Parable Wines

June 4, 2024.Reading time 6 minutes.

There are some ideas that are widely considered to be universal truths. Lessons that traverse cultures and time, regions and religions. These are often bigger than what can be fully expressed in a few phrases, and require room to make one’s own. They are multi-faceted lessons, condensed to an image. One that can be held, […]

Hills and Valleys-Part 2-Willamette Valley

July 6, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

{This is part two in a series documenting our trip to the Willamette Valley last year. The previous post highlights the coast and McMinnville, Elizabeth Chambers.} The house we rented was located in Sherwood, an immaculate equestrian property fully stocked for a large group and entertaining. When we arrived in early August of 2017, the […]

Hills and Valleys-Oregon-Part 1

July 5, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

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 […]

Delayed Plans-Wines of Alsace

January 8, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

Wines were provided as media samples. I received no other compensation, thoughts and opinions are my own. I had plans for these wines. They arrived when the temperatures were not conducive to the cuisine, but I was patient. I had plans for these wines. I’d taste them all together, a three course meal with friends, […]

Summer Adventures

August 18, 2016.Reading time 6 minutes.

You may or may not have noticed my absence this summer. I’ve started to draft an explanation and gone back and forth about how much I want to share. But in the meantime, the reviews are piling up. The topics I want to cover keep growing, and the desire to write is returning. Suffice to say, more will come. […]

A Magic Thing-Surf Chateau

February 25, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

“A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself.” ― Laura Gilpin River rocks chosen from the Arkansas that bubbles by. Cedar shingles and arched entries to the courtyard. Claw-foot tubs and beadboard, crisp white sheets and cozy couches. The Surf Chateau in Buena Vista, Colorado is like […]