Spectral Cellars Wine ©Matthew Thompson;
Using the wine thief at SchoneTal
Oliver Springs Vineyard 225 cases Jim and Stephanie Houchins planted six rows of vines in their backyard in a suburb of Portland years ago because of their burgeoning wine passion. Today they own several acres and are nurturing three blocks of grapes and make Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. I stand in the unfinished wine cellar and tasting room, still needing doors, windows, and finishings, we raise our stemware together to the next chapter. With a goal of capping at 600 cases, Oliver Springs is the heart and soul of what the Oregon winemaker’s dream encapsulates; a winery named after a fresh spring running through the property and blocks of vines named after past pups that were loved deeply, Sasha and Keita.
Burner Wines 600 cases Lisa Burner is a biologist turned wine-maker. After going through a local wine certification program a decade ago, and mentorship under impressive labels such as Stoller, Dobbes, Adelshiem, and Shea, Burner Wines is making a huge splash with Carménère, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Carménère, considered the lost Bordeaux varietal, is her bestseller, followed by Pinot Blanc. I quietly swirl the Pinot Blanc and sip, it is creamy but not in color. Lisa explains how she tosses the leaves and juice while still in the barrel every two weeks. I continue to sip and tell her to keep doing what she is doing.
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Greywing Cellars
SchöneTal Cellars
Ari and Brandy Grey 100 cases Pinot Noir By appointment
Dave Ulbricht 450 cases Pinot Noir, Rosé By appointment
Spectral Cellars Matthew and Candy Thompson 200 cases Riesling, Gamay, Cabernet Franc By appointment Available in Texas
Oliver Springs Vineyard Jim and Stephanie Houchins 225 cases Pinot Noir, Chardonnay By appointment
Pray Tell Wines Tom Caruso and Jess Arnold 700 cases Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay By appointment Available in Chicago, East Coast locations, Washington
Burner Wines Lisa and Mike Burner 600 cases Carménère, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir By appointment Available in Wisconsin