The last gasp of summer. The promise of fall, that crisp autumn chill in the morning and the changing palate of colors to bright yellows, reds and browns. The last camping weekend for most and the start of hunting season for others.
It was a perfect weekend for a getaway day. Carolyn and I decided to pack a picnic lunch and head up to the Columbia River and visit Maryhill Winery for the day. They were having an open house with wine tasting and a jazz combo playing on Sunday.
So, on Saturday Carolyn and I went to Cibo in Bend, the new deli restautant recently opened by the owners of Ariana restaurant (if you have not been, go!). For our trip we purchased a Garlic Roast Beef sandwich, a Turkey Club as well as some marinated mushrooms.
It is a beautiful drive up to the Columbia River from Bend. It is mostly high desert, but scenic nonetheless. We drove by small communities celebrating the holiday weekend, fields that were once awash in wheat or hay and the scenic vistas when going over a hill. Crossing over the Columbia River at Biggs is always fun. Barges and boats on the river, the panoramic view of the gorge always excites. Once across the river it is just about 5 miles south to Maryhill winery, just past the Maryhill Museum, also a worthwhile attraction to see.
Maryhill Winery was buzzing with activity, people picnicking on the patio, wine tasting at their 100 year old Brunswick bar (It's really cool!) and a jazz trio paying outside on the patio which offers an expansive view of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. As we were enjoying the views of the valley we looked out upon the Maryhill Winery Amphitheatre that has been so successful (Willie Nelson, Don Henley and Hootie and the Blowfish) they are making improvements for the 2007 concert season.
We picked a table (the outside patio is open to all) near the jazz trio, opened up a bottle of Maryhill Cabernet Franc Rose and enjoyed our lunch. The trio did some Diana Krall covers and other light and refreshing jazz pieces. A trip to Maryhill is not complete till you meet Potter, the Maryhill house dog. He is always out amongst the guests on the patio or in the wine making facility.
After lunch we headed in for some wine tasting. Carolyn's favorite was the 2003 Maryhill Proprietor's Reserve Syrah and mine was the 2003 Maryhill Proprietor's Reserve Zinfandel, although the 2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was a close second. Maryhill is always so accommodating when we have been there and it was no different on Labor Day Weekend. We bought a couple cases of wine while we were there as a lot of their offerings do not make it to your local wine shop (their excellent Grenache or Malbec for example).
We have been drinking Maryhill wines, beginning with their 2001 Zinfandel, for several years and it is clear they are hitting on all cylinders right now. The stories we have all recently read about the quality of Columbia Gorge grapes is clearly apparent in Maryhill's wines along with the care and devotion to making the best wine possible. The reserve series starting with the 2002 vintage sets aside some lots from vineyards that John Haw believes will produce some amazingly complex and satisfying wines that speak to the special terroir of that vineyard.
All in all a very satisfying day and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Maryhill Winery is a great getaway trip. Get in your car, get out of Central Oregon and enjoy a day at Maryhill! (oh yeah, Potter says biscuits are always welcome)
Be sure to visit the Maryhill links on the left.
9774 Highway 14
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone:
1-877-627-9445
Email for more infromation:
[email protected]
Head Winemaker: John Haw
