Anne Amie Vineyards, Carlton Oregon

Yamhill-Carlton District Open House April 26.

His head sort-of bobbed down and towards me at the same time, elongating his neck like a pleasantly surprised turtle. "What's going on here today?" spilled from his now wide open grin, with equal parts excitement and curiosity. He didn't wait for a response, "we thought we would take just advantage of the weather, you know, buy some wine and sit out on your patio. But this...this is great!"

I didn't need to explain that we were hosting an open house for wineries of the Yamhill-Carlton District AVA. He and his friends had already figured out what the 14 stations set up throughout the tasting room were for. "So do we get a glass here, or how does this work?"

A ten dollar donation later, he and his friends each had a glass and a program to accompany their rightful excitement to taste some of the wines from the Yamhill-Carlton District AVA. Then, they slipped out of my sight, into the tasting room, and I greeted another group of guests who was equally excited to start tasting.

It seemed like this was a pretty standard response for the course of the afternoon. Regardless of having known in advance, or just happening upon the tasting, all of our guests were excited about the chance to taste some serious wine. I have to admit, I felt the same. In the four hours that the open house ran, we shared our wines with over 200 guests.

Many, many thanks to; Atticus, Barbara Thomas, Belle Pente, Carlton Cellars, Carlton Hill, Elk Cove, Kramer, Racine, Resonance, Roots, Stag Hollow, and Twelve. It was absolutely a pleasure to host you all in our winery, and I am confident in saying that we all represented the AVA well.

Cheers!

Ksandek Podbielski
Director of Hospitality

 

Saturday, February 9th Winter Dinner with Simpatica Dining Hall

 

One of the exciting parts of my job is being able to use the space we have at the winery for different kinds of events. The tasting room is always in motion, and I try to keep the floor-sets and displays interesting and ever changing. Setting up for the dinner was a welcome change of pace. Zack and I spent the afternoon clearing space and building tables which we dressed to give a sense of warmth in a winter setting.

It was great being able to host all the guests who attended the dinner in such an intimate environment. Bringing together some of our Vineyard Club members with whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know in the past year, and some new friends who I am looking forward to seeing more often at the winery, was as much fun for me as seeing the food being prepared in the kitchen.

Despite being at the winery full time, I still enjoy hearing Thomas and Ron talk about how the wines are made, and what they personally like about each bottle. Jason Owens and David Kreifels, pictured above with winemaker Thomas Houseman, two of the Chef/Owners from Simpatica Dining Hall, also spent a little time before dinner talking about how they came up with their dishes, and the techniques they used to put everything together.

The food that Jason, David, and their assistant Xander created was incredible. While the Simpatica crew worked in the kitchen putting dishes together, Zack, Sarah, and I prepared the wines, checking each bottle for correct service temperature. It was also fun finding the right rhythm for serving each course, and clearing the previous setting.

By the end of the night, everyone had feasted, and enjoyed the wines we offered. A few sneak previews were poured as well, like the 2005 Winemaker’s Selection Pinot Noir, which is showing beautifully already, and will be a happy addition to my tasting menu when it is released in the coming months. I am especially pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the crew from Simpatica Dining Hall. Their food was outstanding, they were organized, and very fun to have working in our kitchen.

Thank you to all of the guests who attended, and again, special thanks to Simpatica Dining Hall for and incredible dinner. This was a great way to kick off our 2008 calendar of events. Here’s to the next one- Hope to see you there.

Ksandek Podbielski

Snow at Anne Amie

It doesn't snow often at Anne Amie, but when it does it's beautiful.  However, the winter wonderland does not last long, with this snowfall disappearing by lunchtime.

Vineyard Club "Pick Up" Party Friday, Sept. 14th

Anne Amie's vineyard club members are invited to the winery for another great "pick up party" this Friday, September 14th from 5:30 - 8pm.   This event is a chance for club members to pick up their current release wines and enjoy a beautiful evening on our patio overlooking the coast range.   

We'll be sampling the September club selections: 2006 Anne Amie Pinot Gris and the not yet released 2004 Deux Vert Vineyard Pinot Noir.  Enjoy savory appetizers while socializing with fellow club members!

Special case discounts available at the pick up party only. Complimentary to club members and one guest.  Reservations are required for this event.  To RSVP contact kim@anneamie.com or  503-864-2991.

If you are not a club member and would like more information on how to  join us at this and future events, contactus@anneamie.com or call 503-864-2991.

See you there!

Cheers,
Kim

KIVA -www.kiva.org

Most of the things we hear about the internet are either bad or stupid. Pornography, phishing, junk mail and inanities like You Tube dominate the presence of the internet in our lives. However, someone finally figured out something that the internet can really do to make this world a better place and that's Kiva. Kiva is "loans that change lives" and is a website that enables anyone, with any amount of money to give to make a difference in the world.

From their website:

We let you loan to the working poor

      

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses     in the developing world.  By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can     "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great     strides towards economic independence.  Throughout the course of the     loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from     the business you've sponsored.  As loans are repaid, you get your loan     money back.

      

    

We partner with organizations all over the world

    

         

Kiva partners with existing microfinance institutions.  In doing so,     we gain access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished     communities world-wide.  Our partners are experts in choosing     qualified borrowers.  That said, they are usually short on     funds. Through Kiva.org, our partners upload their borrower profiles     directly to the site so you can lend to them.

Take a minute of your life to visit Kiva and make a difference in the world you live in.

 

 

Head Viking

Recently we had the pleasure of hosting Portland State Viking Head Coach Jerry Glanville for an afternoon winery tour and some much needed R & R on our sunny patio. It was one of the final "off" days for Coach Glanville before training camp starts and he begins the quest to lead the Vikings to the Big Sky Conference championship.
Coach Glanville and his wife Brenda shared some stories about their experiences around the game of football which was especially thrilling for me. Growing up in 49er country at the peak of their dominance, I endured years of hazing as California's # 1 Houston Oiler fan. The Oilers weren't very good when Coach Glanville took over late in 1985, but the Oilers instantly became relevant and exciting as Coach instituted his "hit you hard" style of football. Portland State scored a touchdown hiring Jerry Glanville as their coach and the Vikings will undoubtedly be a force in Division 1AA football.

If you've never seen a game coached by Jerry Glanville and his "aerial attack" guru, Offensive Coordinator Mouse Davis, I'd recommend grabbing some tickets this fall and head out to PGE Park for great family entertainment. Tickets can be found here:  http://www.goviks.com/
Also I read Coach Glanville is looking to help keep his players strong and well fed this year and asks for donations to the "I Feed A Viking Club", a program designed to provide three planned meals a day for the ever training Viking players.  PSU lacks the budget of Oregon or Oregon State and donations would benefit these hard working student-athletes. Click here for more information and everyone at Anne Amie wishes Coach Glanville and Portland State football the best of luck in 2007.

-Tim Brislin

Starling Invasion

Well, the starlings arrived today.  A bit late for them but perfect timing for us!

Starlings establish a home territory around April/May and remain there until crops ripen.  Then they arrive in the thousands swooping down at about 45 miles an hour to peck at the grapes.  These little birds can destroy entire vineyards in a matter of days.   

Lucky for us harvest is over and our vineyards are safe.   They did manage to find a few grapes still hanging out on the arbor and were happy to feast on that (pictured). 

Now if they would just go away and not come back until after harvest next year we can all be friends.

-Kim

The Art of Wine & Chocolate

Join us tomorrow to celebrate Oregon Bounty with our "Art of Wine & Chocolate" event.  From 11-5, Dona Wallace from the Art of Chocolate in Milwaukie, OR will be at the winery sampling her Oregon Hazelnut hand rolled truffles and Oregon Hazelnut shortbread cookies.  Enjoy your chocolate with the wines of Anne Amie Vineyards of course.  Come taste why we're so lucky to live in Oregon!

Oregon Bounty showcases culinary travel experiences that highlight the state's bountiful food, unique lodging, restaurants and scenery. From October 1 - November 30, you can: sample the latest vintages and artisan products at local wineries; take part in harvest festivals around the state; dine at fine restaurants featuring distinctive Oregon Bounty menu items and meals; enjoy one-of-a-kind overnight stays; and, meet the growers, producers, chefs, winemakers and brewmasters who make it all happen.  For more information on Oregon Bounty visit www.traveloregon.com/bounty (Kim McLeod)

Oregon Sunshine!

After many days of rain and many more on the way, it's days like today, when Oregon shows its beauty that we remember exactly why we live here.  Pictured are views from our Estate Riesling (looking west toward the coast range) and Estate Pinot Noir Vineyard (looking east).  As you can see from the pictures, the leaves on the vines have almost all fallen.  Today we're relishing in the warm sunshine and beautiful fall colors because tomorrow it will be hard to see from all of the rain. (Kim McLeod)

It's a good weekend to visit Carlton, Oregon!

We're gearing up for a big weekend at both the winery and at Carlton's Walk in the Park.

The tasting room will close at 4:30pm on Saturday 8/5 and Sunday 8/6 for special events.   We open at 10am so come early and enjoy a picnic on a perfect Oregon summer day!   The patio hosts amazing views of our garden, estate vineyard and the Pacific Coast Range.   Don't feel like doing the shopping?  We have a great selection local cheeses from Willamette Valley Cheese Company and Silver Falls Creamery to compliment a bottle of Anne Amie Pinot Noir.

We've recently changed the look of our tasting room and now feature & sell local artwork.  At the winery this month are paintings from Terry Peasley, Brenda Botten & Jan Shield as well as furniture pieces from Jill Gailey.  Next week we'll also have beautiful one of a kind jewelry from Linda Hayes.  Come and see what wonderful things these local artists are doing while enjoying our own art - the wines of Anne Amie Vineyards!   On the tasting flight this weekend is Anne Amie's 2005 Pinot Gris & 2005  Estate Riesling as well as our 2003 Winemaker's Selection Pinot Noir & 2003 Yamhill Springs Pinot Noir. 

We'll also be at Carlton's Walk in the Park on Saturday from 11-8pm and on Sunday from 11-6pm.  Come try wines from our new second label - 2005 Cuvée A Amrita & 2004 Cuvée A Pinot Noir as well as the Anne Amie Winemaker's Selection Pinot Noir.  Winemaker Scott Huffman will be joining me on Sunday afternoon so come by and see us.

Cheers!

Kim McLeod

Tasting Room / Vineyard Club Manager