Desperately Seeking Kellie…still!
Thanks for your patience. I’ve been out of touch a bit and dealing with some stuff. I wasn’t able to get to the PO as expected so no worries. Will get this repackaged and do my guess to get to the PO this week.
PACKAGE JUST RECEIVED, KELLIE, PACKAGE RECEIVED!!!
Opening it and proceeding with revelries.
Photos and details shortly!
Annnd… here’s the haul. It will be great fun to go through them and tell their stories for you, one by one. Some I’m familiar with, and some are brand new to me. A couple of the new designs range from beautiful to whimsical. I can’t wait to learn about the “valcan” symbol… I’ll start with that one next time.
Thank you, Kellie!
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#1 cork pictured is Valcan Cellars, website https://www.valcancellars.com/.
It’s a family-owned winery founded in Oregon in 2012 by Juan Pablo Valot & Doris Cancel, who introduce themselves like this…
“Our mission is to provide handcraft wines that comes from selected terroir and vineyards in Oregon. Juan Pablo (JP) Valot, owner and winemaker for Valcan comes from a multi-generational line of wine entrepreneurs. His qualifications include 20 years of experience in winemaking with 19 vintages between his work in Oregon and Argentina.” Their website is handsome, as is the family! Their wines include chardonnays, malbecs, and more, and reception has been positive.
The label logo really caught my eye!!! Here is the story in their words.
“We decided to marry our two last names, Valot and Cancel, into Valcan.
It took us two years to find the right label and design. We wanted something that will depict our love for each other and our family, our appreciation for culture and history, and our passion for wine. We also wanted to honor Doris’ Puerto Rican heritage and Juan Pablo’s Argentinian roots. We came up with the idea of using a petroglyph from the Arawak tribes, the indigenous people of the Caribbean. The logo was inspired by the original Taino drawings, with the birds symbolizing the eternal lovers. When the beaks of the birds touch, they represent the infinity sign.”
I… LOVE IT! If I had a Hall of Fame, this logo would be in it! Maybe I should start one.
The logo is elegant, inspiring and unforgettable. If ever they launch a jewelry business, the logo would be a wonderful symbol for necklaces, charms, brooches…
Thanks for this one, Kellie.
And next… Averaen. A pretty cork… the name is complemented by a perky, perched passerine (see what I did there?)… maybe a swallow?
I couldn’t find any revelations on the website. https://www.averaenwines.com/
I found only one offbeat name origin for “averaen”. Averaen Meaning, Pronunciation, Origin and Numerology - NamesLook
“Ave” suggests bird… “raen” is a winery… https://www.raenwinery.com/
On their site, they introduce themselves. “The seed for Averæn was planted when we attended IPNC in the Willamette Valley in 2013 as a featured winery with Banshee Wines (our Sonoma winery). We were sitting around a campfire talking about the similarities between the cold and foggy Sonoma Coast and the various sub-appellations of the Willamette Valley. Cold winds that funnel from the Pacific Ocean through low-lying gaps in the coastal mountain ranges (Van Duzer Corridor in Oregon and Petaluma Wind Gap in Sonoma); a mix of marine sedimentary and volcanic influenced soils; micro-terroirs. The similarities were shocking. We saw the potential to make wine at the very highest level, from top vineyard sites, all at a cost that was 25% less than what we were experiencing in the Sonoma Coast. Oregon reminded us of where the Sonoma Coast was 10-15 years ago. Still finding its way in terms of consistency, but when done right, way over-delivering. The quality was there in a big way, but the prices were still so reasonable.
Over the next two years, we established ourselves in Oregon – developing relationships with growers, locking in grape contracts, and finding a great custom crush partner (with lots of small fermenters – a winemakers dream!). In 2016, we released our first wine – the only wine of the vintage – 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, sourced from eight vineyards across the appellation. It was an instant success nationally both in the press with 91 points out of the gate from Vinous as well as with fine wine retailers and restaurants.
Today we continue to dial in our vineyard sourcing, establishing long term contracts and relationships with a stable of top-notch growers. In addition to the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, which represents over 75% of our production, we have expanded to new varieties (Chardonnay and Riesling), added Rose to the mix, and elevated our game to include the Flood Line (“reserve”) range, and a limited selection of four-barrel single-vineyard wines.”
I’d love to find out more about the name and the bird. I wrote them. We’ll see.
Next… #s 3 and 5… STOLLER. A return of a familiar brand!
From my previous Stoller entry —
"Stoller
https://www.stollerfamilyestate.com/ “For Bill Stoller, purchasing the family property brought his connection to our estate full circle. Working the family farm in his youth and serving as a partner at our sister winery, Chehalem, Bill understood that our sloped, rocky terrain with low-yielding soil, would be ideally suited for a world-class vineyard. Bill’s father and uncle purchased our farm in 1943 to raise turkeys. Over the next five decades, they grew the farm from a small family operation into one of Oregon’s largest with nearly 700,000 free-range turkeys at its peak. When the family farm ceased its operations in 1993, Bill seized the opportunity to acquire it with the vision of cultivating an enduring legacy for our land and Oregon wine industry.” A very bucolic little weathervane with a jaunty turkey rooster graces their logo. I love weathervanes… if I had a spare warehouse, I’d collect 'em!
Stoller Turkey on Weather Vane one example 2005 (turkey only) OR
Stoller one example 2014 turkey on weather vane OR
And now…
Added from Kellie- Part 4 … two new variations.
Stoller one no date, turkey and vane OR
Stoller slightly different name script OR
Nexxxt… Chris James! #4.
Their site - https://www.chrisjamescellars.com/
They are doing very well! They were established themselves in 2015, but check this out. A rather astonishing array of awards tributes, and commendations, and finally… this coup - Chris James Cellars (Carlton, OR)
And — they seem to host everything up there in Oregon from tastings and tours to campouts (EventsAfter Hours Series? Surely (Birds of Prey Encounter, Stargazing, Wine & Candle Making).
But of course, I want to get to the bird. This beautiful little hummingbird has wonderful contours and motion, and it is positioned perfectly on the cork’s ends. It’s so dainty and whimsical.
They are generous in recognizing the little fellow, too, suggesting it is their patronus (Redirecting...). Need another reference or two? I did.
Patronus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
“Patronus may refer to:
The patronus (Latin) or patron in ancient Roman society; see Patronage in ancient Rome, OR…
The apparition produced by the Patronus Charm in Harry Potter.”
In any event, it’s a wonderful addition to our fourth installment of The Kellie Collection.
My photography is awful. Funny thing… I am a really good painting-portrait artist in my little eBay gallery, if I do say so myself, but taking photos of the portraits, OR BIRD CORKS… or other still-life or small stuff… welll…
Let me take another shot at three of the birds on the ends…
Next up is our old buddy Redhawk. #6
What’s not to admire?
Some background from previous encounters?
https://www.redhawkwine.com/
Their site tells us this.
“Oregon. Redhawk Vineyard & Winery is family owned and operated by John & Betty Pataccoli. Redhawk was founded in 1988 and became well known for producing the value priced Pinot Noir, Grateful Red. In the summer of 2005, Redhawk was purchased by John & Betty and immediately began a major remodel of the property. Now, after ten+ years of upgrades and improvements to both the infrastructure and health of the vineyard, the changes are evident in the quality of our wines.” They are very active in community events. Parties, picnics,and tastings are offered. They seem extremely Pandemic-aware, specifying current and prrojected risk sectors, capacity guidelines, precautions, etc.
Tripadvisor tells us about that “This vineyard with a sense of humor occasionally veers from the norm with lables like ‘Grateful Red,’ and is known for its reasonably priced table wines. Its spicy Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay wines are aged in French oak barrels, creating an unusual intensity of flavor.” Vivino suggested a Pinot Noir pairig with game. NatalieMaclean says “Not typical Oregon Pinot Noir; tastes like a light, herbal (bell pepper) Merlot”.
Now let’s look at this lovely hawk. I’m guessing they’re referring to the Re-taailed or Red-shouldered, buttt… the logo’s light area around the neck/cheek/throat area doesn’t really fit the images of the wid guys. I’m going to have to let this be an “open case” for now. Any thoughts? The “hawk” looks a lot like the {Peregrine Falcon… just sayin’!
Regardless, the logo’s raptor is all hawk, with the vigilant pose, and big bright eyes. The plumes are well-drawn. The The overall appearance is beautiful, and there is really some nice, fine detail for a cork’s surface.
Merriam-Webster informs me that the “Finis - Coronat - Opus” Banner at its feet translates as “The end crowns the work”, a saying that appears a couple of times (in English) around the site. As I understand it, the idea is that the goal gives honor to the labor that produced it. Its origin is usually attributed to Pūblius Ovidius Nāsō, known in English as Ovid, who was a Roman poet living during the reign of Augustus. OR
This new specimen is dated 2018, so it is a unique addition to my menagerie.
Please take your roost in my pantheon, Red.
Lastly from this Kellie-batch is a cork with a narcissus and a bluebird. It is Schaad (Hill) Cellars.
They have a Facebook home. Schaad Cellars
There was a website, but is doesn’t appear active, even though the cellars still operate.
I found this obituary, which explains some things. .
Jim Schaad (1959–2020) was the founding figure in a lineage of wine-making and appreciating. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Willamette and a Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering from Columbia. Schaad subsequently earned his master’s in computer science in 1985 from the University of Washington. Upon graduation, he was hired by a new computer company, Microsoft, where he worked until he was able to retire in 2000. He continued working by freelancing in international computer security, including for the National Security Administration (NSA), traveling all over the world to attend Internet Engineering Taskforce (IETF) conferences and work groups.
In retirement, Schaad treated his siblings and nephews to a trip to Disney World. He would take each nephew on an annual two-week trip once each turned 11. He allowed them to research and choose their destinations. Their first trip was in the U.S., with subsequent trips in North America until they turned 16 and could choose anywhere in the world, which included Australia, Europe, South America, and North Africa.
In 2002, Schaad, along with his parents, aunt, grandfather and brother, opened August Cellars on family property near Newberg, ultimately becoming the winemaker. It summed up his values of preserving family heritage and helping others. The winery was named for his great grandfather, and the business plan included space to incubate small wineries. His goal was to provide a sustainable way for small winemakers to operate and stay in business.
The list of wineries that have at one time called August Cellars home includes: Artisanal Wine Cellars, Anam Cara, Barking Frog, Crowley Wines, Et Fille, Laura Volkman Vineyards, Ocelli Wines, Ovum Wines, Potter’s Vineyard, Proteus, Shea Wine Cellars, Toluca Lane, WildAire Cellars and Zimri Cellars.
Schaad fought lymphoma in 2013, and had been in remission. He died Oct. 3, 2020, from complications of a recurrence.
As for August Cellars… August Cellars - August Cellars
August Cellars, situated at the gateway to Oregon Wine Country, is home to multiple wineries. Located just east of Newberg Oregon, at 14000 NE Quarry Road. At August Cellars one can taste and purchase Oregon Pinot Noirs from six different winemakers, each with their own style of Pinot Noir. Or one can taste wonderful white wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Gris to Gewürztraminer and Rieslings. All of these wines are crafted with quality and value as core values. Great wines are meant to be shared with friends and family. August Cellars believes that having multiple wineries under one roof allows the consumer to taste several different philosophies about wine with only one stop.
If I’m interpreting things correctly, Schaad Cellars is the individul family brand.
Here’s the cork. Not sure what the flower and bird represent, but they’re beautiful!
And here’s Jim. Jim, I wrote your family to lend my condolence, applaud your work, and give them this site.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/TRtmo9p.jpg[/img
Hey Gila!
Thank you so much for including us! It is always nice to hear when someone appreciates our art! Chris, our winemaker, farmer, and owner, does our graphics design work. He designed the bird after seeing so many around the vineyard and tasting room. He did a great job!
A bit of background on us:
Chris James Cellars is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery that produces unique and interesting wines in Carlton, Oregon. The vineyard was planted in 2012, with additional blocks planted in each year since. In 2015 we produced our first lots of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc and have since expanded our wine selection to offer hand-crafted lots of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Dolcetto, Lagrein and more.
We now have two amazing tasting rooms to visit. The Estate Tasting Room is open Friday through Sunday, 12-5pm (March to November) and by appointment year round. It is located at our vineyard - 12000 NW Old Wagon Rd., Carlton, OR 97111. The McMinnville Tasting Room is open year round Sunday-Thursday 12-6pm, and Friday/Saturday 12-8pm. It is located at 645 NE 3rd St., McMinnville, OR 97128.
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Well Gila, how about a kitty to chase your birds around? EMH Black Cat:
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Shoo!
SHOOOOOOO!!!
SHOOOOOOO!!!
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And another note, emailed to me, from Chris James Cellars…
And a hint to check out a certain bluebird.
“Hi Gila!
Thanks for reaching out. I went and checked out your posts…what a fun endeavour! I hope you enjoyed the wine, too 
Another one you might look at is Blue Bird.
Thanks,
Beth Barnes
www.ChrisJamesCellars.com
c: 503-852-1135
Redirecting...”
Okay, I calmed down. Let’s be friends.
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LOL!
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I have a question for any and all who read this thread.
Y’all know how I treasure and enjoy my collection. Well, I thought I had a home for them after my eventual demise (hopefully far in the future!), but… the best laid plans…
My darling nephew, a charming young bon vivant and wine-lover, was actually in my will to receive them. He was excited about it, and vowed to continue my mission. Alas, he passed from cancer away recently. It may seem trivial, but as an honor to him, and as another admission of my obsession, I want to find my collection a someday-home. Astonishingly, nobody else in my family/friends circle wants 'em. Hmph.
Anybody interested? Feel free to reply here, or message me, or email me at everybodysheardaboutthebird@yahoo.com
Thanks, friends!
I will pull this next week or so, could send it your way… the label is also beautiful
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Julian… can’t wait. Thank you for a week (or so) of delightful anticipation, nd a gorgeous cork thereafter. Yes, the label IS beautiful. WHY I didn’t collect labels I DON’T KNOW. They’re visible before purchase, easily stored and displayed, and are very popular collectors’ items.
Anywayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy…
I’ll post again, with my usual research and study of the bird and brand!