100 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
A Glimpse of Small Production in Umpqua
Our hosts wanted us to venture beyond their wineries to survey the Umpqua Valley's
overall scene. We had delicious lunches at Cooper Ridge Vineyard and The Cellars
at the Southern Oregon Wine Institute (SOWI). Cooper Ridge owners Robin and
Lesa Ray welcomed us to their beautiful new facility and Winemaker Charlie Kidd
discussed the Cooper Ridge Riesling, Syrah and Merrill-Ann Red Blend during our
three-course meal.
SOWI is a hands-on teaching facility where students craft wines while learning
viticulture and winemaking techniques. We toured the impressive school before
enjoying lunch accompanied by the SOWI Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Tempranillo
and Malbec.
Several other small producers attended the lunches, allowing us to sample a vast
array of rape arieties. elfino ineyards showed a Tepranillo and a olcetto
irardet poured a ieslin, a Chardonnay and a anioese isty as ineyard
shared a inot Blanc and a red blend of anioese, Barbera and inot oir and
Spangler Vineyards offered a Cabernet Franc and a Cabernet Sauvignon—quite
a lineup from passionate and friendly winemakers.
A remarkably-light salmon quiche
was delicious with both the white
and red varieties.
Taylor and Teal Stone of Blue Heron
Vineyards, LLC farm this young,
530-acre vineyard in Umpqua for a
small list of clients.
Cooper Ridge Vineyard Winemaker
Charlie Kidd pours his wines during lunch.
