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Four Scenic Stops on the Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon}

May 29 By Renée ♥ 11 Comments

Take a drive on The Applegate Valley Wine Trail and experience the best of Southern Oregon wine country: stunning scenic beauty, small-town warmth, uncrowded tasting rooms, and artisan winemakers committed to their craft. 

Troon Vineyard: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Extending for 50 miles, from the California border to Grants Pass along the Applegate River, the fertile Applegate Valley is home to “fragrant lavender fields, meticulous small family farms growing organic produce, roaming herds of grass-fed cattle, and numerous vineyards and wineries.” [Applegate Valley Wine Trail] So whether you are on a quest for the perfect bottle of Oregon wine or just want to take a beautiful drive through Southern Oregon back-country, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the Applegate Valley Wine Trail.

At this time, the Applegate Valley Oregon Vintners Association includes eighteen unique wineries that produce a diverse array of wines. Today, we’re sharing some highlights from four of those wineries – a perfect itinerary for a day of sightseeing and wine-tasting!

  1. Wooldridge Creek Winery, Creamery & Charcuterie
  2. Troon Vineyard
  3. Schmidt Family Vineyards
  4. Red Lily Vineyards

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

WOOLDRIDGE CREEK WINERY, CREAMERY & CHARCUTERIE 

Specialties: Small batch estate wines, sustainability and stewardship, congenial conversation, artisan cheeses, and charcuterie.

First established as a “hobby” vineyard back in the ’70’s, Wooldridge Creek has evolved over the decades into a thriving vineyard, winery, creamery and charcuterie business. Owners Ted, Mary, Greg, and Kara adhere to seven-generation principles, a philosophy that is clearly reflected in their dedication to both community and stewardship of the land.

At Wooldridge Creek, their commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. They take their role as stewards of the land seriously, and have maintained certifications for the Salmon Safe and LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) programs as well as Pacific Power’s Blue Sky Renewable Energy Program for over a decade. They also participate in their local watershed protection association.

Wooldridge Creek Winery, Applegate Valley Wine Trail, Southern Oregon Travel | The Good Hearted Woman

On a personal note, this was one of the friendliest, most welcoming tasting rooms we’ve visited – I could have hung out there all day! (I went back twice in one month, if that says anything.) The grounds are beautiful, with broad, sweeping views of the valley; and the entire place has a much less “fussy” vibe than many tasting rooms do… in other words, it very much appealed to my inner hippie.

Wooldridge Creek Winery, Applegate Valley Wine Trail, Southern Oregon Travel | The Good Hearted Woman

In a move very much in keeping with their role as “stewards of the land,” Wooldridge Creek opened their CrushPad Creamery in 2015, making it Oregon’s first joint creamery and winery. The creamery is located on the winery’s crush pad and offers visitors a chance to view the entire cheese making process. They currently source cow and goat milk from two local organic dairies, and make many styles of cheese, from fresh and soft to aged, hard cheeses.

Wooldridge Creek Winery, Applegate Valley Wine Trail, Southern Oregon Travel | The Good Hearted Woman

In 2017, Wooldridge made another addition: charcuterie – fermenting local vegetables and curing a selection of meats – to their repertoire. They offer three platters to complement their wine flights: a cheese platter, a charcuterie platter, or a combination of the two.

Wooldridge Creek Winery, Applegate Valley Wine Trail, Southern Oregon Travel | The Good Hearted Woman

Wooldridge Creek has 56 acres planted in twelve varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo.

Wooldridge Creek Winery, Applegate Valley Wine Trail, Southern Oregon Travel | The Good Hearted Woman

When you visit, be sure to say hello to the winery cat!

Wooldridge Creek Winery, Applegate Valley Wine Trail, Southern Oregon Travel | The Good Hearted Woman

Wooldridge Creek Winery
818 Slagle Cr. Rd
Grants Pass, OR 97527
541.846.6364
admin@wcwinery.com

Tasting Room Hours: 11-5 Daily
Tasting Fee: $10
(Refunded With Purchase)

Four Scenic Stops on the Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon} #traveloregon #travelsouthernoregon Click To Tweet

TROON VINEYARD

Specialties: Zinfandels, unique blends, and “Good Times & Fine Wines”

In 1972, Dick Troon planted one of the first vineyards in the Applegate Valley.  Since that time, the Troon estate has grown to 100 acres with over 40 acres of grapes planted. Known for their signature Zinfandels and unique blends, they are also pioneering varietals such as Vermentino and Tannat. (Their Druid Fluids blend is especially popular.)

Troon Vineyard: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Troon Vineyard: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Troon Vineyard: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

The exceptionally well-kept grounds give visitors plenty of options for relaxing, including bocce ball courts, picnic tables, and a giant chess game.  Guests can play while they enjoy a plate of cheeses and a glass of wine… or they can just sit back and take in the view.

Troon Vineyard: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

It has always been my assertion that everything tastes better when served with a smile, and Troon wines definitely support this claim. In the last year, Mr B and I have visited both Troon tasting rooms a couple of times, and found their staff to be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and exceptionally friendly. (BIG kudos to the team in Carlton – they are amazing!)

Troon Vineyard: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Troon Vineyard: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Troon Vineyard
1475 Kubli Road
Grants Pass, Oregon 97527
541.846.9900
tastingroom@troonvineyard.com

Troon Carlton Wine Bar
250 N. Kutch Street
Carlton, OR 97111
503.852.3084
carlton@troonvineyard.com

Tasting Room Hours: Open Daily 11 am – 5 pm, June-Aug 11 am – 6 pm
Tasting Fee: $10
(Refunded With Purchase)

SCHMIDT FAMILY VINEYARDS

Specialties: Big reds, country charm, wood-fired pizza, beautiful gardens, and Northwest ambience

Wine and wine making have always been a passion for Cal Schmidt, and in 2000 with the purchase of the old Bennett Ranch on the fertile Kubli Bench, he and his wife Judy realized his lifelong dream of owning a vineyard.

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

What struck me most about Schmidt Family Vineyards was the care and attention that have been put creating a “complete experience.”  In addition to the vineyards themselves, there is a large, picturesque pond, several acres of herb and flower gardens, gazebos, and numerous walking paths for visitors to use as they unwind and enjoy in a beautiful, relaxing setting.

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

The Craftman-style tasting room at Schmidt Family Vineyards is absolutely stunning.

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

In addition to their estate wines, Schmidt Family Vineyards offers a quality menu to enhance your wine tasting experience as well, with all food made to order using farm fresh ingredients. We found the wood-fired pizzas to be quite tasty! (Their website also shares recipes, complete with tasting notes!)

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Schmidt Family Vineyards, Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Schmidt Family Vineyards

330 Kubli Road
Grants Pass, OR 97527
541-846-9985

schmidt@sfvineyards.com

Tasting Room Hours: 7 days a week from 12-5pm. Open on Fridays from 12-8pm.
Food is served 12-4:30 pm, Thurs-Monday
Tasting Fee: $10 for the Vintner Flight & $12 for the Garden Flight (served in test tubes for easily touring the gardens).
The Vintner’s Flight is complimentary to Wine Club Members. The Garden Flight is 50% off for Wine Club Members.

RED LILY VINEYARDS

Specialties: Spanish Centric Wines, scenic fall color, and cozy conversation. 

Red Lily Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery committed to a single goal — producing the finest Spanish-inspired wines possible. Owners Les and Rachael Martin fell in love with Spanish wines years ago, and have “made it their life’s work to cultivate the highest quality wines possible.”

Red Lily Vineyards: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Like all many of the vineyards in the Applegate Valley, you can visit Red Lily Vineyards anytime, but I highly recommend that you put them on your fall wine-tour itinerary when the autumn chill sets the grounds ablaze with vibrant color.

Red Lily Vineyards: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Red Lily Vineyards: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Red Lily’s tasting room is a beautiful example of architectural reclamation. With views of both the valley and the Applegate River, this former feeder barn turned tasting room offers guests both inside and outside seating, an outdoor fireplace, and outdoor heaters to stay warm and cozy. When we visited, we found the prices to be reasonable and the tasting room staff extremely helpful.

Red Lily Vineyards: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Wine flights are served in a test-tube rack, which initially seemed a bit strange, but as it turned out, made a very practical presentation.

Red Lily Vineyards: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Varietals produced by Red Lily Vineyards include Albarino, Grenache, Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional.

Red Lily Vineyards: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Red Lily Vineyards

Les and Rachael Martin, Owners
11777 Hwy. 238
Jacksonville OR 97530

Phone: (541) 846-6800
Fax: (541) 846-0601
info@redlilyvineyards.com

Winter Hours (Nov-Apr) Thursday – Sunday
11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Summer Hours (May-Oct)  Daily
11:00 am -5:00 pm

Tasting Fee: $5
(Refunded With Purchase of 2 Bottles of Wine)

Red Lily Vineyards: Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Disclosure: My visit to Wooldridge Creek, Schmidt, and Troon Wineries, including tastings, were complimentary as part of a Travel Oregon press trip. As always, all opinions and images are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running, and at the same time allow us to keep traditional advertising to a minimum. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

More Southern Oregon Travel from GHW

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McCully House, Jacksonville, Oregon
Corner Sign - Southern Oregon Travel: McCully House {Jacksonville} | The Good Hearted Woman
Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman
Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman
Applegate Valley Wine Trail {Southern Oregon Travel} | The Good Hearted Woman

Filed Under: Pacific Northwest, Southern Oregon, Travel Tagged With: Southern Oregon, Travel, Travel Oregon, wine, Winery

Rogue Creamery {+ 24 Delicious Blue Cheese Recipes}

November 10 By Renée ♥ 5 Comments

In my last post, I introduced you to the Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor, a small alliance of artisan culinary shops in Central Point, Oregon, and shared our experiences at Lillie Belle Farms with Jeff Shepherd and his amazing chocolates. Today, it’s all about the Cheese.

Specifically, Blue Cheese…

Rogue Creamery, Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor | The Good Hearted Woman

… creamy, salty, savory, delicious, handcrafted, award-winning, internationally-acclaimed Rogue Creamery Blue Cheese.

For many years, I erroneously thought that blue cheese, Roquetfort, Gorgonzola and the like were distinctly different cheeses. And they are… but they aren’t. Like Swiss- and cheddar-style cheeses, there are a wide variety of blue cheeses, each with its own unique flavor and textures, but they can ofttimes be used interchangeably in recipes. So before we go any farther, let’s take a moment to discuss what blue cheese is.

Blue Cheese Basics

  • Blue cheese is most often made from cow, sheep, or goat milk.
  • Blue cheese is made by culturing milk with Penicillium, a type of mold.
  • Different blue cheeses are cultured in various ways, using unique strains of Penicullium, giving them their distinct flavor, texture, and aroma.
  • In the European Union, many blue cheeses (e.g., Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Stilton) are protected, and can bear their name only if they have been made in a particular region.

Some Popular Varieties of Blue Cheese

  • Cabrales – Traditionally made from mixing goat and sheep’s milk together, Cabrales has a strong, spicy flavor.
  • Danish Blue – This strong blue cheese is creamy, with a semi-soft texture.
  • Dorset Blue Vinney – This English blue cheese is made with unpasteurized, skimmed cow’s milk, and has a hard texture, a crusty outer layer, and a strong aroma and taste.
  • Gorgonzola – Made with either cow or goat’s milk (sometimes both), Gorgonzola is a firm, creamy cheese with a salty and often slightly sweet taste.
  • Roquefort – Famously green-veined, Roquefort has a tangy, salty flavor with sweet undertones.
  • Stilton – This semi-soft cheese is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk, and has a strong aroma and outstanding flavor.

A Trip Back in Time: Rogue Creamery {Est. 1933}

There’s something comforting and wonderful about the rustic feel of a real, honest-to-goodness (emphasis on the goodness!) cheese shop, and the Rogue Creamery is about as honest a cheese shop as they come. Founded in 1933 at the height of the depression, Rogue Creamery began producing blue cheese in 1954. Today, they continue to draw both inspiration and resources from Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, and offer award-winning varieties of outstanding handcrafted blue cheese, cheddar cheese, and TouVelle.

Rogue Creamery, Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor | The Good Hearted Woman

Step inside to sample cheeses to your heart’s content. Hungry travelers can order one of their crazy-good panini-style grilled cheese sandwiches, prepared with more than a generous amount of cheese. A great place to pack a perfect picnic, Rogue Creamery also offers a carefully curated selection of deli items, crackers, fruit, beer, and wine, as well as local artisan jams, jellies and sauces. The staff at the shop is helpful and knowledgeable, and will be more than happy to help you with your selections.

PRO TIP: There are always samples available, but if something you want to try isn’t out, all you need to do it ask.

Rogue Creamery, Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor | The Good Hearted Woman

The poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese. {Gilbert K. Chesterton} Click To Tweet

Rogue Creamery Notes: 

  • Smokey Blue: Referred to in-house as “Beginner Blue,” this smooth, smokey blue packs in all of the flavor (and then some) without the harsh, bitey quality of some blue cheeses. This classic Roquefort-style blue cheese is cold smoked sixteen hours with Oregon Hazelnut shells, resulting in a sweet, creamy, smoky flavor. It crumbles well, and is “easy to eat” as blue cheese goes, and pairs well with well-rounded “food” wines that are on the fruity side and lighter on tannins and acidity.
  • LaDiDa Lavender Cheddar: I know – it sounds weird, but Mr B and I both love this uniquely floral cheese. LaDiDa would be perfect on a dessert tray with chocolate or scones, and paired with a light dessert wine.
  • Caveman Blue: Full-bodied, buttery, and AMAZING! Rogue Creamery uses a unique aging environment to create this golden-hued blue that tastes of sweet, fresh buttermilk with hints of tropical fruit. Caveman’s earthy undertones pair well with a wide range of beverages, from bold reds to sweeter desert wines to full-flavored Stouts.
  • Blue Heaven (Powdered Cheese): Blue Heaven is a proprietary blend of Oregon Blue, Oregonzola, Crater Lake Blue and special reserve blue cheeses. Perfect for sprinkling on salads, breads, popcorn, nuts, and anything else you can think of.

PRO TIP: Not a fan of dry, tannin-rich red wines? Me either. But next time you have the chance, try some with a bite of blue cheese. You may be pleasantly surprised (as I was) to discover that the pairing opens up whole new venues to you. Tannins literally bind to the cheese’s protein and fat, measurably softening the astringent qualities of the tannins, and making the entire tasting experience smoother in the process.

Rogue Creamery, Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor | The Good Hearted Woman

BLUE CHEESE RECIPE ROUND-UP

Blue Cheese is an amazingly versatile cheese; equally perfect on a fruit and cheese plate or as a stand-out ingredient in your next meal. Here’s a little Blue Inspiration 😉 from some of my favorite bloggers.

** Recipes are pictured in order, clockwise from the top left corner of each image. 

Main Dishes

24 Delicious Blue Cheese Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

  • Buffalo Shrimp & Blue Cheese Grits {Taste & See}
  • Chicken, Roasted Broccoli, and Blue Cheese Penne {Beyond Mere Sustenance}
  • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs {Taste & See}
  • Bourbon Blue Cheese Steak Sliders {Three Olives Branch}

Salads

24 Delicious Blue Cheese Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

  • Fig Spinach Salad {Dinner at the Zoo}
  • Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Candies Pecans {What a Girl Eats}
  • Italian Blue Salad with Apricot Dressing {Trail and Eater}
  • Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing {Prepare & Nourish}

Sides

24 Delicious Blue Cheese Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

  • Spiralized Golden Beets with Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese, and Sage {Beyond Mere Sustenance}
  • Gorgonzola Mashed Potatoes {Lively Table}
  • Celeriac, Spinach & Blue Cheese Soup {Little Sugar Snaps}
  • Bacon & Blue Cheese Roasted Cauliflower Wedges {Joy Filled Eats}

Baked Goods

24 Delicious Blue Cheese Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

  • 15-Minute Blue Cheese Garlic Bread {Sugar & Soul}
  • Bacon & Roquefort Cheese Muffins {Karen’s Kitchen Stories}
  • Blue Cheese, Watercress & Artichoke Tartlets {Little Sugar Snaps}
  • Blue Cheese Biscuits {The Live-in Kitchen}

Appetizers & Small Bites

24 Delicious Blue Cheese Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

  • Blue Cheese Fig Tart {Olivia’s Cuisine}
  • Baked Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce {Culinary Ginger}
  • Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares {Plating Pixels}
  • Grilled Steak Bites with Creamy Blue Cheese {The Spicy Apron}

Dressings, Sauces, Spreads & Dips

24 Delicious Blue Cheese Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

  • Gorgonzola Butter {Cooking with Curls}
  • Blue Cheese Pecan Cheese Ball {Suburban Simplicity}
  • Small Batch Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing {One Dish Kitchen}
  • Gorgonzola Cream Cheese Spread {Plated Cravings}

Disclosure: My first trip to the Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor was as part of the #TrailsToFeast Travel Oregon press trip. As always, all opinions and photos are my own. 

24 Delicious Blue Cheese Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

Filed Under: Beyond PDX, Far & Away, Pacific Northwest, Recipe Round-ups, Southern Oregon, Travel Tagged With: artisan chocolate, Cheese, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Travel, wine, Winery

Estate Grown, Naturally: Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard {McMinnville, Oregon}

August 24 By Renée ♥ 19 Comments

From their stewardship of the land to the award-winning wines they produce, Maysara Winery and Momtazi Vineyard stands as the legacy of a gracious family. 

Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

If there is one thing that stands out about visiting Maysara Winery, it is the warmth and passion radiated by the Momtazi family who created and run it. From the first moment Hannah Momtazi greeted us from behind the counter in the Maysara Winery tasting room, our gathering felt more like a reunion of friends than a press tour. We were welcomed with engaging conversation, generous pours, a delicious charcuterie tray, and Flora Momtazi’s homemade baba ganoush, which I could have eaten all afternoon.

Tasting Room Interior 2 - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

The tasting room itself is a beautifully rustic space with a welcoming, intimate feel. The bar in the tasting room is the end-product of a massive oak tree that was felled on site, and the rough-hewn field stones from the property make up the ten-foot high walls.

Tasting Room Interior 1 - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

A beautifully detailed tapestry depicting the Persian poet Rumi reciting one of his poems to a group hangs behind the bar. The air itself is changed with warm light: it is a space designed to welcome and embrace.

Tasting Room Tapestry - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Maysara Winery isn’t one you are likely to simply stumble across in your next tour through Oregon wine country. Just bit off the beaten path (five minutes off Highway 18), Maysara is a destination for which you set out with the intent of spending a relaxing few hours. It is most definitely worth the drive.

Purple Hydrangeas - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

The Momtazi family was beyond gracious during our visit, welcoming us to their winery and to their table like old friends. Family matriarch Flora Momtazi, known for her middle-eastern cooking, made all the food for our gathering herself, every dish a sumptuous nod to the family’s heritage.

Menu - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Our Persian-inspired menu was rustically elegant, from the homemade Baba Ganoush to the Shirini Napoleon.

Table 1 - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Persian Macaroni - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Flora Momtazi’s Persian Macaroni was fabulous!

Steam - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Note all that no one is actually serving up food here. We all know the rules: “Pictures first, food later.”

Plated - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

As we enjoyed our meal, Moe Momtazi shared his story of emigrating from post-revolution Iran in the early 1980’s. As a storyteller, Moe reminds me a little of my Dad: his humor and gracious, affable demeanor providing a smooth veneer that belies a far more poignant narrative below the surface. (Sitting there listening to Moe tell his family’s story, I felt my inner storyteller spark: this is a family story that needs telling.)

Moe Momtazi - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Between lunch and dessert, we learned that after studying at the University of Arlington in Texas back in the 70’s, Moe returned to Iran. However, as life for the Iranian people darkened following the 1979 revolution, he knew he wanted to return to the US, so in 1982, he and his wife Flora escaped. They made their way west through Spain, where their oldest daughter, Tahmiene, was born. After arriving in the US, they added to their family as younger daughters Naseem and Hannah arrived.

Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Naseem, Hannah, Tahmiene, Moe & Flora Momtazi. [Image provided by Momtazi Family]

Each of the three Momtazi daughters fills a distinct role at Maysara Winery. Tahmiene Momtazi, the eldest, is the primary Winemaker. Middle daughter Naseem is responsible for national sales and distribution. The youngest, Hanna, with her bright smile and open, convivial disposition, serves as the Events and Hospitality Manager.

Glasses of wine - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

I could write a whole separate post about the food! Savory and rich, every bite was genuinely delicious and authentically comforting.

Napoleon - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

After our meal, we went on a tour of the winery. The Momtazi’s have 252 acres of their Estate under vine, and from the time they planted the first rootstock in March of 1998, they have been committed to holistic, organic, biodynamic farming practices. Vineyards are cultivated without external chemicals or mineral additives; instead nurtured with compost teas distilled from plant material on the property. (The Maysara Winery became a Demeter Certified Biodynamic® Winery in 2007.)

Moe w Bloggers - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

We try to keep a natural balance. Healthy soil and healthy vines will produce healthy fruit.

~Moe Montazi

Currently, Maysara Winery offers Oregon Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris, and a Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé. My personal favorite from our visit was their Pinot Blanc (sorry, I forgot to note the year), which I found to be a rich, well-balanced, refreshing glass that paired especially well with the firm cheeses and savory charcuterie selections, and very affordable at just $20 a bottle.

Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Many Maysara’s wine names reflect their Persian roots. (The name Maysara translates to “House of Wine.”) For example, their Mitra Pinot Noir is named for an ancient Persian deity of friendship and oaths who was thought to be the source of cosmic light, while their Delara Pinot Noir named for a Persian word that translates as “capture one’s heart.” Others reflect their family story, like their Immigrant Pinot Noir, a wine created and dedicated “to all immigrants, including our own family members who risked their lives to escape and make it to America for the values of freedom and opportunity that this country stands for.”

Bottle of Red - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Originally a civil engineer, Moe Momtazi’s passion for architecture and building is evident everywhere you look. As one of the largest indoor and outdoor venues in Oregon Wine Country, it’s difficult to effectively convey the architectural beauty and massive nature of the main Maysara Winery in just a few photographs.

Door - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Even more impressive is that nearly everything you see – from the stone floors and walls of the massive winery to the boards of the tasting room ceiling are made with materials from their land. The walls of the immense common room in the winery are faced with flatten staves, giving it the appearance of an old, carefully lined bookshelf.

Wood Collage - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

From their stewardship of the land to the wines they produce, Maysara Winery and Momtazi Vineyard stands as the legacy of a gracious family; reflecting appreciation, dedication, and passion – to the past, the present, and the future.

Stave Wall - Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Note Hannah Momtazi standing in the lower right corner, lending perspective to the massive nature of the winery itself.

I was not only impressed by their wines and facilities, but by my whole experience at Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard. If a relaxing drive in the country and an afternoon of wine-tasting and storytelling sounds appealing to you, I highly recommend you make a visit.

Visiting Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard

Maysara Winery is about a 1 ½ hour drive from Portland. Tasting room hours change seasonally, and due to special events on select Fridays, Saturdays, and/or Sundays, they may be closed for a private events beginning at 2:30pm, so be sure to call before you go. Groups of seven or more require a reservation. The tasting fee is $15.

Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard
15765 SW Muddy Valley Rd
McMinnville, OR 97128-8551
503.843.1234
http://maysara.com

Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

Many thanks to the Momtazi family for hosting our meal and winery tour. As always, all opinions and images (except as noted) are mine. 

Estate Grown, Naturally - A Tour of Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman


Filed Under: Beyond PDX, Blogger Bites, Close to Home, Food & Dining Tagged With: Willamette Valley, wine, Winery

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