Winter arrived today with a less than subtle entrance.  It was around 1:00 PM and within minutes of languishing clouds, shadows, and sunbeams the sky went dark and the hail arrived.  The temperature dropped 17 or 18 degrees in minutes, the trees swayed with the winds, leaves falling fast and quickly exposing naked branches.  I woke to fall, I went to bed in winter.

What could therefore be more perfect than a harvest celebration on what may turn out to be the final night of autumn weather.  Bill Sweat and Donna Morris own Winderlea Winery.  They purchased an existing vineyard that carried serious Oregon pedigree, Goldschmidt Vineyard.  They immediately went to work updating the vineyard, hired an experienced winegrower from California, created a beautiful label, built an aesthetically lovely building and pursued their dream.  The wines are super, don’t miss them.  They continue to sell some grapes to AV who produce a single vineyard Winderlea Vineyard (don’t miss that either!).  We were invited to this joyous occasion hosted by Bill and Donna.  The kitchen was under the command of David Bergen from Tina’s who served a quintessential autumn meal.

It was a quiet evening of thanks.  Vintage 2010 was a challenge for all involved and it was important to revisit the relationships that make this business work even in the most difficult years.  It felt a bit like the end of the fall season and then I remembered that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  My favorite holiday.

Winderlea Dining Room

Vineyard Guru Matt Novak and His Wife Stephanie

General Frivolity and Goodwill

The Back Deck with Loads of Hail

More Hail

Side Yard Pathway

Winter Arrives 11/8/10