0

Oregon Wine: Vino Vasai Pours World-Class Pinot Noir, Super Tuscan with Unique Tasting Experience – Wine Review

Newberg Oregon’s Vino Vasai Pours World-Class Pinot Noir, Super Tuscan with Unique Tasting Experience – Wine Review

Potter’s Vineyard and Vino Vasai Wines offers a small lot collection of high quality wines and a memorable visit.

When you go wine tasting, what kind of experience do you want?  Rushed?  Crowded?  In, out and onto the next place?

In some of the most popular wine regions in California and in Oregon, a visit can feel more like you’re walking through a theme park than being invited to enjoy a living, breathing winery.

Vino Vasai is a little (or a lot) different in many ways.  For one, they really want you to have a calm, romantic, delicious experience.

They go out of their way to make it happen.  How?  They stagger their appointments, deliberately plan out the timing, they want conversations.  They foster an environment that encourages visitors to ask questions, lots of questions.  Really sharing about their world, their team and their wine.

As a result, you end up with a memorable,  world-class wine experience.  And we haven’t even gotten to talking about the actual wine yet. 

The winery intentionally limits production, producing less than 1,000 cases annually. Varietals include estate Pinot Noir, and sourced Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah from single vineyard estates in Washington. 

The winery goal is “to offer the very best tasting experience in Oregon”. 

We’ll Always Remember Italy

 

Bill and Sandy Sanchez are the winemakers and owners.   Bill is an example of the mix of art and science –  leveraging 30 years as a PhD Nutritionist and 15 years as a professional Potter. – a common combination seen behind successful wineries.

Owners and winemakers Bill and Sandy Sanchez

Owners and winemakers Bill and Sandy Sanchez

Sandy brings her Italian heritage and a lifetime of passion for Italian cuisine.

Back in 2011, they were on a visit to Italy, falling deep in love with art, Michelangelo’s work and Italian cuisine. 

With Italy on their mind, just a year later they met Vineyard Proprietor Laura Volkman and struck up a dynamic partnership.  Bill wanted to learn everything there was to know about Pinot Noir – from farm to bottle.   Laura was happy to mentor him and ended up selling her estate to him a year later.

The rest is bottled history.

Vino Vasai Family

 

Potters Vineyard, translated in Italian to Vinao Vasai, is a family (some biological, some not) passionate for good food, good wine, good art and who want to make an intimate product that actually makes a personal impact.    

 

Assistant Winemaker Consultant Art Roberts joined the team exactly for that reason, to be part of a family-run winery that makes incredible, affordable small-lot wines.

Keeping with the family vibe, Sandy (tasting room and wine club manager), and Gretchen (customer service specialist). Daughter Melinda and son Eric help with harvest, tasting room, and digital support. 

 

The family does tractor work, vineyard management, and grape sampling along with help from several friends. The family and wine club pick fruit for their Rose’ each year. Potter’s Vineyard is truly a “Grower-Producer”. 

 

The Vino Vasai Region

 

The Sanchez’s purchased their 3.5-acre estate vineyard in 2012 from Laura Volkman. Laura planted the vineyard in 2001. She sold and partnered with Bill and Sandy on the 1,000 steps of growing and making premium Oregon Pinot Noir

They were attracted to the artisan feel of the tasting room Laura created and have since transformed it into a Clay Art Gallery. Customers visit and taste wine in a fine art gallery and vineyard setting. 

The wine is made in a cooperative studio of several winemakers. Bill & Sandy make all the wine themselves, sort fruit by hand, do all the punch downs and make all decisions from primary fermentation through barrel aging in French Oak. Wines are kept separated to create Reserve, Barrel Select and House labels and are bottled one to two years after harvest.

The vineyard is certified LIVE, Salmon Safe, and Bee Safe Farming with a focus on immune health. 

 

Vino Vasai 2019 Estate Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains

Vino Vasai 2019 Estate Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains

Vino Vasai 2019 Estate Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains

Curious to taste a well-loved Pinot Noir?  

This is a special bottle.  Let’s start with the grapes. Pommard and Dijon 777 planted at 700 feet elevation in the newly established Laurelwood District, a sub-AVA of the Chehalem Mountains and Willamette Valley AVA’s.  What does this tell us?  Lots of cool, wet weather creating that well-known Willamette Valley elegance.

The grapes were picked at peak ripeness during a small window of perfect timing in an otherwise very fickle harvest season. As a result: lower alcohol, great acidity, complex flavors.

They chose lees aging in new French Oak to create a very classic Oregon Pinot Noir.

Deep ruby in the glass.  Pronounced black cherry on the nose.  Black plum, white pepper. Medium body, medium tannin, with a long finish.

With only 98 cases produced, good luck getting your hands on this bottle.  But if you can, do it. 

 

Vino Vasai Super Tuscan 2020 Columbia

Vino Vasai Super Tuscan 2020 Columbia

Vino Vasai Super Tuscan 2020 Columbia

When a trip to Italy inspires a bottle, everyone wants to have a taste.  Their goal was to share “a taste of Italy.” 

The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Sangiovese and 12% Merlot 

This Super Tuscan is grown in high elevation vineyard sites in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA of Washington State.

Warm days, cool nights help the grapes ripen with complex flavors and great acidity. Aged in neutral barrels for 18 months. 

Deep ruby in the glass.  Fresh red cherry and red currant on the nose.  Medium body, velvety tannins, black cherry and blueberry notes.  Silky mouthfeel and a medium finish that holds on just long enough, playfully inviting you for the next sip.

Pairs well with any traditional Italian dishes – think lasagna, sausage, spicy meats, meat pizza.  Very Tuscan, indeed

Vino Vasai Wine Club

 

The Wine Club has 2 tiers:  B Club and M Club

Both offer discounts, specials, members only access,  invitations and more.

Find the Vino Vasai wine club details here. 

 

Visit the Vino Vasai Tasting Room

 

Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the vines and enjoy the hilltop view of Parrett Mountain to the East, The Oregon Coast Range to the West, and Dundee Hills to the South. 

The wines are available direct from the tasting room, online at www.pottersvineyard.com or in a few local wine shops near the vineyard. 

Tastings are By Appointment Only at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

Advertisement

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

NYC’s Newest Margarita: Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group

Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group

Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording artist, and producer Hailee Steinfeld, in partnership with Premium Beers Group, a leader within the alcohol industry in Mexico, proudly announces the launch of Angel Margarita.

Hailee Steinfeld falls in love with flavor

Hailee Steinfeld has openly expressed her love for margaritas, often sharing glimpses of her favorite citrusy cocktail on social media. Whether enjoying a classic lime margarita or experimenting with fun flavors like spicy or strawberry, she appreciates the drink’s refreshing and vibrant appeal. Her enthusiasm for margaritas perfectly complements her fun-loving personality, making it a go-to choice for celebrations and casual outings alike.

This premium ready-to-drink margarita cocktail is made with 100% Agave Tequila from the rich soil of Jalisco, Mexico.

Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail

Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail

To ensure that each can offers an authentic and refreshing taste experience, Angel Margarita is then fully crafted just moments from the Agave fields.

Blending Hailee’s West Coast style with the deep Mexican roots of her co-founders Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, Angel Margarita will lead the category with its commitment to quality. Angel Margarita will launch with four vibrant and refreshing flavors: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry.

“Margaritas have always been my go-to cocktail,

so making a ready-to-drink version with high-quality ingredients that didn’t compromise on taste was important to me,”

Hailee Steinfeld

co-founder

“After visiting the Blue Agave fields in Jalisco with my partners Jordi and Rodrigo, I was inspired by the region. I am so proud of what we have created together and cannot wait for the world to try Angel Margarita.”

In 2023, premixed cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits category in the US, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, marking a 26.8% increase year over year. Tequila was the second fastest-growing category, valued at $6.5 billion, up 7.9% yearly.

To underscore the excitement and potential of this fast-growing category, Angel Margarita has partnered with Philip Button, Founder and CEO of Seven XV Ventures and Geloso Beverage Group, one of the leading alcohol beverage manufacturers and distributors in North America. With their support, Angel Margarita will begin its launch in Southern California.

“Hailee is the perfect partner to help us share an authentic piece of our culture and redefine the ready-to-drink market through Angel Margarita with a more global audience,” said Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, co-founders at Angel Margarita. “We invite consumers to taste our 100% Agave Tequila premium cocktails and to experience an authentic piece of Mexico in every sip.

Stay up to date on Angel Margarita: www.angelmargarita.com / @angelmargarita

100% Tequila, 100% Angel Margarita.

Angel Margarita stands out with its high standards of craftsmanship and tradition:

  • Protected Denomination of Origin sourced and manufactured in Jalisco, Mexico
  • Expertly crafted high-quality ingredient list featuring 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, a blend of sparkling water, agave syrup, and natural flavors
  • Each 12 oz can is 6% ABV and is gluten-free
  • Available in four flavors to start: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry
  • Retail = $14.99 / 4-pack, $28.99 / 8-pack variety

About Hailee Steinfeld:
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording musician, and producer Hailee Steinfeld remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her leading performance in the 2016 critically acclaimed film THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN garnered her two Critics’ Choice Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. Her big-screen debut was in 2010 with the Coen Brothers’ film TRUE GRIT, for which she earned an Oscar nomination at only 14 years old. Up next, she will star alongside Michael B. Jordan in Warner Brothers and Ryan Coogler’s latest film, SINNERS. The supernatural action horror-thriller is set to release globally on April 18, 2025.

About Premium Beers Group:
With over 3 decades of experience, Premium Beers Group has innovated and revolutionized the alcohol category in Mexico. PBG was the first company in Mexico to import 100% malt beers from Europe and introduce craft beer and non-alcoholic beer. Premium Beers Group is the benchmark for excellence and a leader within the premium alcohol category.

About Geloso Group:
A leader in the innovation and development of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Geloso Group manufactures and distributes premium malt beverages, wines, ciders, beers, and spirits. Geloso Group is a valued supplier and trusted partner recognized for its professionalism and commitment to quality, service, and marketing.

Thanksgiving in NYC: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe here]

This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche.  As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.

Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.

St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

By @BrandiMilloy

Ingredients

1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

3/4 cup celery, diced

3/4 cup carrots, diced

1 cup mushrooms, diced

2 large eggs

1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves

1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped

1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced

Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.

  2. Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes.  Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer.  Remove from heat and set aside.

  3. Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.

  4. Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!

As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee: A New Era in Health-Conscious Brewing

In today’s health-focused culture, where wellness transcends mere goals to become a lifestyle, mushroom coffee is emerging as a leading trend. This innovative beverage combines the classic energizing effects of coffee with components often linked to the reputed benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Such a blend makes mushroom coffee a more mindful, health-oriented option for daily consumption, resonating especially with those who weave wellness into their daily routines.

Image courtesy of Freepik

The uniqueness of mushroom coffee lies in its ability to enhance the usual coffee experience by potentially offering additional benefits. For those who find regular coffee too acidic, mushroom coffee presents a more stomach-friendly option. Additionally, it incorporates adaptogenic mushrooms, which are believed to help the body better manage stress. This attribute makes mushroom coffee especially enticing to wellness enthusiasts and those seeking a natural way to support their body’s stress response.

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of Freepik

Finding a coffee that delivers on both taste and health promises can be a daunting task. Leading the initiative is More.Longevity & Wellbeing with its Coffee Superfood Blends. These products are meticulously developed, selecting each ingredient for its quality and scientific backing, ensuring they contribute effectively to the blend. Flavors such as Salted Caramel Vanilla and Mocha are designed to mask the natural earthiness of mushroom, making the beverage more enjoyable while enhancing its appeal. The addition of adaptogens and essential vitamins in the blends aims to support overall health by boosting immunity, enhancing energy, and improving mental clarity.

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of More.Longevity & Wellbeing

The company’s commitment to radical transparency ensures that consumers receive a product free from unnecessary fillers and additives, affirming a respect for consumer health and environmental sustainability. This level of honesty and ecological consideration is becoming increasingly important to consumers who prefer products that are both healthy and environmentally conscious.

As the trend continues to carve a niche within the beverage market, consumers are presented with expanding choices. It’s no longer just about picking a brand; it involves selecting a philosophy and a level of quality that resonates with personal health values and taste preferences. The coffee not only invites coffee lovers to rethink their daily mug but also serves as a gateway to a more mindful and intentional morning routine.

Image Courtesy of Freepik

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top