Our first Eat Taste Love weekend was wonderful. We could not have asked for better weather. Crystal clear sunny skies and warm temperatures made our al fresco dinners spectacular. The weekend started at Le Puy with Soléna/Grand Cru Estates, Beroldingen Cheese, Republic of Jam, The Dark Chocolatier, Rogue Creamery, Longbottom coffee and Olive Oil from the Oregon Olive Mill. The 5 course wine paired meal was a true example of how locally grown and produced food can create a meal to remember. Bruno, the assistant wine maker at Soléna, explained bio-dynamic winery management to the guests and we tasted their Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Grand Cuvée Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Late Harvest Reisling. The Dark Chocolatier's amaretto cheesecake with white chocolate shavings and dark chocolate truffle ended the night perfectly.
The next day, guests enjoyed a tour of Soléna followed by a visit to Coeur de Terre for a vertical Pinot tasting and lunch in the vineyard by the Rogue Gourmet Catering. After a rest at the inns, it was over to Deer Haven Farms where Christina and Stuart have created an enchanting outdoor venue. Terraced patios decorated with flowers and surrounded by the vegetable garden, chickens and cows was like an oasis of elegance in the middle of a true farm. Framed by a trellis made from a felled tree on the property, guests enjoyed a 7 course meal by Red Fox Bakery and Coeur de Terre wines. Music by Larry Brown created a festive ambiance and the Salmon smoking on the pot-latch style fire brought the beauty and vitality of summer into focus for all attending.
The next event is Autumn Harvest featuring working crush with WillaKenzie, as well as Fox Farm and Coelho wineries. Gilbert Henry of Cuvée, Red Hills Market and Perfect Picnics will ensure that our guests are well fed. The weekend of October 14-15 coincides with the Art Harvest celebration in the valley, so guests will enjoy several of our local art galleries as well. Reservations are limited - but the Allison Inn & Spa has helped us expand the attendance with 3 additional rooms. Call Le Puy for more information 503-554-9528.
