Post Holiday Wine Down

Having decided that we were not participating in the usual Black Friday craziness this year, Mr. Robin and I instead launched ourselves into a road trip down the breathtaking Columbia Gorge under the guise of running some errands for the wedding. First drinks, both wine and beer, and then gathering intelligence for possible mini-moon places for the week after the wedding.

(the Gorge, Portland Ground)

Of course let's talk wine first.

We have decided to go through our caterer for the wine at the reception. The selection is very good and it is much more practical in that they assume all the risks associated with Oregon Liquor Control licensing (which is very very strict). However, wine for us is very personal. You know we like you when we invite you to our weekly wine tasting location.

I would really encourage the use of wine that has been personally selected or that has special meaning or even that is grown close geographically for the wedding and accompanying events. The wine becomes a part of your memories that can be uncorked and relived for years. We have two cases of the rioja reserva that we drank right before Mr. Robin proposed labeled “Engagement Wine” in his cellar. That is 24 times that I will get to smile over a glass at him and remember that day in the taste of smooth tempranillo grapes.

Finding a wine that is personal to you as a couple is still very doable even if you aren't very wine savvy. If you live near a wine producing region, make an adventure out of it! It is a great way to escape from the daily pressures of wedding tasks, with the excuse that you are accomplishing a wedding task.

(Grapes growing at Cathedral Ridge Winery)

Tips for Touring and Finding the Wedding Wine (and having a rocking time!!)

1. Have a general idea of your objectives for this trip. This can be as general as you would like two reds and a white at the end of the day. Or you would like to get all the wine from a single vineyard. Or that you would like one from this valley and another from another, across the state (in most states this will take two trips, score!).

2. Bring the following: maps (can be picked up at the tourist office), camera, and notebook. Use this notebook to take notes on wineries, directions, release dates, shipping information. Otherwise, I know from experience, you will either forget the details or write them on brochures, only half of which will make it home with you. Use the camera to take silly pictures of each other.

3. Go to a bigger, more well-known winery first and get pours. It may be more expensive and crowded but it will give you a jumping off point you can find. If you were in Portland, doing the Columbia Gorge like us, I would recommend Maryhill Winery. This winery is perched on the cliffs high above the river offering amazing views as you sip their award winning Zinfindel.
   

   (deck overlooking the Columbia River at Maryhill Winery)
   

   Going to a big winery like this first lets you become comfortable with the rituals of wine tasting, and they usually have a larger staff and more professional promotional materials that will allow you to learn more of the region's wine history, and grape varieties. Also sometimes live music!

4. While at the large winery ask your wine server what their favorite wineries in the region are (besides the one they work at). Then ask them if they could only go to one, which would it be? And why?

   These people will usually know the region very well and are often eager to offer their opinions. They also may have taken note of the things you liked at their winery and can steer you toward wineries that have strengths in those areas/varietals.

5. Compare their recommendations to your list of stated objectives. If you wanted everything from one vineyard, head to their number one pick. About a year ago, Mr. Robin and I found an amazing winery this way. Marshal's Winery is a kick, and the antithesis of every stuffy winery you've ever been to. The owner is a retired welder, who now vints amazing syrahs, cabernet francs, and a great $10 blend that is just right for dinner at home. On holidays, like Friday, you will find heaping plates of free food, generous pours. And they serve Cheetos to clear your palate. Classic!

   If your wants are more variety, tour several your server listed and any other that catches your fancy along the way. We have stopped for no other reason than a winery had an outdoor Bocce court, and I wanted to play and sip. Or that Pheasant Valley has this great fireplace. You might taste some mediocre wine, but you will have fun picking at random.

6. Talk to people! Tell them what you liked about the wine and what you didn't prefer. In the smaller wineries the person behind the counter might even be the vintner themselves, and they will definitely know how to find you a wine you will love.

7. Don't buy it if you aren't convinced. Remember that while the wineries often discount cases and wave tasting fee for those who buy, returns usually aren't an option. Therefore, it is better to wait than make a costly mistake.

8. One of the wines should be something you love. Not all your guests will have similar tastes, so you will have to buy a variety of different varietals, but there should be one that you can drink for years to come. This is all about making the day about the two of you and having a memory sitting in the bottle, ready to drink.

If you can't go to a wine region, often the wine shops in your town will either have regular tastings or will be happy to set up a tasting for you. Grab some friends (or your bridal party) and make finding the wine it's own memory.