Willamette Valley Vineyards Partners with Cirque Du Soleil

We're partnering with Cirque Du Soleil to celebrate the April 5th opening of their latest acrobatic achievement, “OVO” in Portland. We'll be giving away tickets through our Facebook fan page and also offering a Pinot Noir, food and show special to Wine Club Members.

OVO features a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, play and flutter in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. “Overhead and on-the-ground, OVO is a whimsical infestation” says Chicago Now Radio.

Keep an eye on our Facebook fan page each week in March. We’ve got some fun bug and wine related questions and photo contest opportunities to win tickets to the show. We’ll be giving away over 20 tickets!

For more information on the Facebook promotion and special Wine Club “OVO” event please call the winery at 503-588-9463 or email info@wvv.com. We can be found on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/WillametteVV.

A Warm Summer Memory for a Cool Winter Day

I am truly amazed by the fact that so many people visit us from all over the country, the point of their travels being to see Oregon's beautiful wine country! We live in a small world, which makes what I do when I meet people very special and exciting. 

Beth Bering
Winery Ambassador

A particularly memorable experience that I had recently was when I met one of my customers in person for the first time.  Her name is Barbara, she's from Tennessee, and her very favorite WVV wine is our 2010 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir.  I contacted Barbara for the first time in July and she welcomed my call graciously, even from her desk at work.  I introduced myself and explained how I can help her as her personal Winery Ambassador.  She remembered Willamette Valley Vineyards and was delighted about the idea of ordering her Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, however, she did not have her credit card with her at that moment.  Barbara even went so far as to place me on hold as she called her credit card company to obtain her credit card number, however, this particular company has strict security policies and would not provide her with her own number over the phone.  Barbara ensured me that she would call me back that same day when she got home from work to place her order.  As I talked more with Barbara, I learned that she would be visiting Oregon during August for a class reunion.  I told her that I would love the opportunity to host her for a complimentary tour and tasting at the Estate when she visited Oregon. She loved that idea and accepted my invitation.

At the end of the day Barbara did call me back (as she promised) to place her order, and we further discussed her upcoming visit.When I finally met Barbara and her friend in person, it happened to be a beautiful day in mid August, perfect for our scheduled tour. I set them up for a tasting outside on the deck so they could enjoy the gorgeous view and took several pictures of the two of them.  They had a great experience tasting the wines together and Barbara even joined our wine club.  As I talked with Barbara and her friend during the tour, I learned that she at one time lived in Kirkland, Washington in the early nineties.  Interestingly enough, I also lived in Kirkland, Washington during that same time period that she lived there.   Which makes my point... we do live in a small world!

-Beth

Face to Face



Caitlin Rich, Lead Winery Ambassador



During the three years I have been at the winery, I have had the pleasure of working with many of Willamette Valley Vineyards' customers and wine lovers outside of the state of Oregon. It is wonderful hearing stories from those that love our wine that are all across the United States, stories of how our wines were shared at the most recent family gathering, how a glass of WVV Pinot Noir was enjoyed while sitting outside during the summer months (while it is likely still raining here in Oregon), or stories of how our wine simply made a summer dinner that much better.

Over the years I’ve built friendships with many WVV wine lovers that I have never even met face to face. Many of our conversations are over the phone catching up on what we’ve been up to that season, what wines we’re enjoying and/or releasing at the winery, and what the weather is like where they are compared to Oregon. I can tell you right now, Oregon weather is not typically favored during those conversations.



Caitlin with The Peters Visiting from Colorado



There is absolutely nothing better than the moment you finally get to meet someone face to face that you’ve spoken with over the phone numerous times. This past summer I was able to spend time with customers, and more importantly friends, from Nevada, Texas, Colorado, California, Ohio, Arizona, South Carolina, and more, many of whom came out to visit Oregon and the winery! It was those moments, sitting outside on the patio, wandering around the winery, or having lunch together, that make up my favorite memories from this past summer at Willamette Valley Vineyards. Now, when calling with wine specials or just simply to say hello from all the way over here in Oregon, I will get to put a face to a voice. 

Caitlin Rich

Lead Winery Ambassador

Governors' Gold Awards - Oh What a Night!

The night of the Governer’s Gold Awards, Portland’s beautiful Convention center was aglow with the smiling faces of the participants of Oregon’s Special Olympics. Participants, citizens, and Governors, of past and present, from the great State of Oregon were there on hand to honor the recipients of the 2011 Governors Gold Awards. 



Winery Ambassador Wende Bennette

This wonderful program helps raise money for Oregon’s Special Olympics, whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. For children and adults with intellectual disabilities, this program provides continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Margaret Hunt, CEO of SOOR (Special Olympics of Oregon) brought me to tears and smiles with heartfelt stories of courage and perseverance from the athletes and their families. With close to 7,000 participants throughout the state, nearly 70,000 people with intellectual disabilities could benefit from participating in Special Olympics. Willamette Valley Vineyards filled glasses with exquisite 2008 South Block Pinot Noir,2008 Elton Vineyards Pinot Noir, 2008 Estate Pinot Noir, and 2009 Pinot Gris while the event opened up their Live Auction to raise funds for Oregon Special Olympics. Among the packages was a day with Governor Barbara Roberts touring Oregon’s Wine Country, with Willamette Valley Vineyards Winery being one of the destinations.

Governor Kitzhaber

Our Founder, Jim Bernau, received the Governors Gold Award last year and had this to say about the event... ”How lucky are we that we make a product that we can share to help raise money for programs like this. For these kids, just to participate in a sport or race builds confidence which in turn lifts the individual spirit with dignity and self-respect. ”We hope to continue supporting such an incredible cause and are looking forward to the 2011 Winter Games!!! For more information on Oregon Special Olympics and/or the Governors Gold awards please follow link to websites: http://www.governorsgoldawards.com/

  http://www.soor.org/.

Wende Bennette

Winery Ambassador

Willamette Valley Vineyards Named Winery of the Year!

This October, Wine & Spirits magazine held its 8th annual “Top 100 Wineries of the Year” awards, highlighting producers as the top performers in their respective regions, from legendary names in Napa Valley and Burgundy to newcomers in New Zealand and Spain. Willamette Valley Vineyards was among the recipients!

Wine & Spirits Editor, Joshua Greene says, "Each year, our panels and critics blind taste more than 10,000 wines, selecting the best for recommendation in the magazine. Our "Top 100 Wineries of the Year Award" highlight brands with a range of wines our critics have scored at the top of their categories. Willamette Valley Vineyards' performance makes it a great ambassador for wines of Oregon."


The “Winery of the Year” honor is a highlight for a year of recognition for Willamette Valley Vineyards. Earlier this year, the winery was recognized by Wine Press Northwest magazine as their “Oregon Winery of the Year.”


Click here to visit the Wine & Spirits website to view our award profile and leave a comment.


We’re absolutely honored.

Grapestomp : Wende's Incredible Weekend!

Greetings Grape Stompers,

Wow- what an incredible time we had! The weekend of Grapestomp proved to be one of the best I have ever experienced. 

The weekend started off on a high note with some unbelievable weather, sunshine and clear skies. The sunny weather was reflected in our guests attitudes, as we saw people dressed in bright costumes, hosted a large, giddy bridal party, and had an 80 year old Grandma (of the bride-to-be) stomp out the competition in her heat. Although she won her heat, the grand winner of the day went to "The Harlem Grape Trotters" with an impressive 201 ounces, sending these first-timers to the finals on Sunday.


After a good nights sleep, we came out on Sunday morning to get ready for another round of stomping and found the weather to be classic for Oregon; wet. Being native Oregonians, we rolled with the punches and moved the entire operation undercover in our Breezeway, protected from the dripping rain. I have to say that this move was a bit tight, but created a terrific energy that resonated all day. With bull horn in hand we approached the finals. Grapes were weighed out to ensure fairness and each Barrel cleaned and ready to go. Stompers were ready, swabbies were set, and the whistle was blown. Cheering from the crowd were family and friends of the teams, all hoping their favorites would win. At the end of each 3 minute heat we weighed out what was captured and got our winners. In the end, we sent Soraida Cross and Kristi Reed to the World Grape Stomp Competition in Santa Rosa, CA where they competed this last weekend. We received this tweet from Soraida after their California stomping,“The grape stomping was a blast, we lost our heat, memories priceless. Thanks for all the well wishes #SalemOR”.

I absolutely can't wait till next year!

-Wende Bennette

Founder, Jim Bernau swabbed for Mrs. Portland!

Winery Ambassador 

Me and the winners! Next stop, Santa Rosa, CA!

 

Chilling With Whole Cluster

Summer has finally arrived and the heat is starting to set in. Our vines are basking in the sun rays and our tasting room guests are swarming our decks with glasses of our Pinot Gris, Dry Rosé, and Riesling. These are some of our crisp, cool wines that really quench your thirst on these hot summer days.

Something often overlooked and actually a really great idea is to chill, our specialty, a Pinot. Our Whole Cluster Pinot Noir happens to lend itself perfectly to chilling due to its unique and delicious styling. In fact, in a recent CNN.com article, Ray Isle asked, "Why don't people drink red wine cold?"

"Some Pinots don’t chill well—more robust versions, for instance a good percentage of what California produces. But find a delicate, lighter style, and Pinot tastes great chilled down. Oregon’s a good place to look; among the best choices there is the floral 2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir."

Here's a quick link to the whole CNN.com article, it's a pretty "cool" write-up... pun intended. :) Chilled Reds

Cheers to keeping it cool this summer!

"Why I Love Oregon Pinot Noir" Contest Winner Announced!

We've just concluded our annual “Why I Love Oregon Pinot Noir” contest. We asked Pinot Noir lovers from around the country to tell us “Why I Love Oregon Pinot Noir.” The most touching entry was chosen to win an all-expense-paid trip to Oregon Wine Country and Willamette Valley Vineyards.



Contest Winner, Catherine Wilkinson of AZ.

After sifting through dozens of photos, poems and stories, a small committee within the winery chose the winning entry. The winner, Catherine Wilkinson of Dewey, Arizona wrote:


A long hot day in a car with four young kids with hand puppets. We’re on our way to Yellowstone Park, stopping for a night in Jackson, Wyoming. Hauling luggage, sleeping bags, kids, a stinky dog, empty French fry containers, and my questionable sanity into a motel room. Begging husband to run to nearby market to find a bottle of wine. I bathe the kids all together in a questionably clean bathtub, aching for a glass of wine. Husband returns with a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir. Husband back to market for corkscrew while I coerce the kids into their pajamas and freaked out dog into kennel. Four kids asleep at last, we open that beautiful bottle. With delicious relief, we sit on the floor in a cheap motel, sipping wine from Ninja Turtle plastic cups and I fall in love with Oregon Pinot Noir forever.

"I'm beyond excited!” said Catherine, “To be coming to Oregon to visit Willamette Valley Vineyards this fall to enjoy not only the delicious wine, but the glorious Oregon weather, the fabulous food, and the once-a-year celebration of the grape harvest. What a great trip and I am READY for a big glass of Oregon Pinot Noir!"

Entries for next years “Why I Love Oregon Pinot Noir” contest will be accepted on May 1st through June 30th, 2012.

Cheers to Oregon Pinot and everyone who entered the contest!

Blind Tasting Competition Results!

Congratulations to Heidi Moran for winning our 2011 Annual “Pinots from Around the World” Blind Tasting Competition!

The tasting took place during our Memorial Day Weekend Open House. Guests were given a Pinot Noir lesson from our Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Mandie Silver. Mandie is a Certified Wine Specialist and flew over 3,000 miles to share her knowledge and expertise. Guests and industry partners sipped, swirled, and sniffed trying to match four Pinot Noirs to their respective regions, including Willamette Valley, California, New Zealand, and France. Of the 400 who participated, only 5 contestants matched all four wines. Heidi was drawn at random selection for the grand prize and has now won an afternoon with our Winemaker, Forrest Klaffke, followed by a Winemakers dinner for 10 guests at our Estate Winery in Turner, Oregon. Debra Welter, Paul Welch, and Christie Lathrop are the runners up and have received a special three pack of our award winning Pinot Noir.

The competition happens annually during Memorial Day Weekend, mark your calendar for next year, you could be the next winner!

Michelle Jaymot - Our Employee of the Month

Congratulations Michelle Jaymot for going above and beyond 

every day here at WVV!

May marks our very first 'Employee of the Month' at WVV.  When nominations were made, Michelle stood out as a natural choice to receive the brand new award.


Steve Caldwell, CFO said, "This commendation is for the outstanding work performed by Ms. Jaymot who, with a minimum of guidance, took the initiative to improve and simplify the purchasing process of wine for our distribution division, Bacchus Fine Wines. The process she created will greatly improve accuracy of the ordering process to minimize 'out of stocks' while maintaining the maximum profit margins. Ms. Jaymot shows a dedication to her tasks on a daily basis that are quite often above and beyond my expectation. I am very pleased that she was selected by the management team as Employee of the Month for May."

Michelle taking a break to smile for the camera...her favorite!

Name:  Michelle Anne Jaymot
Residence:  Salem, OR
Years of Service at WVV:  2 years, 7 months
Position: Accountant/Accounts Receivable


What do you like best about your day to day work at WVV?  The daily variety. Every day I get to solve a new puzzle and that keeps it interesting.


How did you come to work for WVV?  My car brought me here...HA! I moved up to Oregon from Napa, California were I was born and raised. WVV was the first company to take a chance on this native Californian......or as we like to be called in Napa, 'Napkins'.


What is your role here at WVV?  I am a staff accountant doing mostly A/R work but also have a hand in Inventory, Fixed Assets, & Compliance.


How do you turn a hard day into a great day?  During baseball season I go home and watch my Giants win (hopefully). I like to read or do crafts. Right now I have undertaken painting the entire interior of my house. Thanks to the fumes I am now down about 10 brain cells.


What's your favorite beverage of choice?  Dr. Pepper followed closely behind by water......I am a woman of sophisticated tastes. 


What do you listen to on your headphones at work? Almost anything and everything except for rap and country. 


Facebook or Twitter?  Facebook!  I don't really get the tweet thing yet.


Tell us your favorite quote?  Hmmm, I don't really have one.


Do you have any animals?  Two cats (Mew & Mia) who walk a tight line between love and absolute frustration on a daily basis.


What's your favorite restaurant?  Red Hen Cantina down in Napa. Best... Mexican...Food...EVER!!!


Who is your favorite co-worker and why?  No favorites here... I love all my co-workers. Each person I work with brings a smile to my face in one way or another on a daily basis. As we spend most of our waking hours at work, it helps to have a fun environment to come to each day. 


In recognition of Michelle's hard working efforts, she has chosen to enjoy lunch or dinner at a Salem favorite, The Best Little Roadhouse.


Cheers to you and all you do Michelle!  We appreciate you!