MCMINNVILLE, OREGON
At the end of June we took a trip to McMinnville, Oregon for a couple of reasons. First, was to take the accelerated WSET2 course at Linfield University’s Evenstad Center for Wine Education and second, to explore the Willamette Valley’s wine country.
We flew from SLC to Portland and drove to McMinnville. I was so tempted to stop along the way and start the tasting part of our journey, but had to remain focused getting to our destination. When we arrived, we quickly discovered how quaint McMinnville is. It is the perfect dichotomy of old timey meets repurposed modern. School was starting bright and early the next morning so we needed to be conservative on our first night; early to bed it was!
My husband dropped me off at Linfield for my first class. It was a small and intimate group so that was encouraging for questions and participation. We studied theory and tastings along the way. We explored 18 wines the first day (don’t worry, I swished and spit each tasting so not to over indulge). It was overwhelming, yet exhilarating. At the end of the 8 and a half hour class, I was a bit punch drunk. I was anxious to apply what I had learned and explore some of my classmates’ recommendations for dining and tastings.
We tried Pizza Campo for our first night’s dinner. It was AMAZING! Since I’m gluten free, I often find pizzeria’s versions of gluten free a little cardboard-ish. This was so far from it I had to ask (maybe more than once) to assure myself it was indeed safe for me to eat. Afterward, we wandered up and down the main street to window shop and take in the energy of the town.
The next morning, I headed back to school. My husband dropped me off and headed to the coast for a hike, lunch and some tastings. He went to Coleman Vineyards on his way back from the coast and brought back delicious Pinot Gris and Syrah. Back in McMinnville, he did a tasting at R. Stuart & Co. where he picked up Pinot Noir, Chardonnays and more Pinot Gris. During my last full day of classroom work, I sampled 17 more wines most of which were red so all of my classmates and I had purple smiles.
I knew I had my exam the next morning so I wanted to remain clear headed so we had an early dinner at a rooftop restaurant. It was relaxing to overlook the historic street, listen to street musicians and watch people wander by.
The next morning, back to school for our review and exam. Luckily we were able to finish early and then we could explore what the valley had to offer with the exam behind us. My husband and I headed to Yamhill Valley Vineyards first. What a picturesque winery! We sat on their back deck overlooking the vineyards and thanks to Debbie we tasted our way through some of the best Pinot Noirs I have ever tasting. She was so knowledgable as she walked us through the winery’s history and their wine making process . I didn’t want to leave. It was the perfect way to decompress after the intense classroom time and testing. We had to bring home the 2016 Tall Poppy Pinot Noir, 2022 Rose’ of Pinot Noir and 2022 Pinot Blanc.
On our way back to town, we were intrigued to see a 747 in the middle of a vineyard. Then another 747 on the top of a very modern building. We had to pull over to explore. It was the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. What a great detour! There was so much to see and incredible that they were able to house all of it in these massive buildings. The topper was the fully renovated Spruce Goose; the building was actually designed for it. It is fun to be open to deviate from plans because you never know what you’ll discover.
By the time we left, we were in dire need of food. Back to McMinnville we went. We had dinner at Cypress located in the Atticus Hotel. This gorgeous locale boasted upscale Greek/Mediterranean fare. We had the pleasure of sitting at the chef’s bar so we could see all the happenings of the kitchen. What a way to end our trip!
This trip, though kind of a blur, was significant and special. I can’t wait to return to Oregon and explore more of the Yamhill Carlton AVA and the Willamette Valley.
By the way, I did pass my WSET2 exam and with Distinction.