Willamette Valley Life: November/December 2018

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Volume 9 Issue 6 - November/December 2018 WillametteValleyLife.com

Holiday Adventure Pairings Page 6

From The Willamette Valley With Love Page 8

Wine’s Coziest Time of Year Page 10

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Valley Floor Events Entertainment

SALEM/KEIZER • EUGENE • PORTLAND • MCMINNVILLE • SILVERTON • ALBANY • CORVALLIS • DALLAS • NEWBERG • MT. ANGEL • STAYTON November/December 2018 • Willamette Valley Life

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Willamette Valley Life • November/December 2018

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valley floor

Our top Willamette Valley event picks!

McKenzie Beer and Cider Festival If you’re a cider lover, be sure to check out the seventh annual McKenzie Cider and Craft Beer Festival in Springfield, Oregon. Featuring over 150 ciders and beers to try, all proceeds go towards helping youth within Lane County. Besides drinking delicious cider, there is a packed schedule full of ciderbrewing classes, activities for kids and live music.

Bring the family and drink a hard cider for a good cause.

Where: Bob Keefer Center, Springfield, Oregon When: Friday, November 9 (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.) and Saturday, November 10 (12 p.m.

– 11 p.m.) mccbf.com

Santa’s Parade and Tree Lighting: November 23

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tart the holiday off right with the McMinnville Downtown Association’s annual holiday parade and tree lighting festival! We begin with an old-fashioned starlight parade under Third Street’s twinkle-lit trees.

The parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and the annual tree lighting follows immediately afterward in front of the Cozine House. Come early to take advantage of holiday sales to find local

gifts for family and friends on your list.

Rumor has it, Santa pays a visit every year, but only if you’re on the Nice list.

Where: 105 NE Third St. McMinnville, OR 97128 When: Nov. 23, 2018 4:30 p.m. visitmcminnville.com/events

Dallas Winterfest: December 7

T The Portland Book Festival: November 10

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he Portland Book Festival (formerly Wordstock) is a one-day event featuring local and national authors presenting onstage events, pop-up readings, and workshops. Gather with your community and celebrate a shared passion for books. Enjoy activities for readers of all ages, an extensive book fair with over 80 vendors, local food trucks, entry to the Portland Art Museum and more.

Adult passes are $15 in advance

or $20 at the door. Paid admission includes a $5 book voucher redeemable at the book fair. Admission is free to children and youth ages 17 and younger, and students with a valid high school ID. Where: Portland Art Museum 1291 SW Park Ave. Portland, OR 97205 When: November 10, 2018 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. portlandartmuseum.org/pdxbookfest

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

–John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America 4

Willamette Valley Life • November/December 2018

he Dallas Area Visitors Center is proud to host Dallas’ annual Winterfest celebration. This annual event draws over 2,000 community members. Join us as we kick off the holiday season on the beautiful Polk County Courthouse lawn with Santa, a tree lighting, food trucks, Christmas vendors, music, hot cocoa, cookies and more! This year we’ll celebrate a good old-fashioned holiday season, complete with a sing along. No tickets needed – join us for free!

Where: Polk County Courthouse 850 Main St. Dallas, OR 97338 When: Dec. 7, 2018 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. exploredallasoregon.org/events

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Elsinore Theatre hosts Russian String Orchestra: November 8

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xperience a night of unique cultural music with the Russian String Orchestra on Thursday, November 8 at the Elsinore Theatre in downtown Salem.

Founded in 1991 and comprised of some of Russia's finest young string players, the Russian String Orchestra has carved a niche for itself under the creative baton of its founder and music director Misha Rachlevsky.

Formerly called the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, the orchestra’s

warmth and high energy create addictive performances that stay with listeners long after the last note has been played. The signature quality of the orchestra is the depth and variety of its repertoire: over 1000 compositions from early baroque to commissioned works by composers from Russia, Europe and the United States. The orchestra's discography of over 30 CDs has received widespread international acclaim, such as the Diapason d'Or award in France, Critics

Choice in London's Gramophone magazine, Critics Choice in The New York Times, and Record of the Year in Hong Kong. The orchestra prides itself on offering interesting and unique programs both at home and on tour.

Join us at the Elsinore Theatre on November 8 for this one-night-only event. The Russian String Orchestra performance is supported in part by a grant of Transient Occupancy Tax from the City of Salem.

Purchase tickets online at www.

elsinoretheatre.com or in person at the theatre box office. Online price: $26 – $49 adult; $16 – $39 child. $5 more on day of show. Service fees may apply.

When: Nov. 8, 2018 7:30 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.)

Where: Elsinore Theatre 170 High St. SE Salem, OR 97301 elsinoretheatre.com

2018 Christmas Ships Parade

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top by Foothills Park to catch a wonderful view of the magical Christmas Ship Parade! This holiday tradition began in 1954 with a lone sailboat from the Portland Yacht Club. This year, up to 60 boats are expected to make up two fleets making their way to Lake Oswego from downtown Portland. They depart from River Place Marina and continue as far as George Rogers Park. Please note that this event is subject to weather and river conditions.

Fleet departs from River Place Marina in Portland at 4:30 p.m. It is expected to arrive at George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego around 6:00 p.m., at which point the fleet will return to Portland.

Can’t make this date? Visit our website to learn about events all over the Portland area throughout the holiday season.

Nov 30 Dec 20

When: Nov. 30-Dec. 20 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Where: Foothills Park 199 Foothills Road Lake Oswego, OR 97034 christmasships.org Note: There will be no parades on Dec 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, and 17th.

November/December 2018 • Willamette Valley Life

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PHOTO BY SCOTT KELLEY

In winter, visitors to western Oregon can find snowshoe adventurers in the Cascade Mountains, and the coast boasts whale spotting and storm watching opportunities.

But what is there to explore in the Willamette Valley?

Lowell covered bridge

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n addition to the world-class wineries, historic main streets and outdoor adventures available yearround, winter in the Valley offers even more options to explore. Best of all, you can pair these activities with other adventures in the same area to get even more out of your stay. Brighten up your dark winter months with these fun activities in the southern Willamette Valley.

winter wonderland of lights, firepits and cozy seasonal vibes. Don’t miss the cute marketplace with craft goodies on offer. This year the property is adding 500,000 more festive lights to its collection, for a total of 750,000 lights! The rooms are comfortable, with a fireplace and a private back patio for each.

Pairs well with: A ride along the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway.

Get Away to the Village Green

See Covered Bridges Light Up

When the family is ready for a night out and everyone wants to get into the spirit of the season, Cottage Grove’s Village Green makes an excellent overnight getaway.

Each December the main gardens of the Village Green transform into a

Lane County has more than 20 historic covered bridges – the most of any county west of the Mississippi!

Seventeen of these bridges are registered in the National Register of Historic Places. The city of Cottage Grove has a great collection of six, all

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Willamette Valley Life • November/December 2018

Night of a thousand stars. 5th street market.

connected to a Covered Bridges tour route. In addition to being beautiful and historic, several of the Lane County covered bridges, such as the Goodpasture Covered Bridge, are decked with holiday-themed lighting during the month of December.

Pairs well with: The Lowell Covered Bridge Tree Lighting and Boat Parade.

Shop at the Lane County Holiday Farmers Market.

the market throughout the season (keep an eye on the website for specific dates and times), and you can expect flurries on schedule with “Snowfall at the Market” at 6 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, November 24 through December 23. Find more events and dozens of performing arts pieces at www.5stmarket.com/events/.

Pairs well with: The many winter parades in the area.

If you’re ready to shop for treats and presents, check out the Lane County Holiday Farmers Market. When cooler winter temperatures hit Eugene’s popular Saturday Market, the artisan crafters make their way to an indoor arena at the Lane County Fairgrounds to set up this winter bazaar.

Pairs well with: A walk along the scenic Ruth Bascom River Trail.

Explore Seasonal Events in the City

Find dozens of holiday events through the month of December at Eugene’s Fifth Street Public Market.

Peruse the Provisions Market Hall for local culinary treats, delight the kids at Elephant’s Trunk Toy Company, or find gifts for the whole family at the market’s many other shops. Santa visits

Check out Springfield’s “oldest and coldest” annual Christmas Parade, a holiday light parade in Junction City, and other seasonal events in nearby cities like Veneta, Coburg and Creswell.

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Take a Quick Winter Escape East of the southern Willamette Valley, the Cascades mountain range offers another holiday option for a family getaway. Take time to cozy up to a fireplace in a cabin or room along the crystal-clear McKenzie River. (This winter is a great opportunity to turn this into a new Valley tradition!)

Pairs well with: A trip up the river or a stop at Christmas Treasures in the town of Blue River to stock up for your season back home.

Night of a thousand stars. 5th street market.

November/December 2018 • Willamette Valley Life

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From the Willamette Valley, With Love Hand-grown and hand-crafted gift ideas

BY LINDA WALKER

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eep in the heart of the northwest, where quality and the spirit of adventure suffuse the Willamette Valley, artisans make unforgettable crafts. Recognized for their passion and commitment to their craft, these local artisans utilize environmentally friendly practices and high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to bring your family the best of the northwest. Enjoy these items on their own or combine them into the ultimate gift basket.

May your holidays be filled with love, laughter and joy!

Wine and Cheese

Please the connoisseur on your list with these delicious wines or cheese, or stock up for your next holiday gathering.

The Willamette Valley is one of the premier pinot noir-producing regions of the world. Willamette Valley Vineyards’ award-winning pinot noirs are a great place to start. They have a selection of 12 pinot noirs ranging in price from $24 to $65 a bottle. While you’re there, take a little time out and enjoy the tasting room experience. No time for a respite? Visit their website for more gift options, gift cards, upcoming events and activities. Sign up for their newsletter and get 10% off your next purchase – the perfect way to save money this holiday.

The Estate Tasting Room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays till 8 p.m. It will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 8800 Enchanted Way, Turner 1-800-344-9463 www.wvv.com

Briar Rose Creamery offers an outstanding selection of cheeses that will bring excitement to any cheese lover. The fromage blanc, chevre, and Maia all pair nicely with pinot noirs or with a variety of red and white wines. Sarah Marcus, cheese maker extraordinaire, has settled in Dundee and graciously shared her passion, hard work, and expertise, producing the creamery’s award-winning, handcrafted cheeses for all to enjoy.

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Briar Rose Creamery.

The Farm Store is open Friday and Saturday 12 to 5 p.m., or Monday through Thursday by appointment.

19231 NE Fairview Drive, Dundee 503-538-4848 info@briarrosecreamery.com www.briarrosecreamery.com

Cheese and Brew (Who Knew?)

Brews are rapidly becoming an enjoyable alternative to the traditional pairing of wine and cheese.

Alesong Brewing and Blending is more than meets the eye. Their collection of medals and awards guarantees a brew sure to please even the most critical aficionado.

Founder and brewmaster Matt Van Wyk has generously provided a brew pairing from Alesong for each

Willamette Valley Life • November/December 2018

Willamette Valley Pie Company.

of the Briar Rose Creamery cheese recommendations.

Briar Rose Creamery’s fromage blanc — Pair with Alesong’s Pomme Pomme is a barrel-aged farmhouse ale aged on cider apples. This pairing is like decadent and buttery cream cheese spread across fresh, juicy and tart

apples. (This beer can only be found at Alesong’s tasting room.)

Briar Rose Creamery’s Maia — Pair with Alesong’s Visions. Visions is a tart blended ale conditioned with muscat grapes. The medium acidity in the beer can cut through the luscious cheese. Hints of tropical fruit, citrus

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Willamette Valley Vineyards tasting room.

and melon in the ale complement the flavors of the Maia. (This beer is available at Alesong’s tasting room and in bottle shops around the Willamette Valley.)

Briar Rose Creamery’s chevre — Pair with Alesong’s Touch of Brett Mandarina.

Touch of Brett Mandarina is a dryhopped farmhouse ale aged in French oak barrels. The German-grown hops lend notes of tangerine, while yeast notes of mango, pineapple and guava highlight the creamy and citrus notes of the cheese. This beer just won bronze at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival in the Brett beer category, the third year in a row that Touch of Brett has earned an award at GABF. (This beer is available at Alesong’s tasting room and a few select places in the Valley.)

The Alesong Brewing and Blending tasting room open daily from 12 to 6 p.m.

80848 Territorial Highway, Eugene 541-335-9660 alesongbrewing.com

Hazelnuts

Ken and June’s Hazelnuts is named after the original farmers, Ken and June Melcher. Ken and June’s product line includes raw, dry-roasted, and roasted salted hazelnuts. They also offer a delicious selection of milk, dark, and white chocolate-coated hazelnuts, as well as a deliciously unique Marionberry candy-coated hazelnut.

They offer a variety of gift boxes as well as locally sourced fruit jams.

Store hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or other hours if you call ahead.

Holiday hours are in effect from November 1 through December 22: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8046 McKay Road NE, Saint Paul 503-633-2191

kjhazelnuts@stpaultel.com kjhazelnuts.com/shop

Pie

Willamette Valley Pie Company is the place to go for “pie as good as grandma’s.” They stick to the traditional recipes by building their pies from scratch using all-natural ingredients. Stop by the store to enjoy pie by the slice and a cup of coffee while deciding on gifts for family, friends or holiday guests. If you would like to order products for a special event, call at least two days ahead and they will do their best to accommodate your need.

Fall/winter store hours are in effect starting September 1: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

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Parks and Recreation

An Oregon State Park Annual Pass is sure to put a smile on the face of the park lover on your list. Oregon’s annual parking permit offers access to 25 state parks that charge day use fees.

Buy a 12-month permit for $30. You can also by the same permit for $25 in December, or a 24-month permit for $50. Permits are available for purchase online at the Park Store, at most state park offices, by calling 800-551-6949 (credit card orders only), or from vendors all over the state. Additionally, the Oregon State Parks Foundation offers a 12-month permit free with membership.

Park Store: store.oregonstateparks.org Vendor list and map: oregonstateparks. org/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=30 Oregon State Parks Foundation: oregonstateparksfoundation.org/ membership

503.507.1228 | www.randyhillcreative.com

The Voice of the Santiam Canyon • WWW.KYACFM.ORG November/December 2018 • Willamette Valley Life

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D R I N K

Wine's Coziest Time of Year

Time to slow down...Cellar Season is upon us. B Y A U T U M N K R A X B E R G E R

Bjornson Vineyard Salem, Oregon bjornsonwine.com Founded in 2006, Bjornson Vineyard has always been dedicated to making good wine that’s grown and harvested sustainably. They also have a new tasting room just fifteen minutes from downtown Salem! The new addition resembles a rustic French farmhouse with its large stone fireplace, winecolored flooring, and mountain views.

Try a glass of their 2014 family pinot noir, made from grapes grown right outside the tasting room’s doors. A trip out here is sure to help beat the wintertime blues.

© ANDREA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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t’s well known that in spring and summer the Willamette Valley’s warmer weather draws countless wine enthusiasts to explore its unique and accomplished wineries. But many wine drinkers might be surprised to know that one of the best times to drink Valley wines is in the slower and simpler days of winter ‒ or as wine makers call it, Cellar Season.

Cellar Season is a time of year meant for wine drinkers to embrace the best characteristics of the winter season.

The colder weather and the shorter daylight hours mean it’s time to slow down and take pleasure in the simple things in life, like sipping a luscious glass of pinot noir on a cold winter’s day around a cozy fireplace. For wine makers, Cellar Season means the harvest is over, the wines are resting in their barrels, and it’s time to share and network with guests and other wineries.

There are many benefits to visiting wineries in the chillier season, and luckily many wineries in the Willamette Valley keep winter hours at their tasting rooms. The slower pace at tasting rooms allows winery employees to give special attention to visitors.

Oftentimes the winemakers themselves tend the bar, which can lead to great conversations about the process and intent of making a really good glass of wine.

While some tasting rooms are better visited during the summer season, here are four wineries that not only embrace Cellar Season, but also offer a cozy and relaxing tasting experience that will warm the soul of any visitor.

Willamette Valley Vineyards tasting room.

Keeler Estate Vineyard Amity, Oregon keelerestatevineyard.com As a certified organic and biodynamic winery, every bottle of Keeler Estate wine is painstakingly developed to appeal to your taste buds and protect the natural biodiversity of the Willamette Valley. Visiting their tasting room is also easy on the eyes thanks to candles, floral print tablecloths and crackling woodstove. It feels more like a bistro than a tasting room. As for the best wine to drink during Cellar Season, owner Gabriele Keeler recommends their 2017 rose of pinot noir, claiming, “I am a huge believer that rose should not be just a summer wine. If it is dry, it’s a beautiful wine for the heavier holiday foods.” If you find time to go in for a tasting, be sure to accompany it with one of their cheese plates ‒ a classic pairing with any wine.

Solena Estate Yamhill, Oregon www.solenaestate.com Located just outside of McMinnville,

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Willamette Valley Life • November/December 2018

PHOTO BY CYNDI EASTERLY

Solena Estate is the quintessential Oregon winery. Family-owned and -operated, their dedication to quality wine and family values is evident each bottle and the vineyard name itself, taken after the owners’ daughter.

Their new tasting room is beautifully designed and ready to serve visitors this Cellar Season. There are vaulted ceilings, a rustic bar, comfy chairs, and a large two-story fireplace that just begs to be gathered around. Try their 2015 vintage Willamette Valley chardonnay, which is oaky, dry and a great option for those who prefer white wine over red.

Willamette Valley Vineyards Turner, Oregon wvv.com Publically owned, Willamette Valley Vineyards is one of the top producers

of pinot noir in the state of Oregon.

With their Estate Tasting Room conveniently located right off I-5, it’s one winery you shouldn’t miss this Cellar Season. With a large and cozy round fireplace and comfy leather chairs, it’s a great place to gather round and sip last year’s barrel-aged pinot noir. They also have an openconcept kitchen that makes hearty dishes that pair well with their wines and complement the colder weather.

Their Wine Director also recommends “taking a winery tour to hear stories from the recent harvest and taste wine straight from the barrel.” Drink some wine, take a tour, and get a behind-thescenes look at wine making.

For more ideas on wineries to visit in the mid-Willamette Valley, go to www.

TravelSalem.com or willamettewines. com.

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