Recent content by Scott Frank

A helpful way to think about wine in America with the three-tier system that was put in place post prohibition is as an ecosystem. European wine is the keystone species of this ecosystem. It is the primary category that drives sales for nearly every importer, distributor, retail shop and...

Check out Audio Specialties out on 102nd and Halsey. Favorite used HiFi shop. Owner refurbishes and repairs everything himself. Prices are great.

Perhaps the "New Pork Chop" movement in Oregon will hold some interest for you. Contrary to what some have posted it's not merely a meek response to the "In Pursuit of Pork" crowd.

Further thoughts on BH: I do often think they are one of the most underrated OR producers and certainly are deserving of more attention.

I suppose it depends on your taste. Bethel Heights are classic Eola-Amity wines from a late 90's/early 2000's perspective. Correct and clean. Winderlea is not something I can comment on from experience but I farmed and made a fair bit of wine from that road and I can't say it's my favorite...

Ovum, Teutonic Wine Company, Minimus, Crowley, Fausse Piste, Division Winemaking Company, Holden Wine Company, Art and Science, Johan Vineyards. That's probably the short list for what constitutes a "New Oregon." From an insiders perspective.

And for wine, I second Analemma. Old vines.

Pfriem Family Brewers is probably my favorite brewery in Ore. next to Heater Allen. Great German and Belgium style beers. Logsdon Farmhouse Ales is making real Saison style beer. The best producers of this style I've tasted from the states. Don't bring the Brett police with you. Double...

Hood River is about beer.

George's Dilemma A favorite.

And to think a visitor scooped you.

Wine stores: Vif And The Whale Wins is recommended.

I would make a point of visiting with the following producers: Crowley Cristom The Eyrie Vineyards Teutonic Wine Co. Adelsheim (A sleeper) Johan Minimus Cameron (call or email - info is on the website. You have as good a chance as anyone else.) Ayers White Rose Domaine Drouhin That's a pretty...

The 2007 Pradeaux is one of best versions upon release I've tasted. I'd buy some up and put it away as it indicates it might reward delayed gratification. If you're into adult behavior, that is.

What sort of visit are you looking for? Do you want to visit the old guard? Wines being made in the middle of the bell curve? The weirdos? The most "prestigious?" There are enough wineries here now that it rather depends on what you want to experience.