Green Mountain Gardener

Blake and I tried a new Pinot Gris last night from a winery in the Willamette Valley called WillaKenzie Estate. I did not know much about Pinot Gris, and was in the mood to experiment. We both really enjoyed it. This type of wine is typically produced in France and Italy, but now some winemakers in the United States are putting forth some serious effort into growing and producing Pinot Gris. It sounds as though many winemakers in Oregon are steering away from Chardonnay, and toward Pinot Gris. http://www.willakenzie.com/ Yesterday at the co-op, and in my quest to find a nice bottle of wine, I found something else from Oregon that I have been searching for (for several months now, actually). Rogue brewery makes a Hazelnut Brown Nectar beer that is to die for. I had it once in Coeur d’ Alene at one of our favorite restaurants called Capones. (Excellent place for a pizza and beer!! *sigh*) Anyway, I have been searching for it ever since, but could never find it until now!!

I can’t seem to say enough good things about the wine produced by Coeur d’ Alene Cellars. Before we left Idaho, Blake and I visited the winery and liked it so much we became wine club members. We have continued our membership since moving to Vermont, so every quarter we get a few bottles of delicious wine. My sister Debi, Blake and I also went to Barrel No. 6 where we enjoyed a bottle (or two?) with this really great variety of cheeses. Blake’s favorite is the No. 6 Red and the Opulence. I really enjoy the 2004 Viognier. But, I don’t think we’ve tried any of their wines and been disappointed. Make a visit to the winery and enjoy some samples of great wine!