Monthly Archives: September 2012

Winemakers’ Dinner, Columbia Gorge

Posted on September 24, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

One of the traditions of the Wine Bloggers Conference is the “mystery bus” jaunt. Bloggers bravely board buses, blindfolded. (Not really, just had to get in that alliteration.) All we know is that we are headed to a winery, where … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, Ice Wine, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Tastings, Tempranillo, Travel, Uncategorized, Viognier, Visits to Vineyards/Winemakers, Zinfandel | 17 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Klinker Brick 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi. 15.8%, $13.95 and up.

Posted on September 20, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

My favorite way to try new wines is to go to a wine bar. Generally these are boutique yet friendly establishments that have wines on pour-it-yourself systems (you buy a card and dispense your own samples), as well as a … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Restaurants, Tastings, Tips, Zinfandel | 7 Comments

Montinore Estate, Willamette Valley, 8/16/12

Posted on September 8, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

The view from the driveway to Montinore Estate’s winery and tasting room. The Marchesi family’s lovely home. Looks like it’s the Old South, not Oregon! A composite photo of the winery’s entrance. The view from the tasting room. We started … Continue reading →

Posted in Gewurztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Oregon, Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris), Riesling, Tastings, Technical Stuff, Travel | Leave a comment

Two Kilts Brewing Company, Portland, OR, 8/16/12

Posted on September 7, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

While the artisinal winemakers in the Portland area blew my mind, “kindred spirits” are burgeoning as well, from craft bourbon and other spirits to craft beer/ale/stout breweries. According to the Brewers Association, by the end of 2011, there were 1,938 … Continue reading →

Posted in Beer, Oregon, Pale Ale, Restaurants, Stout, Travel | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Carpineto Dogajolo Toscano, 2011 Rosé of Sangiovese. 12.5%. Available for as little as $9.95.

Posted on September 6, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Pale-pink to mid-pink. Aromatic (green apple, florals). Refreshing still wine, quite dry, stone and mineral. The label is absolutely gorgeous! LABEL: Produced from Sangiovese grapes grown on our historic dry-farmed Tuscan estates. The taste is elegant and fruity with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Rosé, Sangiovese | Leave a comment

Seven-course winemakers dinner, 1910 Main, Forest Grove, Willamette Valley, OR.

Posted on September 3, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

“It’s Willamette, dammit!” I don’t think I’ll ever mispronounce “Willamette” again; ditto for “Meritage.” (“Meritage” rhymes with “heritage.”) But I digress … Stop Three of this wonderful excursion, hosted by the Washington County Visitors Association, was dinner: a seven-course Winemakers … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon, Restaurants, Tastings, Travel | 1 Comment