We gathered in the golden hills to celebrate a golden anniversary.

Fifty years of commitment and compromise.

Fifty years of trials and triumphs.

Fifty years of  love.

We chose the Willamette Valley because we wanted a place with beautiful views, temperate climate, and a comfortable home to gather. After my experience at Pinot in the City, I knew the wine would be fabulous. That is always a draw.

But with eight adults and two children, touring would be limited. Reservations would be required, kids would have to be cooperative, and the venue would have to be accessible. The focus of the trip was family and I wasn’t going to get much time to venture off.  I visited as a tourist. In other words, my photos are wanting and some tastings were more in-depth than others.

Throughout this month, I will post about our various stops. Today, I begin where we did.

Our trip started in southern California. We flew into LAX and spent some time with family in Malibu, then drove up to Sonoma for more family time (and a few winery stops). We continued north to Bandon Beach which was magical. Sunset there was one of the more spectacular things I’ve seen.

We then spent a few days just south of Lincoln City in a development called Olivia Beach. This planned community is steps from the beach with a playground, pool, fire pits and fitness center. The architectural design is steeped rooves and shingles. Immaculate and well-stocked. Picnics on the beach, whale watching, shell seeking and sunsets. I highly recommend the rentals.

When it was time to meet up with the rest of the family, we stocked up on seafood at the local market. Clams, oysters, smoked salmon, and halibut in the cooler, we went east.

To get to our rental home, we passed through McMinnville, home of one of my favorites, Elizabeth Chambers. Pinot was calling my name, food was calling my crew, so we stopped for lunch at Community Plate. Classic comfort food elevated by local ingredients and surprising twists. It was so good we dragged the whole crew back.

We peeked in to Elizabeth Chambers Cellars after lunch to check out the scene. As we always do with kids in tow, we wanted to make sure they were not busy and ask if it was ok to bring them in for a brief tasting. If nothing else, I wanted to grab a couple of bottles to take with us. It was empty so we were in luck.

We tasted a Pinot Gris, a Pinot Noir cuvée, and three single vineyard wines. While each was unique and delicious, we left with the Pinot Gris and the Lazy River Pinot Noir, grown near Yamhill in Jory soil. The Pinot Gris was ripe apple and pear, a touch of citrus. Fresh and clean. The Lazy River began with impactful fruit. Bing cherry, blackberry, mocha, sage, gentle mouthfeel, a long finish.

I first became acquainted with her wines with a sample a few years ago. After reading her style and approach, I became a huge fan. I was so grateful to meet her at Pinot in the City and so sorry to learn of her passing last year. She made an indelible impact on the Willamette wine community and on me. Below is a quote taken from her website that captured my attention and admiration.

Next, the journey continues with a visit to Alloro and Ponzi Vineyards.