We hope that these wine tips, which began airing on KINK 102 FM's Acoustic Sunrise Sunday Morning a few weeks back, help to answer some of the questions about drinking wine. .
Experience For Yourself
You know the best way to learn about wine is to experience it first hand by visiting the numerous tasting rooms throughout Oregon. These provide an opportunity to sample Oregon's finest wines for little to no money, ask detailed questions about vineyards, history, winemaking and the varietals offered. All in the relaxed environment of Oregon's wine country.
Like Cooper Mountain Vineyards, some wineries are open from noon to five daily seven days a week, but it is good to call in advance to be sure. The closest tasting rooms are in Washington County starting with our own at Cooper Mountain Vineyards. Then it’s a short drive to about a dozen others. You can visit 3 - 4 Washington county wineries in two hours, so it doesn't have to be a daylong commitment.
Get out there and learn about wine first hand by making your first stop at Cooper Mountain Vineyards in Beaverton. We’re just off Farmington road on Grabhorn.
Break The Rules
There are so many rules about drinking wine with the right glass, the right food, at the right temperature, and so on. While there are true benefits to these traditions, they kind of take the fun out of drinking wine.
We at Cooper Mountain Vineyards suggest that you do what works best for you. If this means you are drinking Chardonnay with spicy beef burritos, Vin Glace with Twinkies or Pinot Noir with Alfredo Sauce that 's OK. And, if you are drinking wine from a styrofoam or paper cup and it still tastes good to you, then by all means use what ever cup you like (but try glass soon to taste the difference). What is important is that you approach wine in a way that is comfortable an enjoyable for you. Once you determine what you like your palate will evolve and you will want to try different wines and explore.
The age-old rules to enhance your experience with wine but the real trick is to simply relax, pour a glass, sip and smile.
Know What You Drink
Did you know that grapes are not washed prior to being crushed? This means any chemical pesticide or fertilizer used on the vines may end up in the wine you drink. Kind of scary isn't it?
The only way to avoid residual chemicals in wine is to seek out wines that are made from 100% certified organic and or Biodynamic grapes, these certifications insure that what you drink is free of man-made chemicals and contains only natural elements. How do you know if a wine is certified? Read the label carefully. The Cooper Mountain Vineyards label says, "made with organically grown grapes." Also look for a certifying agency like Oregon Tilth or Demeter. If the wine is bottled without the use of sulfites for preservation, the label may carry the USDA organic seal. This insures that you’re getting clean, unadulterated wine.
The Wine Shelf Stare
Ever find yourself in a wine shop or grocery store just staring at the wall of wine bottles? It’s a bit overwhelming. Many people know what they want due to an experience with a winery or varietal, but so many people share in the catatonic wine stare as they narrow the massive selection.
The best way to make a wine decision is to simplify your options. Seek out brand names and varietals you're familiar with like Cooper Mountain Vineyards and pinot noir, read the shelf cards that provide flavor profiles, review scores and production notes. Or, to make things really easy, ask the store’s wine steward for suggestions. A good steward can help you pair wine with food, recognize what you want and find it for you, and help you explore new wines by suggesting something they’ve sampled.
You can also read wine reviews. But remember, the best way to learn is to taste for yourself.
MORE TO COME