Jenni Middleton Real Estate, Wine and Cuisine: 2012

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Shakespeare at Stoller Vineyards

Shakespeare at Stoller Vineyards in August---

We brought our picnic, our comfy chairs and settled in for a night of Shakespeare at Stoller Vineyards. Much ado about Nothing was the fare. It was delightful and very well done with minimal staging and costumes. It was a hot August night just cooled down enough to be comfortable. I will definitely be a regular for these performances.

Is it Tuscany? France? Or just Dundee, Oregon

It's hard to imagine so many months have gone by since I have written. Summer in the Willamette Valley has been amazing. It has been one of the driest on record, and yet we are still within normal average rain fall for the year due to a record breaking rainfall in March.

Harvest is here. The trucks are here in Dundee, delivering grapes from all over the state. The workers are all here, waiting for the word. When the picks start it's only takes a few days to pick tons of grapes and get them to the crushing facility.

I am always amazed how the smell of the town changes during harvest and crush. The entire town starts to smell like wine. It's really quite charming. And, for wine lovers, it's the trigger to sit down and have a glass.

The pictures above are of Dundee, Oregon. The pictures below are of France and Italy. I don't know about you but, it seems there isn't a whole lot of difference. I LOVE IT HERE!!!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Paulee--- Dundee's Newest Dining Adventure

Tonight I stopped by Paulee, Dundee's newest adventure in dining. Although I did not have a chance to have dinner, I was greeted just the same and had a glass of wine. Out of the wines by the glass I chose, Andrew Brunel "CuveeSommelongue" Cotes-du-Rhone-Rhone Valley FR 08' A nice elegant fragrance of plums and cherry. It was very simple and honest. I would order this again.

I was so happy to meet, Brandon Tebbe. I had done a little homework before I went in. But I had no preconceived notions. (see below) Down to earth and greetings with a smile from Brandon. I loved it.

Brandon Tebbe MS, CWE- Partner and Service & Wine/ Beverage Director

With a career spanning 20 years in the hospitality industry, ranging all cuisines and working positions throughout Colorado’s restaurant scene, Tebbe’s focus is the ar of service and things vinous. Tebbe is on of 186 Master Sommeliers in the world, with the distinction of being on of the only 15 Masters ever to have passed the rigourous exam on his first attempt. Tebbe developed his love and passion for win while running wine and beverage programs for some of Colorado’s top establishments, from the world renowned Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs to Denver’s four star/four diamond Restaurant Kevin Taylor. In 2010, Tebbe placed 2^nd, then in 2011 3^rd in the “Best Young Sommelier in America” competition, and is Certified Wine Educator and Spirts Specialist. Tebbe now brings his knowledge and experience in everything from food, wine and mixology to beer, sake and coffee to the Willamette Valley.

We are so happy to have Paulee in Dundee and added as another option for all the visitors and locals alike, to our beautiful Willamette Valley.

Looking forward to patio dining on a hot day in July!

For More Information

http://www.pauleerestaurant.com

http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/05/paulee_an_ambitious_new_dundee.html

http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/02/more_details_on_daniel_mondoks.html

McMinnville Farmer's Market

The McMinnville Farmers Market has opened. It looks to be a great season. Upon arrival you catch the energy. The live songstress, the laughter, the sense of community make everything seem brighter and you just feel healthier.

You can find meat, cheese, fresh produce, sheeps wool and wine. There is something for everyone. The Willamette Valley is booming with artisans and farmers who can't wait to share their crops and their wares with you. Thursdays 1-6 PM

Jim Hoffman of Briar Rose Cremery shares his delightful variety of artisan goat cheeses. He's fun to talk to as well.

The Young Intern from Carlo and Julian--- Came with a sack on his back from Oklahoma to the wine country just because he was drawn here. He wanted something better for his life. I asked him if he is staying. He said he's never going back. He said, "It's so beautiful" "I've been so amazed at the beauty here." Some of these locals don't know how good they have it.