Yea for May!

Seems we are three weeks behind on Spring here in the Umpqua Valley! Talked to Scott Henry yesterday and he informs me that while there was no damage to the vines from the recent cold snap, the "little soldiers" are three weeks back. He thinks they'll catch up if the cold stuff is history.

In the meantime, the wine industry is gearing up for a great season. New wineries are opening and of course, my wine tours are set to begin on June 7th. Don't be left behind, reserve your spot today. Reserve.

Got to get going...lots to do now that we have more than a day of sun in a row! Bought some vegies to throw in the garden. And there's the deck that needs painting. Wax the car. Well, you know! Hard work then great wine!!

The New Napa?

Will the Umpqua Valley turn into the next Napa? Not if we can help it!!

Many visionaries are turning to the UV for the quality of wine that can be produced here. One such person is Earl Jones of Abacela Vineyards. Shown here discussing the benefits of H Bracing for a trellis system.

As a sign of the growth of interest in UV wine production, the local Community College is now offering a 2 year vinticultural program.

Another feather in our Collective Hat comes in the way of high praise for the wines of Stephen Reustle at his Prayer Rock Vineyards. Seems a certain well known wine critic by the name of Dan Berger has lavished mounds of accolades on not one but 6 of Stephen's wines! Something in line of getting 6 Academy Awards in one year!! He highlighted these wines in the EXCEPTIONAL column of his newsletter. He went on to note: "Keep a look out for the Umpqua- a region with a fast-growing wine culture." I rest my case!

Global Warming?

Droopy trees and soggy snow. What's up with this weather? Are these the signs of global warming? The older timers tell us that this is the coldest winter/spring they can remember.
And what of the vines? This is not the best weather to get those buds to pop!


I'm sure that many a vintner is biting their nails over all this.

All I can say is, bring on the real Spring. Last weekend it was 85!

Now I have to go out and rescue my poor plum trees that look more like a weeping willow.

My suggestion is to look forward to
June when, we hope, the snow will be a thing of the past and you will be able to wear your shorts and skirts while sipping wine on the lawn. Make plans to join us on one of our tours, we'll help you focus on the warm days of Summer!

"Hit the Road, Jack"

Celebrate! Our first Summer-like day was fabulous. I had the good fortune to be out in the vines most of the day with a class on vineyard preparation conducted by the local community college (UCC). The college is offering a degree program that will boost the available workforce in the Umpqua Valley. We are definitely on a roll here.

That means more wine and wineries for you to visit!! And what better way than in your convertible! But if you don't happen to own a 1981 Mercedes-Benz roadster, than you can join us on a fun and educational wine tour every Sat and Sun during the Summer! You'll be tasting the latest and greatest Umpqua Valley has to offer.


In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful green hillsides and pastures of our magical wine country!

April showers.....

Greetings Fellow Wineaus,

Yesterday, Sat April 5, Diane and I visited Wild Rose and Spangler wineries. Our timing was perfect as we slipped in between the "Barrel Tasting Buses". The weather was a bit knarly but the wines made up for it.

At Wild Rose we talked to Carlos, the owner and winemaker, while he poured his line up of expectational wines. While his most popular wine was a semi-dry Pinot Gris, we were more impressed with the Cab Sav, being refugees from Sonoma County CA!! And yes, thank Dionysius you can make an enjoyable Cab in Oregon.

Carlos and wife, Denise have plans to expand their tasting room with hopes for a grand veranda. The point being that the wine industry in the Umpqua Valley AVA is doing better and better. More wine and more wineries!

This theme was echoed by Pat Spangler at his winery. Over a taste of his yummy Cab Franc we discussed the future of the AVA. He envisions 20 new wineries in the next five years! Yikes.

So like I said, hang on for the ride. We wine lovers are going to be very happy campers here in the Umpqua Valley.

Somewhere Over Umpqua Valley...

For some of us this is the Promise Land. Where the streets are paved with Riedel crystal and the fountains spew Tempranillo! But if you just intend to visit you will still come away feeling blessed!

Spring is here and with it the excitement of another vintage. This season will see new wineries, a great wine bar or maybe even two, and of course, our wine tours. The place to be.

From where I sit there's more to wine than Napa and Willamette. Others are starting to agree. Read what these "Outsiders" are saying about Umpqua Valley. The News Review and Appellation.com

If it feels like Summer......

Our first picnic of the season! Now this is the life!
And even better is the fact that we are only 5 minutes away from the winery. Are you jealous?

You don't have to be. We would love to have you along for one of our tours that will feature this very spot.

You will be glad to know that Umpqua Valley is adding two new wineries this season: Becker and Julianne. Watch us grow!