on the Rogue providing both rafting and fishing excursions. To learn more about Rogue River Outfitters visit http://www.rogueriveroutfitters.com/ or check out their blog at http://rrorafting.com.

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Surprise in the Wine Box

Click the link to watch our surprise in the wine box:

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