tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1 2010-08-27T00:23:35Z A consumer's perspective on Oregon and Washington wine. Movable Type 3.2ysb5-20051201 tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.527 2010-08-25T22:45:24Z 2010-08-27T00:23:35Z

I am a wine consumer. I am not a "wine blogger". I am inspired enough on certain occasions to share my wine experiences. I am not always writing for others, while more often doing so for myself. I do buy wine at a retailer, winery, or restaurant just like other consumers. I do not solicit (or shakedown) wineries for free wine samples. I am regularly declining offers for free wine. I am not here to promote a winery's or distributor's product. I do prefer to experience wine with food. I do not bring a laptop to wine dinners. I do...

Thad W. I am a wine consumer. I am not a "wine blogger". I am inspired enough on certain occasions to share my wine experiences. I am not always writing for others, while more often doing so for myself. I do buy wine at a retailer, winery, or restaurant just like other consumers. I do not solicit (or shakedown) wineries for free wine samples. I am regularly declining offers for free wine. I am not here to promote a winery's or distributor's product. I do prefer to experience wine with food. I do not bring a laptop to wine dinners. I do... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.526 2010-08-21T05:41:57Z 2010-08-25T16:47:44Z

What an amazing second day this turned out to be. From the morning pairing seminar to the alfresco lunch to the evening salmon bake, it was a day that exceeded expectations on a number of fronts. Here is a summary of my experiences, thoughts, and impressions from Day Two of the International Pinot Noir Celebration 2010. The Grand Seminar Another breakfast of fresh berries...arrive too late for the bacon and sausage...stomach is craving protein...alas, the "Wine is Food" grand seminar offers a mid-morning brunch of lamb and pinot...four wines matched to four preparations...shoulder, loin, leg and shank...winemaker and chef collaborate...Ray...

Thad W. What an amazing second day this turned out to be. From the morning pairing seminar to the alfresco lunch to the evening salmon bake, it was a day that exceeded expectations on a number of fronts. Here is a summary of my experiences, thoughts, and impressions from Day Two of the International Pinot Noir Celebration 2010. The Grand Seminar Another breakfast of fresh berries...arrive too late for the bacon and sausage...stomach is craving protein...alas, the "Wine is Food" grand seminar offers a mid-morning brunch of lamb and pinot...four wines matched to four preparations...shoulder, loin, leg and shank...winemaker and chef collaborate...Ray... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.525 2010-08-15T03:59:20Z 2010-08-17T03:48:30Z

What a terrific first day this turned out to be. From the morning's opening ceremonies to the evening's grand dinner event, it was a day that offered a variety of learning experiences, meaningful connections, and outstanding meals. Without further ado, here is a summary of impressions from this amazing Friday at IPNC 2010. Opening Ceremonies Fruit of the rambling vine for breakfast...fresh raspberries, blackberries, marionberries...pastries galore...welcome from Dr. Thomas Hellie, president of Linfield College...quotes winemaker who claimed, "Pinot noir is the tuning fork of the soul"...still resonates with me even now...Ray Isle, MC for IPNC, talks about the "communal bond,...

Thad W. What a terrific first day this turned out to be. From the morning's opening ceremonies to the evening's grand dinner event, it was a day that offered a variety of learning experiences, meaningful connections, and outstanding meals. Without further ado, here is a summary of impressions from this amazing Friday at IPNC 2010. Opening Ceremonies Fruit of the rambling vine for breakfast...fresh raspberries, blackberries, marionberries...pastries galore...welcome from Dr. Thomas Hellie, president of Linfield College...quotes winemaker who claimed, "Pinot noir is the tuning fork of the soul"...still resonates with me even now...Ray Isle, MC for IPNC, talks about the "communal bond,... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.524 2010-08-10T03:42:42Z 2010-08-17T05:39:53Z

For anyone impatient with my delayed posts or bored with that provided thus far, here's an ever expanding list of links to articles, reviews, and other commentary on the International Pinot Noir Celebration that occurred July 23 - 25, 2010 in McMinnville. IPNC: Continuing Education in Living Well (PinotFile) Excess -- of food and wine -- is the rule at IPNC in McMinnville (The Oregonian) IPNC 2010: Day One (Snooth) IPNC 2010: Day Two (Snooth) What the IPNC is really like (Matching Food & Wine) IPNC… Wines From Oregon and Beyond (Sip With Me!) The Epiphany of Pinot Noir? (Fermentation)...

Thad W. For anyone impatient with my delayed posts or bored with that provided thus far, here's an ever expanding list of links to articles, reviews, and other commentary on the International Pinot Noir Celebration that occurred July 23 - 25, 2010 in McMinnville. IPNC: Continuing Education in Living Well (PinotFile) Excess -- of food and wine -- is the rule at IPNC in McMinnville (The Oregonian) IPNC 2010: Day One (Snooth) IPNC 2010: Day Two (Snooth) What the IPNC is really like (Matching Food & Wine) IPNC… Wines From Oregon and Beyond (Sip With Me!) The Epiphany of Pinot Noir? (Fermentation)... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.523 2010-08-09T04:41:02Z 2010-08-09T05:11:33Z

With so much to share and so many words to write, my posts on specific experiences at IPNC 2010 will be published in installments over the coming weeks. I intend to breakdown this three day event into a series of five or six posts, focusing on the main seminar, winery tour, grand dinner, and salmon bake. Capping it all off, I will summarize my experiences, takeaways, and impressions in a final commentary. To ease the burden on my sufferable writing skills, I will be filling space with lots of photos captured throughout the weekend. Even still, processing these takes...

Thad W. With so much to share and so many words to write, my posts on specific experiences at IPNC 2010 will be published in installments over the coming weeks. I intend to breakdown this three day event into a series of five or six posts, focusing on the main seminar, winery tour, grand dinner, and salmon bake. Capping it all off, I will summarize my experiences, takeaways, and impressions in a final commentary. To ease the burden on my sufferable writing skills, I will be filling space with lots of photos captured throughout the weekend. Even still, processing these takes... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.522 2010-08-09T04:10:17Z 2010-08-21T16:57:04Z

With more than a dozen Willamette Valley wineries hosting dinners on the eve of IPNC weekend, it makes for a tough decision when choosing which one to attend. These Thursday night events are a great way to kickoff what becomes a series of multi-course, multi-flight meals that help define and shape IPNC. The evening Scott and Martha Wright hosted at their downtown Carlton winery on Thursday, July 22, was no exception. In fact, this event exceeded expectations on so many fronts, I probably could have gone home the next day and been happy with that experience alone. The interesting people,...

Thad W. With more than a dozen Willamette Valley wineries hosting dinners on the eve of IPNC weekend, it makes for a tough decision when choosing which one to attend. These Thursday night events are a great way to kickoff what becomes a series of multi-course, multi-flight meals that help define and shape IPNC. The evening Scott and Martha Wright hosted at their downtown Carlton winery on Thursday, July 22, was no exception. In fact, this event exceeded expectations on so many fronts, I probably could have gone home the next day and been happy with that experience alone. The interesting people,... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.521 2010-08-06T04:51:52Z 2010-08-25T22:33:05Z

One of the activities I enjoy most with my daughters is drawing pictures with them. Last weekend, my youngest girl asked that I join her at the table to draw. With her colorful markers in hand, I quickly sketched this image, one that was clearly inspired by my recent visit to Pinot noir vineyards in Oregon during IPNC weekend. When my five year old daughter saw this she asked, "Daddy, why do you like wine so much?". This query prompted me to really stop and think deep down why wine, especially Pinot noir, was so compelling to me. A...

Thad W. One of the activities I enjoy most with my daughters is drawing pictures with them. Last weekend, my youngest girl asked that I join her at the table to draw. With her colorful markers in hand, I quickly sketched this image, one that was clearly inspired by my recent visit to Pinot noir vineyards in Oregon during IPNC weekend. When my five year old daughter saw this she asked, "Daddy, why do you like wine so much?". This query prompted me to really stop and think deep down why wine, especially Pinot noir, was so compelling to me. A... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.520 2010-08-02T04:24:11Z 2010-08-02T04:39:01Z

A few shots captured during the IPNC Vineyard Tour and Winery Lunch hosted by Lemelson on Friday, July 23. More details and photos from this terrific day will be shared soon. A view from my seat on the bus A view from my seat at the blending seminar A view from my seat at the outdoor luncheon...

Thad W. A few shots captured during the IPNC Vineyard Tour and Winery Lunch hosted by Lemelson on Friday, July 23. More details and photos from this terrific day will be shared soon. A view from my seat on the bus A view from my seat at the blending seminar A view from my seat at the outdoor luncheon... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.519 2010-07-30T06:13:40Z 2010-07-30T15:20:43Z

On Friday, July 16, Kari and I attended an Outstanding in the Field dinner at Oxbow Farm, which is located about twenty miles east of downtown Seattle in the town of Carnation. This event was met with much anticipation for it was not only our first OITF, but also an occasion to celebrate our wedding anniversary. At first glance, the $180 per plate price might seem an extravagance, but considering the outdoor setting at Oxbow Farm, the five course meal prepared by chef Matt Dillon and his team from The Corson Building, the four different wines poured by James...

Thad W. On Friday, July 16, Kari and I attended an Outstanding in the Field dinner at Oxbow Farm, which is located about twenty miles east of downtown Seattle in the town of Carnation. This event was met with much anticipation for it was not only our first OITF, but also an occasion to celebrate our wedding anniversary. At first glance, the $180 per plate price might seem an extravagance, but considering the outdoor setting at Oxbow Farm, the five course meal prepared by chef Matt Dillon and his team from The Corson Building, the four different wines poured by James... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.518 2010-07-24T21:08:44Z 2010-07-24T21:26:46Z

What a terrific event IPNC 2010 has been thus far. If you're interested in following my coverage, please visit my Twitter feed for pics and posts captured at various times each day. That said, trying to distill all of the great people, wines, and food into a series of Tweets would be an injustice to this extraordinary event. As such, I am relying more on visual representation of my experiences by shooting pics and posting them to my Twitter feed. The words will come later next week in more details posts here at BeyondtheBottle.com. While I have some downtime, it...

Thad W. What a terrific event IPNC 2010 has been thus far. If you're interested in following my coverage, please visit my Twitter feed for pics and posts captured at various times each day. That said, trying to distill all of the great people, wines, and food into a series of Tweets would be an injustice to this extraordinary event. As such, I am relying more on visual representation of my experiences by shooting pics and posting them to my Twitter feed. The words will come later next week in more details posts here at BeyondtheBottle.com. While I have some downtime, it... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.517 2010-07-22T03:43:57Z 2010-07-23T06:52:33Z

Tomorrow, I head south to Oregon for the International Pinot Noir Celebration in McMinnville. It's been two years since I attended this amazing event. Suffice it to say, I have been awaiting this week for well over a year, when I realized how much I missed out in not attending the 2009 gathering. This year, I am road tripping with my Dad to Portland, who has been in Seattle this past week for a family reunion celebrating his 80th birthday. The last four nights hosting my dad and other members of my extended family have offered a terrific opportunity to...

Thad W. Tomorrow, I head south to Oregon for the International Pinot Noir Celebration in McMinnville. It's been two years since I attended this amazing event. Suffice it to say, I have been awaiting this week for well over a year, when I realized how much I missed out in not attending the 2009 gathering. This year, I am road tripping with my Dad to Portland, who has been in Seattle this past week for a family reunion celebrating his 80th birthday. The last four nights hosting my dad and other members of my extended family have offered a terrific opportunity to... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.516 2010-07-15T04:09:59Z 2010-07-15T04:18:14Z

You may have noticed that I am no longer accepting comments here at BeyondtheBottle.com. While I invite folks to share their thoughts, experiences, and opinions about what I post here, I have found the spam overwhelming. It's become an arduous task each day, sifting thru and deleting dozens upon dozens of spam comments that have nothing to do with wine. If you find something worth commenting on, then please send me an email. You can find my contact information in the About section. And please know that I am working on upgrading the spam filter on this site in order...

Thad W. You may have noticed that I am no longer accepting comments here at BeyondtheBottle.com. While I invite folks to share their thoughts, experiences, and opinions about what I post here, I have found the spam overwhelming. It's become an arduous task each day, sifting thru and deleting dozens upon dozens of spam comments that have nothing to do with wine. If you find something worth commenting on, then please send me an email. You can find my contact information in the About section. And please know that I am working on upgrading the spam filter on this site in order... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.515 2010-07-15T03:45:44Z 2010-08-02T04:01:07Z

Every 4th of July, we head east to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends in Walla Walla. Here are a few shots of vistas I captured during this recent visit. With unseasonably cool temperatures and blue skies, the weather was absolutely perfect this year. Vineyard Row Country Road Wind Farm...

Thad W. Every 4th of July, we head east to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends in Walla Walla. Here are a few shots of vistas I captured during this recent visit. With unseasonably cool temperatures and blue skies, the weather was absolutely perfect this year. Vineyard Row Country Road Wind Farm... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.513 2010-06-29T04:17:01Z 2010-08-09T04:17:02Z

While it might seem from my lack of posts of late that I may have given up on wine, have no fear for my palate has been experiencing less of the local vine and more of the French kind, specifically pinot noir and chardonnay from Burgundy. My goal over the last several weeks has been to gain a stronger frame of reference by focusing my consumption of these two varieties on the baseline, or better put, benchmark that is Burgundy red and white wine. While I have endeavored to pick up a bottle here and a half case there after...

Thad W. While it might seem from my lack of posts of late that I may have given up on wine, have no fear for my palate has been experiencing less of the local vine and more of the French kind, specifically pinot noir and chardonnay from Burgundy. My goal over the last several weeks has been to gain a stronger frame of reference by focusing my consumption of these two varieties on the baseline, or better put, benchmark that is Burgundy red and white wine. While I have endeavored to pick up a bottle here and a half case there after... tag:beyondthebottle.com,2010://1.514 2010-06-28T03:27:38Z 2010-06-28T03:45:24Z

One of my favorite shots from IPNC 2008, captured when I was visiting DDO during the first day of an incredible weekend...IPNC 2010 is just weeks away...can't wait to experience it again....

Thad W. One of my favorite shots from IPNC 2008, captured when I was visiting DDO during the first day of an incredible weekend...IPNC 2010 is just weeks away...can't wait to experience it again....