Latest news with #Chardonnay
Forbes
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Unmissable Food And Wine Stops In The Willamette Valley
A view of the Bergstrom property, home to Oregon's famous Sigrid Chardonnay. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts, offering world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, stunning vineyard landscapes, farm-to-table cuisine, and cozy independent accommodation. What's not to like? Here's a short guide revealing some of the best places to eat, drink, and stay while exploring this very cool wine region. Known for producing some of the country's most important cool climate wines, it stretches from the outskirts of Portland to the southern edge of Eugene, with a range of elevations and microclimates influencing its various sub appellations. The area is home to an increasing number of wineries, that, despite their growing fame, preserve the collaborative spirit of the region's early winemaking pioneers. There is a strong connection to the land here, and a reverence for the people and work that has come before. Many producers open their doors to share not just what they make, but how and why they make it. Restaurants work closely with nearby farms and vineyards, while small hotels offer space to slow down and explore the landscape. Bergstrom is home to one of the best Chardonnays in the United States. Founded by the Bergström family, the winery has championed biodynamic farming and terroir-driven winemaking since its inception. The portfolio of excellent wines, including single vineyard Pinot Noirs, is exemplified in Sigrid, their flagship Chardonnay, widely regarded as one of the finest in America. Named after the family matriarch, Sigrid showcases the elegance and complexity achievable in Willamette Valley Chardonnay, with vibrant acidity, a layered, creamy texture, and remarkable age-worthiness. The welcoming tasting room is set amidst the rolling hills of the valley. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars from above. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars focuses on Pinot Noir from Oregon's northern Willamette Valley, crafting wines that reflect the distinct character of the region's seven major AVAs. Their portfolio draws on fruit from some of the valley's most acclaimed and storied vineyards. The company are now moving quite a bit of volume now. The business has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and is now one of the larger producers in the region. Winemaker Kate Ayres is doing a fantastic job of producing wines with character at attractive price points. The outdoor hangout at Adelsheim Vineyards in Newburg. Adelsheim Vineyards is a pioneering estate in Oregon's Willamette Valley, founded in 1971 by David and Ginny Adelsheim. As one of the region's original wineries, it played a crucial role in establishing Chehalem Mountains as a premier site for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and precise, terroir-driven wines, Adelsheim crafts elegant, balanced expressions that reflect the valley's diverse soils and cool climate. The winery remains a leader in innovation and advocacy, instrumental in defining Oregon's AVAs and shaping the reputation of Willamette Valley wines on the global stage. Walk ins are welcome at this picturesque spot and visitors can try and number of different experiences, including a food and wine pairing session in the Chardonnay barrel cave. Domaine Willamette offers one of the best winery dining experiences in the Willamette Valley. Domaine Willamette, in the Dundee Hills, is the state's first winery devoted entirely to traditional method sparkling wines. Located at the biodynamically farmed Bernau Estate Vineyard, the winery reflects a deep commitment to sustainable practices on the land and low-intervention winemaking. Its design and gardens extend this ethos, creating a space where landscape, viticulture, and hospitality are closely connected. Visitors can choose from a range of immersive tasting experiences that incorporate wine and food prepared by chef Zach, along with opportunities to explore the property. Those interested in the technical side of the business would VIP Walking Tour, offering insight into both sparkling winemaking and biodynamic agriculture. Alternatively, the family friendly dining environment is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some of the best bubbles in the Pacific North West. The Drouhin tasting room where you can also buy the company's Burgundy wines. Drouhin Oregon represents one of the most successful bridges between Burgundy and the New World. Established in 1987 by Maison Joseph Drouhin, the estate was among the first to recognize the potential of the Willamette Valley for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guided by Veronique Drouhin, the wines emphasize elegance, balance, and site expression, reflecting both Burgundian sensibilities and Oregon's unique terroir. The Dundee Hills estate remains a benchmark for refined, age-worthy Oregon Pinot Noir, while the Roserock vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills adds further dimension to their portfolio. Drouhin Oregon continues to set a high standard for Burgundian influence in American winemaking. The Soter Ranch Estate in its glory. A great place to spend an afternoon with local Pinot Noir. Soter Vineyards sits in the hills of Oregon's Yamhill Carlton AVA, where Tony and Michelle Soter have spent more than two decades shaping a property that prioritizes ecology as much as wine. Founded in 1997, the estate at Mineral Springs Ranch spans 240 acres and follows biodynamic farming practices certified by Demeter USA. The team manages the land with an emphasis on biodiversity, soil health, and long term resilience. Guests are welcomed into an experience that goes beyond the tasting room. The Provisions Tasting pairs estate wines with thoughtful seasonal dishes, while the Vineyard Excursion includes a guided walk through the ranch followed by a chef prepared lunch among the vines. A laid back, casual vibe aligns with a seasonal, farm-to-table food experience. Dishes, as you might expect, are paired with their wines, showcasing the synergy between the region's terroir and its cuisine. The wines themselves are restrained and precise. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the property show freshness, fine structure, and clarity. The sparkling wines, made from traditional varieties, bring finesse without excess weight. Across the range, the style is confident and measured, shaped by a team that values transparency over intervention. Humble Spirit, located in the heart of Carlton, is part of The Ground, a collective dedicated to fostering harmony between people, animals, and the planet. After establishing the Tabula Rasa Farms in 2015, The Ground follows the principles of regenerative agriculture, The Ground began with the founding of Tabula Rasa Farms in 2015. At Humble Spirit, this philosophy comes to life through a menu showcasing sustainably raised heritage meats, fresh produce, and local ingredients that celebrate the interconnectedness of nature. The restaurant offers a warm, community-focused dining experience, complemented by an evolving selection of wines from the region. Guests can explore more of The Ground's mission through stays at Tabula Rasa Farms or the newly launched bed & breakfast in McMinnville. Humble Spirit encapsulates the essence of the Willamette Valley—deliciously grounded in its surroundings while reaching for inspired, meaningful connections. Hayward Restaurant, the casual dining spot in McMinnville winning so many admirers. Hayward is a standout dining destination in the heart of McMinnville and is a cool, casual spot for hanging out after a busy day visiting wineries. Founded by chef Kari Shaughnessy in 2023, the restaurant has quickly earned an excellent reputation for its expressive, hyper-seasonal approach to 'New Northwest' cuisine. Moreover, it has achieved James Beard Award semifinalist recognition in both 2024 and 2025. Housed in the creative, communal space of Mac Market, Hayward menu frequently changes to reflect the valley's agricultural rhythm, with dishes like sesame focaccia with koji butter, carrot cavatelli, and shrimp bánh xèo layered with house-made sambal. At the core of Hayward's ethos is a deep commitment to local sourcing, fermentation, and flavor storytelling. Their 'Kickback' family-style tasting experience invites diners to trust the kitchen and enjoy a generous spread of seasonal plates. For wine lovers, Hayward is perfectly attuned to the surrounding wine country with a thoughtful, ever-evolving list spotlighting small Willamette Valley producers, alongside occasional international selections that echo the restaurant's balanced, expressive culinary style. Inn The Ground is one of the best places to stay when visiting the Willamette Valley. Inn The Ground offers a serene and immersive stay in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, reflecting the ethos of The Ground collective. Located near Tabula Rasa Farms in Carlton, this intimate bed & breakfast invites guests to experience the region's natural beauty and regenerative spirit. Each thoughtfully designed room offers comfort and a connection to the surrounding landscape, with pastoral views and a sense of calm rooted in nature. It's a stunning place to sip your coffee and watch the sun come up, or indeed watch it go down with a glass of wine. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts featuring ingredients sourced directly from Tabula Rasa Farms. Whether you're exploring local wineries or seeking a tranquil escape, Inn The Ground provides a restorative base that celebrates the harmony between people, animals, and the land. The wine cellar at the Tributary hotel, full of great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tributary Hotel, located in the center of McMinnville, is a significant statement when it comes to wine tourism in the Willamette Valley. Set within a restored 1917 brick building, the hotel features just eight suites, each named after a regional river. Fireplaces, soaking tubs, and hand built furniture echo the textures and materials of the surrounding landscape. It's high end, without being stuffy, drawing on both the building's historic character and the hotel's deep connection to place. Guests can also dine at Okta, the hotel's restaurant, where a seasonal tasting menu is built around ingredients from the hotel's own farm and neighbouring producers. Initially a fine dining concept, it briefly closed to reconsider its strategy, but is now back open with a more focussed four course tasting menu. The wine list is equally thoughtful, a fascinating collection that showcases some of Oregon's best wines. Oregon's first Relais and Châteaux property, Tributary brings together architecture, food, and wine at a high level. You're only a short walk from McMinnville's coffee shops and beer bars, and with valet parking just outside, it's a great base for exploring wine country.
Metro
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Metro
It's unforgiveable to serve this 'offensive' drink to guests at your wedding
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more There are a few things you can be certain of at a wedding. Someone will break down spectacularly during the speeches, the best man will overshare and make things awkward, and possibly the same person who lost the plot during the speeches will get hammered and start an argument. Terrifyingly, if you're planning your wedding, those aren't the factors that will cause you the most anxiety. Nope, they're a cinch compared to choosing the drinks to serve on the day. A 2023 YouGov survey revealed that 42% of engaged couples felt 'uncertain or anxious' about choosing the right wine at their wedding. Many of those cited a lack of wine knowledge or the prospect of 'getting it wrong' as the main fear factors. When you consider, the average wedding now costs £23,250, with catering and drinks typically accounting for at least 25 to 30% of that, the wine choice is central to the day. No pressure intended. To help make this decision a little easier for you, here are three drinks I think it would be an unforgivable offence to serve at a wedding, so given you're not (consciously) planning to make this wedding the dry run for your next one, it will pay to avoid falling into these pitfalls… How many times have you been gasping for a sharpener after a wedding ceremony only to be presented with lukewarm, off-dry bubbles? That's because it's cheap Prosecco, the lazy and uninspiring option. Look, I'm all for saving money, but the fact is there's plenty of other bubbly options that won't leave you feeling like you're wearing a layer of sugary, boozy lip-gloss after the first glass. Don't get me started on oaky Chardonnay as your white option, there's a reason people ditched it back in the early noughties like rats fleeing a sinking ship. No one wants to be sipping (chewing) a glass of something that could have been made by a carpenter instead of a winemaker. At the other end of the spectrum, Pinot Grigio sucks at a wedding. At the lower end (which is where most of us would look, let's be honest) it's a neutral-tasting, yawn-fest. It's the only 'inoffensive' style of wine that's actually offensive. You're basically telling people you've done you're own version of a Calais booze cruise to Tesco to get hold of it on 3-for-2 deal. Nothing wrong with a deal in my book, but at least go for something that isn't the drinks equivalent of off-white wall paint. As a rule of thumb, I'd work on the basis of two glasses of fizz and half a bottle of wine per head. Sure, not everybody drinks, but you'll find someone's second cousin who's more than happy to take their place. The good news? There's a way to nail the wine choices without the need for a château budget or sommelier approval. It's all about the wines feeling like they've been 'considered', that, along with a generous returns policy. And when it comes to other drinks, my tips would include not handing out Sambuca shots before your dad grabs the mike, or letting your cousin create a 'signature' cocktail because he once bartended in Ibiza. But, you already knew that. Here are my top recommendations for wedding wines to avoid Lambrini being your toasting tipple… Taste the Difference Pignoletto DOC Spumante Brut, £8, Sainsbury's Let's face it, Pignoletto isn't a million miles from Prosecco, style-wise. Known as it's 'Italian cousin', though it's from the Emilia-Romagna region between Modena and Bologna. You get similar frothy apple and pear flavours, but this one is zestier, dryer and full of yellow plum flavours. Prosecco, be gone, I'd be far happier to be greeted by a glass of Pignoletto at a wedding. Toast & Honey Brut, South Africa, £13, Majestic Full disclosure, I was anticipating disliking this bottle. Why? The name, mainly. Goes to show, don't judge a wine by its label. It's produced by fourth generation winemakers based at Tulbagh Winery, one of South Africa's oldest and most respected estates. It's rich, dry, toasty, lightly honeyed with a lively streak of zestiness running through it. Exceptional by Asda Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia, £6.98, Asda More Trending The Margaret River is a source of premium wines in Australia, the kind you'd pay a decent amount of money for. Now, I can't quite get my head around the barely-there price for this silky red that tastes of blackberries, damsons and cherries, but I'm not asking questions in case the Asda team realise there's been a typo… The Long Coast Chardonnay, Chile, £7, Majestic View More » At a recent Majestic wine tasting, this was the star of the show for me. Bang for buck-wise, I was shook. The fruit is sourced from vineyards that benefit from the cooling influence of the ocean, along Chile's Pacific coastline. That means the grapes have a longer 'hang-time' on the vine, ripening slowly for mad flavour intensity. This is dry, creamy and stuffed with the most delicious tropical fruit flavours. If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro's Drink Up column is where you need to be. Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven – a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines from Aldi, Tesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes (or the best wines to drink after sex), and finding out what it's like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa, this is a haven for those who love to celebrate. Stay ahead of the curve as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape. Can you really make cheap vodka taste expensive by putting it through a Brita filter? What happens when you put wine in a blender? And, truly, how should we be storing our wine? Read More. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: This is how much water you should really drink every day, according to your age MORE: We tried London's hottest new pizza spot that doesn't 'scrimp on the toppings' MORE: Beloved 90s beer returns to UK supermarkets after being axed in 2003
West Australian
3 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Cullen Wines: WA winery cracks top 10 in The Real Review's 2025 Top Wineries of Australia list
South West winery Cullen Wines has followed up its impressive 2024 by cracking The Real Review's top 10 wine producers of Australia in consecutive years. A leading wine authority, the outlet awarded the Wilyabrup-based operation out of Margaret River 9th place in the revered list. Vanya Cullen, Managing Director of Cullen Wines, reflected on her standing as a pioneering winemaker in a region of renowned producers. 'I'm incredibly honoured and humbled to be included in the top 10 — waving the flag for Margaret River, but also for sustainability, which sits at the core of Cullen Wines and is so vital to our industry as a whole,' she said. WA's next best performers were Cherubino Wines at number 31, and L.A.S. Vino at 36 — with the later also boasting a rosé named as a finalist for Rosé Wine of the Year. Scraping into the top 50 were Flametree at 47, and Moss Wood at 48. Unsurprisingly, more than 60 per cent of the State's top performers hailed from Margaret River. 'It's wonderful to see so many family-run wineries taking out top spots!' Ms Cullen added. Cullen Wines proudly claims to be Australia's first carbon neutral organic biodynamic winery. As one of just three nominees for Vigneron of the Year, the esteemed managing director said it was 'really special to see the love and energy we pour into the land recognised'. With Victoria boasting nine of the top 20 wineries, Geelong's Wine by Farr claimed the crown for the second time in four years. The win marked the State's fifth consecutive list topper, known primarily for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties. Rankings were determined by an expert panel who assessed almost 15,000 wines. A total of 414 producers were awarded a Top Wineries Certificate, which equates to almost 15 per cent of Australia's 2700-odd wineries.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
WA winery cracks top 10 of renowned Aus list
South West winery Cullen Wines has followed up its impressive 2024 by cracking The Real Review's top 10 wine producers of Australia in consecutive years. A leading wine authority, the outlet awarded the Wilyabrup-based operation out of Margaret River 9th place in the revered list. Vanya Cullen, Managing Director of Cullen Wines, reflected on her standing as a pioneering winemaker in a region of renowned producers. 'I'm incredibly honoured and humbled to be included in the top 10 — waving the flag for Margaret River, but also for sustainability, which sits at the core of Cullen Wines and is so vital to our industry as a whole,' she said. WA's next best performers were Cherubino Wines at number 31, and L.A.S. Vino at 36 — with the later also boasting a rosé named as a finalist for Rosé Wine of the Year. Scraping into the top 50 were Flametree at 47, and Moss Wood at 48. Unsurprisingly, more than 60 per cent of the State's top performers hailed from Margaret River. Manging Director Vanya Cullen of Cullen Wines. Credit: Cullen Wines 'It's wonderful to see so many family-run wineries taking out top spots!' Ms Cullen added. Cullen Wines proudly claims to be Australia's first carbon neutral organic biodynamic winery. As one of just three nominees for Vigneron of the Year, the esteemed managing director said it was 'really special to see the love and energy we pour into the land recognised'. With Victoria boasting nine of the top 20 wineries, Geelong's Wine by Farr claimed the crown for the second time in four years. Cullen Wines in Wilyabrup, Margaret River. Credit: Cullen Wines The win marked the State's fifth consecutive list topper, known primarily for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties. Rankings were determined by an expert panel who assessed almost 15,000 wines. A total of 414 producers were awarded a Top Wineries Certificate, which equates to almost 15 per cent of Australia's 2700-odd wineries.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Chardonnay, cellars and soul: Discover Weltevrede's underground wine experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Robertson Valley with the 'Captivated by Chardonnay' tour at Weltevrede Wine Estate. Step beneath the surface of the Robertson Valley and discover a hidden world where wine, poetry, and history come together in an unforgettable experience. The 'Captivated by Chardonnay' tour at Weltevrede Wine Estate invites visitors on a sensory journey into the soul of this noble cultivar, all within a beautifully atmospheric underground setting. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, this immersive hour-long experience promises insight, inspiration, and a glass (or two) of something exceptional. Weltevrede Wine Estate is a destination where wine, history, and natural beauty come together. Located approximately 182 km from Cape Town and just 24 km from Robertson, this estate near Bonnievale is ideal for both connoisseurs and casual wine lovers alike. Captivated by Chardonnay Whether you're seeking something educational, soulful or simply relaxing, the 'Captivated by Chardonnay' tour is designed to exceed expectations. This one-hour underground experience unfolds in three engaging parts. The tour begins by exploring where Chardonnay is produced globally and how this varietal came to flourish in the Robertson Valley. Next, visitors gain insight into the philosophy of Weltevrede's winemaker Philip Jonker and his pursuit of a refined yet unpretentious expression of Chardonnay. The final part takes guests to the deepest point of the underground cellar, delving into the origins of wine dating back to 500 BC. The experience concludes with a moving poetry reading, penned by winemaker Philip Jonker himself, while guests savour the estate's exclusive Poet's Prayer Chardonnay.
