2014 Wine Trails Excursion
September 1st, 2014
Redwood Hyperion Suites
Southern Oregon Wine Trails Annual Excursion
2014 turned out to be our best one yet. This year’s excursion featured wines of the Umpqua Valley. Our day started out at 10am in front of the RHS Lobby where we were picked up and shuttled away 60 minutes north to Roseburg and the Umpqua Valley.
Stop #1: Paul O’Brien Winery
Our first stop was at the Paul O’Brien Winery. This new winery is located in the historic Hansen Chevrolet building in downtown Roseburg, Oregon. Upon arriving we were greeted by co-owner and winemaker Scott O’Brien Kelley. Scott is a down to earth guy with a wealth of knowledge. We tasted the 2012 Pinot Noir, the 2012 Tempranillo, the 2013 “Orsation” Riesling, the 2013 Rosato , and the Moxy 2009 Tannat. All great wines. You can find more information about the Paul O’Brien winery on their website www.paulobrienwines.com
Stop #2: Lighthouse Center Bakery
A quick lunch stop at the Lighthouse Center Bakery & Cafe. This busy little cafe offers the most amazing bread. Our group enjoyed delicious salads, sandwiches, and soups. Highly recommended as a great stop in the Umpqua Valley.
Stop #3: Reustle Prayer Rock Winery
After lunch we enjoyed a taste of wine and food pairing at Reustle Prayer Rock Winery. Owned by Stephen and Gloria Reustle this winery has won over 247 awards since 2009. We sampled the 2011 Gruner Veltliner, the 2011 Pinot Noir, the 2011 Tempranillo, and the 2013 Muscat. Each wine was paired with a small appetizer to enhance the flavor of the wine. You can find more information about the Reustle Prayer Rock Winery on their website www.reustlevineyards.com.
Stop #4: Hillcrest Winery
Our fourth stop brought us to Oregon’s oldest estate winery, HillCrest. Here we were greeted by owner and winemaker Dyson Paul DeMara. Dyson is also the co-owner and winemaker of the Paul O’Brien Winery. Dyson was a great host. He has an amazing passion for wine. Dyson gave us a VIP tour of the facilities which included a Barrel Tasting. Their Tasting Room is filled with the rich history of a estate winery. HillCrest is home to Oregon’s first Pino Noir. We tasted a variety of red and white wines. You can more information about the HillCrest Winery on their website www.hillcrestvineyard.com.
Stop #5: Delish By Diane
The final stop on our excursion brought us to Delish by Diane. Located at her rural 108 year old one-room schoolhouse, Diane prepared a six course meal served with the wines of the Umpqua Valley. Each course was absolutely delicious. It’s no question where she came up with the name Delish by Diane. Diane has so much passion for food and wine. After each course was served she came out and spoke to us about the dish and how it pairs with the wine being served. We learned to drink, eat, drink to enjoy the full flavor of the wine. Such a wonderful experience.
We hope you will join us next year. Our Annual Southern Oregon Wine Trail Excursions are filled with good wine, good food, and good company. Check back next Spring for our 2015 sign up days.