Get the dirt on wine... Wine reviews from Mary.

Vino Paradiso

Written by Mary

Stepping out for wine on a Friday night is always an adventure. Ending up in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon is always a pleasure.

We had heard that Vino Paradiso was an excellent choice to wet our palates on such a Friday night, so the four of us ventured over to 417 N.W. 10th Ave. to check out the vino situation.

As soon as you walk through the door, you slip back in time to the 60’s. We called it ‘metro retro’. Usually, the 1960’s décor is a bit cold but it warmed right up as we were seated by Allison the warm and friendly server of the evening. She gave us attention when needed and information when asked.

Before long, we figured out that you could order snacks, light meals or a regular meal and you could also order a flight of 3 wines to taste, a glass of wine, or a bottle of wine.

We decided on trying snacks so we could taste a multitude of items with our wines, instead of just one or two. We also decided to do some wine tastings of Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs and Italian Reds of Intrigue.

The Dirt on Wineries: Wine Competitions

Written by Mary
Every year I find myself looking forward to the month of February. Not because it’s Superbowl season or Valentine’s Day, but because every year since l988, I’ve been helping run the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition. I decided that if I had been doing something for 22 years and still enjoy it, it’s merely a bonus that it is held in Florida in February! I also get to revisit many old friends and make a few new ones along the way. But don’t forget, tasting the entries at the end of the day…is a plus for anyone! One of the main reasons I enjoy this competition is because it attracts wines from a very large area. I get to see what all the different wine regions of our vast nation are doing with the grapes they grow. Florida, New York, Texas, Wisconsin and Nebraska are a few of the states involved in the competition. I also get to check out what is entered internationally. Of course, I am especially interested in the Pacific Northwest wines and how they fair with the other wines entered. So how did Washington State do? Very well indeed! Congratulations to…
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Wine Experience at Hood River ♥

Written by Mary Studt

Over the Christmas holidays our family took a ski trip to Mt Hood Meadows, in Oregon, to pay homage to the mountain once again.

After skiing all day, we were seeking relaxation (and maybe a little wine too!) and decided to spend the night in Hood River, Oregon.

Since the weather on December 30^th was bordering treacherous we decided not to go too far for dinner.

We ended up at Brian’s Pourhouse at 606 Oak Street, Hood River, Oregon.

My son had recently eaten at this restaurant and had a wonderful gastronomic experience! So we were all hungry and ready.

We immediately realized that service at Brian’s Pourhouse was amazing, especially since it was a packed house. They pushed tables together and got us seated right away.

Two of us ordered the duck and sausage over pasta and two ordered lasagna with Italian sausage. There was also some awesome calamari and salads. All the dishes were very well done and the wine list had excellent choices.

We decided on a syrah from Syncline Winery, vintage 2007, which turned out to be delicious. It was a big, bold, deep purple, fruit forward kind of wine. I noticed raspberry fruit, black pepper, chocolate and coffee. It had a great balance of acid and sweet fruit. The long lingering finish of this syrah made us feel like we had our dessert! A great way to finish the night.

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