Teeny Tiny Wineries of... Oregon

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#101 Post by **Andy Steinman** » March 20th, 2019, 9:21 pm

Violin Wines

Will Hamilton is doing some great work! Pinot, although I believe he will be exploring some other territory along the way.

He made his first few vintages at Walter Scott but is now growing his brand working out of Amity, OR.

#102 Post by **Jim Anderson** » March 20th, 2019, 10:09 pm

Todd Hamina wrote: ↑March 20th, 2019, 8:01 pm Kelley Fox. I know she's mentioned here already, but... you should add her to your list. Hung out with her today, such a fantastic person.

I wish the "natural" wine people had chosen "true" as their moniker instead.

Kelley's wines are true.

I think she left teeny-tiny behind awhile ago. She’s too darn good and moved on up.

Saw a stat today that in 2018 of Oregon’s 729 (f-me running) 354 were 1,000 cases or less. Basically half. So anything above 1K excludes you from the TT Club.

#103 Post by **Todd Hamina** » March 20th, 2019, 10:49 pm

1k, 3k... what's the difference.

Either way brand Oregon is on its way to high end homogeniety. So... small producers, need some love.

Brian Glas · #104 Post by **Brian Glas** » March 21st, 2019, 7:14 am

Todd Hamina wrote: ↑March 20th, 2019, 10:49 pm 1k, 3k... what's the difference.

Either way brand Oregon is on its way to high end homogeniety. So... small producers, need some love.

That is why these boards are so great. So many knowledgeable winos to steer me in the right direction. I stopped by Westrey last Friday based on the recommendations here.

Andrew Ing · #105 Post by **Andrew Ing** » March 21st, 2019, 8:05 am

Another vote for Prive. Their benchmark pinots come from one acre to the north of the house and one acre to the south of their house. They let me run the label and foil machine last time I was there. Machine is actually a generous term because it was essentially by hand.

#106 Post by **Todd Hamina** » March 21st, 2019, 8:12 am

Jim Anderson wrote: ↑March 20th, 2019, 10:09 pm
Todd Hamina wrote: ↑March 20th, 2019, 8:01 pm Kelley Fox. I know she's mentioned here already, but... you should add her to your list. Hung out with her today, such a fantastic person.

I wish the "natural" wine people had chosen "true" as their moniker instead.

Kelley's wines are true.
I think she left teeny-tiny behind awhile ago. She’s too darn good and moved on up.

Saw a stat today that in 2018 of Oregon’s 729 (f-me running) 354 were 1,000 cases or less. Basically half. So anything above 1K excludes you from the TT Club.

I'm out of the club?

#107 Post by **Jim Anderson** » March 21st, 2019, 8:29 am

Todd Hamina wrote: ↑March 21st, 2019, 8:12 am
Jim Anderson wrote: ↑March 20th, 2019, 10:09 pm
Todd Hamina wrote: ↑March 20th, 2019, 8:01 pm Kelley Fox. I know she's mentioned here already, but... you should add her to your list. Hung out with her today, such a fantastic person.

I wish the "natural" wine people had chosen "true" as their moniker instead.

Kelley's wines are true.
I think she left teeny-tiny behind awhile ago. She’s too darn good and moved on up.

Saw a stat today that in 2018 of Oregon’s 729 (f-me running) 354 were 1,000 cases or less. Basically half. So anything above 1K excludes you from the TT Club.
I'm out of the club?

Brother ain’t nothing teeny-tiny about you ever!

#108 Post by **Todd Hamina** » March 21st, 2019, 8:32 am

Ha, is that why I've been blacklisted from OPC, IPNC and whatever other reindeer games the halfwits concoct?

rfelthoven · #109 Post by **rfelthoven** » March 21st, 2019, 8:41 am

It's probably because you don't pull punches

#110 Post by **Todd Hamina** » March 21st, 2019, 9:14 am

I was raised to value the truth, bottom line facts and say it how it is.

#111 Post by **dsGriswold** » March 21st, 2019, 12:32 pm

Todd, are you Finnish!

#112 Post by **Todd Hamina** » March 22nd, 2019, 8:22 am

dsGriswold wrote: ↑March 21st, 2019, 12:32 pm Todd, are you Finnish!

So lucky.

John Mensch · #113 Post by **John Mensch** » April 14th, 2019, 9:13 am

Andy Steinman wrote: ↑March 20th, 2019, 9:21 pm Violin Wines

Will Hamilton is doing some great work! Pinot, although I believe he will be exploring some other territory along the way.

He made his first few vintages at Walter Scott but is now growing his brand working out of Amity, OR.

I totally agree Andy. Will does a terrific job and does as well as any winemaker capturing the essence of the Eola-Amity Hills. Tasted his 17's yesterday and it's another fantastic vintage for Violin Wines.

#114 Post by **Todd Hamina** » June 30th, 2019, 10:47 pm

J. Craw

And Jay Somers will have a new project starting this vintage. So stay tuned for that, should be great wines.

GregT · #115 Post by **GregT** » July 1st, 2019, 12:20 am

Cool thread you started Todd.

Maybe there should be a sub thread about teeny tiny wineries that make or made great Syrah!

#116 Post by **markjchambers** » July 1st, 2019, 6:43 am

Rolf Winterthur wrote: ↑January 30th, 2018, 9:52 pm
Todd Hamina wrote:
Jim Anderson wrote:Isn't Cayuse in Washington? Was that a joke and I missed it?
Production is in Milton-Freewater, OR and the tasting room is in Walla Walla.
Oregon's newest AVA -> Milton-Freewater Rocks District. These rocks made Cayuse what it is today. I am a big enough fan that my 6 character limited OR license plate says ROX AVA.

Is there really any distinction, other that the state line, between Walla Walla and Milton Freewater? I've visited several places on both sides of the line and I don't find much difference. Lots of tiny places on the WA side, like Rulo. Also the old airfield at Walla Walla AP has a bunch of small wineries, including CAVU which makes a rose of barbera - really nice.

#117 Post by **Todd Hamina** » July 1st, 2019, 7:36 am

Good question Mark and my answer is that I have no idea. Simply not versed enough in the area. WW is a big AVA with most of it being in OR, but association is almost always with WA (because of the town and most fruit is vinified in Washington).

#118 Post by **John Peacock** » July 1st, 2019, 8:26 am

Actually, there is slightly more than half of the Walla Walla AVA on the Washington side. We just only hear about the Rocks District, which is on the Oregon side, and the area in the hills to the south of the Rocks, where Seven Hills and other vineyards are at.

https://www.wallawallawine.com/wine-region/ava-maps/

Many of the Walla Walla wineries source fruit from the OR side. There is certainly some distinction between Les Collines (WA side) and anything in the Rocks (OR side), but since so many producers get fruit from both sides, it is hard to distinguish where the fruit is coming from and the respective wines.

#119 Post by **Todd Hamina** » July 1st, 2019, 12:23 pm

I stand corrected, thank you. It's a 60/40 split.

#120 Post by **Todd Hamina** » July 1st, 2019, 5:40 pm

Also, Rolf which state do you live in?

Peter Petersen · #121 Post by **Peter Petersen** » July 14th, 2019, 7:51 am

Tried my first Kelley Fox, the 2017 Ahurani, PN. All Momtazi fruit, and apparently the only Momtazi she made in that vintage. This wine is criminally good for only $30 at retail.

Scott Tallman · #122 Post by **Scott Tallman** » July 14th, 2019, 7:54 am

Peter Petersen wrote: ↑July 14th, 2019, 7:51 am Tried my first Kelley Fox, the 2017 Ahurani, PN. All Momtazi fruit, and apparently the only Momtazi she made in that vintage. This wine is criminally good for only $30 at retail.

Indeed. While her top end Maresh and Momtazi bottlings are phenomenal, this wine and the Mirabai (Maresh fruit) are insane values.

#123 Post by **Leonard Taylor** » July 14th, 2019, 8:01 am

I could not agree more with the two posts above about Kelley Fox Ahurani. It is truly a bargain and the wine is just fantastic. As are all her wines.

#124 Post by **Todd Hamina** » July 14th, 2019, 8:48 am

Plus, she is awesome.

#125 Post by **Leonard Taylor** » July 14th, 2019, 9:22 am

Todd Hamina wrote: ↑July 14th, 2019, 8:48 am Plus, she is awesome.

We visited with her last year and she was very gracious.

#126 Post by **cepotts** » July 14th, 2019, 9:56 am

All you fans of KF and Violin need to visit Michael Sterling at Franny Beck. Johan and La Chenaie are amazing Pinot. The whole line up is impressive. Get in on the ground floor with this producer.

#127 Post by **Steve Anderson** » July 17th, 2019, 8:42 pm

Todd (and all contributors) - what a great resource this is!

The good/bad news for me is that my short list for a brief Oregon visit next month just went from about four to at least 16+. Will have to start mapping some of these out to see what may fit.

While I am here, I will add that we really enjoy what Nate Ready is doing with his Hiyu/Smockshop Band wines in Hood River. Will definitely be one of our visits, with the remainder in WV (TBD - but probably Ribbon Ridge or Eola-Amity areas).

Cheers!

Steve

Scott Tallman · #128 Post by **Scott Tallman** » July 17th, 2019, 10:46 pm

Steve Anderson wrote: ↑July 17th, 2019, 8:42 pm Todd (and all contributors) - what a great resource this is!

The good/bad news for me is that my short list for a brief Oregon visit next month just went from about four to at least 16+. Will have to start mapping some of these out to see what may fit.

While I am here, I will add that we really enjoy what Nate Ready is doing with his Hiyu/Smockshop Band wines in Hood River. Will definitely be one of our visits, with the remainder in WV (TBD - but probably Ribbon Ridge or Eola-Amity areas).

Cheers!

Steve

If you’re going to Hood River area, definitely visit Analemma. Stephen and Kris did great work with fruit from Atavus and Oak Ridge Vineyards, and the wines coming out of the estate vineyard are very promising, esp the Mencia, which I thought was dynamite. Not to mention they are two of the nicest people.

July 17th, 2019, 10:57 pm

Scott - appreciate the feedback! I have heard of Analemma, but have not had the wines. I've had Nate Ready's Smockshop Band Atavus Gewurztraminer/Pinot blend from that vineyard, which we loved.

Cheers!

Steve

Scott Tallman · #130 Post by **Scott Tallman** » July 17th, 2019, 11:06 pm

Steve Anderson wrote: ↑July 17th, 2019, 10:57 pm Scott - appreciate the feedback! I have heard of Analemma, but have not had the wines. I've had Nate Ready's Smockshop Band Atavus Gewurztraminer/Pinot blend from that vineyard, which we loved.

Cheers!

Steve

Analemma started out making wine solely from Atavus and Oak Ridge. Still makes wine from both vineyards, but have focused on their estate vineyard, which allowed other wineries to access the Atavus fruit. If you like the Hiyu wines, worth checking out Analemma.

July 18th, 2019, 3:24 pm

We went for our annual fourth of July Portland visit to see our son and D-I-L and as usual we spent a few days in WV.

Here are the wineries we visited:

Saturday 7/6
A Blooming Hill

Newberg Sunday 7/7
Colene Clemens
Eminent Domain

Dundee Tuesday 7/9
Erath Winery
Le Cadeau Vineyard
Evening Land Vineyards
Winderlea Vineyard & Winery
Argyle Winery

Salem/Amity Wednesday 7/10
Franny Beck
Brooks Wines
Vincent Wine Co
Johan Vineyards

Newberg Thursday 7/11
Beaux Freres
Shea Wine Cellars
Raptor Ridge Winery
Hyland Estates

Newberg (7/12)
Brick House
Vidon Vineyard
Aramenta Cellars

By far the highlight was Wednesday where we had appointments to taste with Michael Sterling and Vincent Fritzsche. Each had great wines to offer but it was the overall enthusiasm and conviviality of both that really made for a fantastic tasting experience. Oh, and Michael, maybe our next time out we can find a way to share a wee dram of something smokey and peaty.

The next best tastings were (in no particular order) were Eminent Domain, Beaux Freres, Shea Wine Cellars and Brick House. As expected the majority of the wines we tasted were Pinots but it was very interesting to see a significant shift toward chardonnay, most all of which were excellent.

November 27th, 2019, 8:29 am

I am bumping this thread up to the top because it is Thanksgiving weekend already. Where does the time go?

Pick from the list, lists, added lists and recommendations here and go show some love to the little guy/gal. Go ahead, love them, and buy their terrific wines.

Patrick Duffy · November 27th, 2019, 9:23 am

Is 00 teeny tiny?

November 27th, 2019, 9:48 am

Sure, why not.

November 27th, 2019, 12:48 pm

I see they have a Corton Charlie on deck. Very interesting.

#136 Post by **Todd Hamina** » December 8th, 2019, 1:22 pm

This is going on now... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-press ... 8103388337

December 20th, 2019, 9:08 pm

Ricochet.

https://www.oregonlive.com/wine/2019/12 ... uture.html

Brian Glas · #138 Post by **Brian Glas** » December 21st, 2019, 6:51 pm

Todd Hamina wrote: ↑December 20th, 2019, 9:08 pm Ricochet.

https://www.oregonlive.com/wine/2019/12 ... uture.html

Thanks for the tips. We'll have to check them out next time we are in Oregon.

December 21st, 2019, 8:03 pm

They are at Day Camp in Dundee.

January 13th, 2020, 6:04 pm

Todd
Did Jay Somers have his first new harvest or is he releasing his first wine this year?

#141 Post by **Todd Hamina** » January 13th, 2020, 6:22 pm

He started at the Carlton Studio last fall, don't know the release schedule.

#142 Post by **Todd Hamina** » March 17th, 2020, 8:09 am

Sun Break Wines, check out their offer in the BQR folder.

#143 Post by **Todd Hamina** » April 18th, 2020, 10:52 pm

J. Somers Sauv blanc is out. Get some.

#144 Post by **Todd Hamina** » July 17th, 2020, 5:53 pm

Parra wines. Kicks it off with Eola-Amity Hills Tempranillo from Zenith vineyard.

Disclaimer: he's a client.

Matt M . · #145 Post by **Matt M .** » July 25th, 2020, 9:46 am

A few others:
- Ruby Wines
- Ratio Wines
- Fairsing Vineyard
- Flanur
- Hundred Suns

July 25th, 2020, 9:49 am

I really enjoy the Hundred Suns and Flaneur wines. Grant and Renee do great work with their own label(Hundred Suns) and the wines Grant is making for Flaneur have been some of my favorite WV wines over the past couple of years.

kyledorsey · #147 Post by **kyledorsey** » July 25th, 2020, 10:09 am

Steve Anderson wrote: ↑July 17th, 2019, 8:42 pm Todd (and all contributors) - what a great resource this is!

The good/bad news for me is that my short list for a brief Oregon visit next month just went from about four to at least 16+. Will have to start mapping some of these out to see what may fit.

While I am here, I will add that we really enjoy what Nate Ready is doing with his Hiyu/Smockshop Band wines in Hood River. Will definitely be one of our visits, with the remainder in WV (TBD - but probably Ribbon Ridge or Eola-Amity areas).

Cheers!

Steve

I was surprised to get to page 3 before seeing Hiyu Wine Farm/Smockshop Band on this list. Really boundary-pushing wines with some really radical work in the vineyards.

#148 Post by **Jim Anderson** » July 25th, 2020, 11:21 am

Marcus Goodfellow wrote: ↑July 25th, 2020, 9:49 am I really enjoy the Hundred Suns and Flaneur wines. Grant and Renee do great work with their own label(Hundred Suns) and the wines Grant is making for Flaneur have been some of my favorite WV wines over the past couple of years.

Buying fruit from 2 of Flaneur’s estate vineyards. Doing a SVD of one of them. Flaneur is far, far from being a teeny, tiny winery. I think they’re around 6,000 cases.

#149 Post by **Josh Grossman** » July 25th, 2020, 11:52 am

Marcus Goodfellow wrote: ↑July 25th, 2020, 9:49 am I really enjoy the Hundred Suns and Flaneur wines. Grant and Renee do great work with their own label(Hundred Suns) and the wines Grant is making for Flaneur have been some of my favorite WV wines over the past couple of years.

Has anyone tried the Flaneur X Novo and the Walter Scott? How do they compare?

#150 Post by **Todd Hamina** » July 25th, 2020, 6:39 pm

Jim Anderson wrote: ↑July 25th, 2020, 11:21 am
Marcus Goodfellow wrote: ↑July 25th, 2020, 9:49 am I really enjoy the Hundred Suns and Flaneur wines. Grant and Renee do great work with their own label(Hundred Suns) and the wines Grant is making for Flaneur have been some of my favorite WV wines over the past couple of years.
Buying fruit from 2 of Flaneur’s estate vineyards. Doing a SVD of one of them. Flaneur is far, far from being a teeny, tiny winery. I think they’re around 6,000 cases.

Agreed, not teeny tiny. Rather well funded too. But, good juice.