Wedding Blog

Having decided that we were not participating in the usual Black Friday craziness this year, Mr. Robin and I instead launched ourselves into a road trip down the breathtaking Columbia Gorge under the guise of running some errands for the wedding - first drinks, both wine and beer, and then gathering intelligence for possible mini-moon places for the week after the wedding.

(the Gorge, Portland Ground)

Of course let’s talk wine first.

We have decided to go through our caterer for the wine at the reception. The selection is very good and it’s much more practical in that they assume all the risks associated with Oregon Liquor Control licensing (which is very very strict). However, wine for us is still very personal.

I love the idea of using wine that has been personally selected, that has special meaning, or even that’s grown close geographically for the wedding and accompanying events. The wine becomes a part of your memories that can be uncorked and relived for years. We have two cases of the rioja reserva that we drank right before Mr. Robin proposed labeled “Engagement Wine” in his cellar. That is 24 times that I will get to smile over a glass at him, and remember that day through the taste of smooth tempranillo grapes.

Finding a wine that is personal to you as a couple is still very doable even if you’re not a big wine drinker. If you live near a wine producing region, make an adventure out of it! It’s a great way to escape from the daily pressures of wedding tasks, with the excuse that you are accomplishing a wedding task.

(Grapes growing at Cathedral Ridge Winery)

Tips for Touring and Finding the Wedding Wine (and having a rocking time!!)

1. Have a general idea of your objectives for the trip. This can be as general as you like.  Two reds and a white at the end of the day. Or all the wine from a single vineyard. Or one from this valley and one from another across the state (in most states this will take two trips, score!).

2. Bring the following: maps (can be picked up at the tourist office), camera, and notebook. Use this notebook to take notes on wineries, directions, release dates, and shipping information. Otherwise, speaking from my experience, you will either forget the details or write them on brochures, only half of which will make it home with you. Use the camera to take silly pictures of each other.

3. Go to a bigger, more well-known winery first and get pours. It may be more expensive and crowded but it will give you a jumping off point. If you were in Portland, doing the Columbia Gorge like us, I would recommend Maryhill Winery. This winery is perched on the cliffs high above the river offering amazing views as you sip their award winning Zinfandel.

    
   (deck overlooking the Columbia River at Maryhill Winery)
   

4. Going to a big winery like this first lets you become comfortable with the rituals of wine tasting, they usually have a larger staff, and more professional promotional materials that will allow you to learn more of the region’s wine history and grape varieties. Also, sometimes live music!

5. While at the large winery ask your wine server what their favorite wineries in the region are. Then maybe ask them if they could only go to one, which would it be, and why. They will usually know the region very well and are often eager to offer their opinions. They also may have taken note of the things you liked at their winery and can steer you toward wineries that have strengths in those areas/varietals.

6. Compare their recommendations to your list of stated objectives. If you want everything from one vineyard, head to their number one pick. About a year ago, Mr. Robin and I found an amazing winery this way. Marshal’s Winery is a kick, and the antithesis of every stuffy winery you’ve ever been to. The owner is a retired welder, who now vints amazing syrahs, cabernet francs, and a great $10 blend that is just right for dinner at home. On holidays, like Friday, you will find heaping plates of free food and generous pours. And they serve Cheetos to clear your palate. Classic!

   If you want more variety, tour several of the wineries your server recommended and any other that catches your fancy along the way. We have stopped for no other reason than a winery had an outdoor bocce court, and I wanted to play and sip. Or that Pheasant Valley has this great fireplace. You might taste some mediocre wine, but you will have fun picking at random.

7. Talk to people. Tell them what you liked about the wine and what you didn’t prefer. In the smaller wineries the person behind the counter might even be the vintner themselves, and they will definitely know how to find you a wine you will love.

8. Don’t buy it if you aren’t convinced. While the wineries often discount cases and wave tasting fees for those who buy, returns usually aren’t an option.

9. Try to choose one wine that you love that you can drink for years to come. This is all about making the day about the two of you and having a memory sitting in the bottle, ready to drink.

If you can’t go to a wine region, often the wine shops in your town will either have regular tastings or will be happy to set up a tasting for you. Grab some friends (or your bridal party) and make finding the wine its own memory.