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After a trip to the Willamette Valley in Oregon, M.C. Ice and I have a casual discussion on "What I learned on my school vacation" ???? -- a  few details of the region, specifics on the wineries and sub-regions, and ultimately (apologies, but Oregon super fans won't want to hear this) my opinions on the challenges I have with the Pinot Noir of the region and how I feel that Chardonnay may be Willamette's best grape. 

View from Beaux Frères

Remember -- the show is based on my opinions with some facts (as I have always said, Wine For Normal People is not a study guide for an exam nor is it impartial. I offer facts but always with my spin or interpretation on it. If you don't like it, that's fine, but never has this show pretended to be a journalistic look at regions or a show that doesn't give my spin on things. In a show like this, it's especially important to remember that). 

View from a high point of the Dundee Hills

Regions mentioned:

• Dundee Hills
• Yamhill-Carlton
• Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge
• Eola-Amity Hills
• McMinnville
• Willamette Valley
• Van Duzer Corridor
• The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA (for that epic Syrah)

Wineries mentioned:

• Domaine Divio
• Beaux Frères
• Lenné
• Domaine Drouhin
• Purple Hands
• Le Cadeau (the Syrah I mentioned is their other label, Aubichon)
• Methven Family Vineyards
• Coeur de Terre

The area is gorgeous, the people very kind, but ultimately not much has changed for me from the original Oregon podcast. I remain skeptical of the value for money that Oregon offers and the quality and consistency of the Pinot Noir. I have become a big fan of the Chardonnay of the area, and I think Gamay has a big future here but the region is still young and it has staked its entire reputation on Pinot Noir, so we'll see what happens in the years to come. 

One final shoutout to Caravan Coffee, for the best cup I've ever had in the US!! 

*All photos (C)Elizabeth Schneider

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