Drink In Life
Savoring Life, Writing Through It
The Bells are in the Air at Bells Up Winery
During my recent visit to Willamette Valley we spent four days exploring the region and were able to visit 10 wineries. A private tasting at Bells Up Winery was a perfect way to begin our first full day of wine tasting.
Sometimes what you are looking for all along makes itself know when you least expect it. This is what happened to Dave and Sara Specter in August of 2008 during a wine tasting trip to the Willamette Valley. Dave, who was making wine in his basement at night while working as a corporate tax attorney during the day and Sara who was working as a freelance Marketing consultant, both enjoyed taking “Wine Trips”. On this trip traveling from their home in Cincinnati and staying in the Rose Garden Room at Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast which is a mere 400 feet up the side of the mountain from the current location of Bells Up Winery, Sara formulated a plan and announced that they would move to property on Bell Road in Newberg, plant a vineyard, open a winery. With David as the winemaker this would all fall into place in 20 years. Fortunately for wine enthusiasts, things don’t always work out as planned. In 2012, Dave and Sara seized their opportunity to begin their winery, Bells Up.
What’s in a name
The Specters chose the name “Bells Up” both to reflect their Bell Road address, and more importantly to signify Dave’s 20-plus years as a French horn player. “Bells Up” is a musical term which refers to a dramatic moment in classical music where the composer’s score instructs the French horn players to lift the bells of their instruments up to propel their sound with maximal force.
(Samples Photographed in 2018)
Bells Up Winery is best known for their Classic Oregon Pinot Noir; however, they also make some other fantastic varietals that don’t typically appear in a Willamette Valley flight. For that reason I want to Introduce you to some of these unique Bells Up wines, and to display that there are more varietals to discover in the Willamette Valley in addition to the abundant Pinot Noir wines.
“Rhapsody” is the opening score of the Bells Up wines
The grapes for Rhapsody are sourced from Plum Hill Vineyard in Gaston, Oregon and this vibrant white wine is aged sur lie in stainless steel tanks for 6 months. This isn’t your typical white wine, this Pinot Blanc is a fuller bodied wine that has a crisp acidity, but some spicy attributes spring forward that resemble a red wine. On the nose you find yourself walking through a warm summer garden nestled among ripening citrus trees with aromas of mineral rich freshly turned soil. The long finish on this Pinot Blanc is both surprising and delightful and you want to savor each layer of the pineapple upside down cake flavor. Each sip introduces a new note that also brings back elements of the aroma. This is a lovely sipping wine but would also pair well with a Summer Snap Pea salad and Fish tacos with fresh made guacamole.
“Prelude” is the introduction to the Bells Up’s Unique Wines
Estate Vineyard Chehalem Mountains AVA Rosé of Pinot Noir
Only 126 cases were produced.
The 2018 Bells Up Prelude is like a sunny summer day picnic in a bottle. All of the flavors of a picnic in each sip, like a blanket layed out with strawberries, watermelon and pink lemonade. A well balanced Rosé with citrus undertones and a dry finish. This musical Rosé was named for Franz Liszt’s “Symphonic Poem No. 3: Les Preludes” and will be a Romantic Era addition to any summer picnic. I’m going to pretend that this is the end of an Opera Aria (and not a Symphony score) and give a loud hearty “BRAVO” to this Prelude.
Bells Up “Firebird is named for Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite”
“Firebird” is aged 12 months in French oak with grapes that were sourced exclusively from Summit View, at 1150 feet it is one of the highest elevation vineyards in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.
This 2017 Firebird Syrah from Bells Up delivers amazing aromas of fresh blueberries and blackberries and a spicy dark chocolate bar enjoyed during a walk among the cedar trees. A powerful punch of black cherry cola on the tongue with a long extraordinary finish of mocha and wild mint flavors. To be honest, this is a bottle that I purchased to bring home because I couldn’t get enough of the flavors in this Syrah.
Bells Up Fanfare Club Exclusive
There are so many benefits to becoming a member of Bells Up Winery’s Fanfare Club, such as exclusive rights to by special limited production wines. During my tasting I had the opportunity to try two of the club exclusives, “Helios” and “Candide”. Both of these wines secretly became my two favorite sips of the day.
2018 Helios
2018 Helios is produced from Chehalem Mountains AVA Seyval Blanc Estate Vineyard grapes. This wine is ONLY available to members of Fanfare Club and ONLY 15 cases were produced. This limited edition vintage is the first bottling and is named for Carl Nielsen’s “Helios Overture, Opus 18. For “Research Purposes” I was given the special opportunity to purchase a single bottle of this rare Oregon Hybrid grape wine. I became very intrigued with this wine after tasting it and really wanted to explore the story and making of this wine more for a future blog post.
Do you know that feeling of sitting in a meadow on the first sunny day of spring with the smell of wild flowers and green grass surrounding you? Now imagine that aroma with the addition of a tropical citrus bowl of fruit. My first thought was a glass of sunshine and aroma of spring. Bright, clean and a cascading flood of fruit flavors greet you on the first sip. Flavors of pear, lemon and soft stone fruits all try to push each other aside to be the prominent flavor. I most appreciated the long finish, and welcoming a new flavor taking over each sip. Special.
2016 Candide
Each year, winemaker Dave crafts a limited edition vintage available only to members of Bells Up’s Fanfare Club. The 2016 Candide is this year’s selection. Sourced from the Nemarniki Vineyard of the Chehalm Mountains AVA Reserve Pinot Noir and only 33 cases were produced. Candide is a blend of two heritage clones of Pinot Noir, 75% Wadenswil and 25% Pommard. Candide is named for Leonard Bernstein’s operetta of the same name and which was based on the 1759 novella by Voltaire.
This 2016 Candide is like a fresh cup of coffee, not in the aroma but in the sense that you just want to keep smelling the amazing blend of scents that greet you with each sniff. Chocolate covered cherries, a selection of herbs and a hint of smoke have you anticipating the first sip. The flavor of this wine reminded me of a Christmas wine with ripe dark fruits and vanilla spice, like a slice of cinnamon toast. Warming and down to earth with a feeling in the finish of a walk through the woods.
*Last minute Update: Unfortunately for my readers (but fortunately for me!) I got the last of the 2016 Candide! The new Club exclusive Pinot is 2017 Villanelle, and 2017 Candide is now available in the Bells Up tasting room in their flight.
Tasting the fantastic array of wines at Bells Up would not have been the wonderful experience that it was without having the opportunity to sit down and talk with Dave and Sara. Their story, from conception of the winery to where they are today, is a true example of taking the chance to follow your dreams. Dave’s passion as a winemaker is complimented by his true belief in building lasting personal relationships with each and every person who comes through the tasting room door. Sara’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her welcoming personality instantly gives a homey feel to their winery. I would encourage anyone making a trip to Newberg and the Oregon Wine Country to make an appointment to visit Bells Up Winery.
Visit https://bellsupwinery.com/ to learn more about this Oregon Winery.
To schedule an appointment or to purchase wine, call Bells Up Winery at 503.537.1328 or email info@bellsupwinery.com
All photos copyrighted by Drink In Nature Photography & Drink In Life Blog
A Rendezvous with Willamette Valley
May is Oregon Wine Month and in celebration I will be sharing stories all month long about my recent trip to the Willamette Valley Wine Country.
When traveling through the wide open meadows, rolling hills and acres of vineyards in each unique seven appellation of the Willamette Valley you get a sense of how the early pioneers, after months traveling on the Oregon Trail, felt when they finally reached this fertile valley. The promise of a comfortable climate, plenty of water and rich soil ideal for growing healthy crops, continues to draw people to this land today.
In April I had the opportunity to travel to the Northern part of the Willamette Valley. Although I was born in Oregon, I had yet had the chance to experience Willamette Valley as a Wine Loving adult. Experiencing the beauty of the land, and talking to winemakers and wine professionals made this visit feel like a welcoming trip home. There are many reasons to visit the Willamette Valley that go beyond wine tasting and vineyards. The area is home to a number of farms, from small boutique farms, to large agricultural productions. Many of which offer opportunities to tour the making of, and enjoy tastings of the local cheese, nuts, fruits, and honeys. In addition to wine making there is a strong number of unique producers of craft cider and beers. Fine dining and farm to table restaurants are a perfect way to end the day after exploring one of the regions hiking trails.
Willamette Valley is the largest and most important wine-growing region in Oregon. Since the mid 1800’s wine grapes have been grown in Oregon, however, it was not until 1966 that an organized movement started to grow grapes and produce wine in the Valley. Some people say that without Pinot Noir there might not be an Oregon wine industry as we know it today. Rewind back to 1966 and we have David Lett and his wife Diana to thank for this introduction. The Lett’s planted their 3,000 Pinot Noir vines, along with a few Pinot Gris vines on a well chosen, south-facing slope in the Dundee Hills. The rest as they say is history and now the The Willamette Valley Oregon Wine country has over 500 wineries and over 1100 vineyards.
Digging deeper into the success of the Willamette Valley wine industry and one word is always spoken, Dirt. Some call it Dirt and some call it Soil but what it always comes down to it what is in that handful of earth and how it affects the crops that are planted there. The name of one soil was repeated time and time again during our visit, and that was Jory Soil. Named after Jory Hill, Marion County, Oregon, which is named for the Jory family, who after traveling along the Oregon Trail settled in the area in 1852.
Why does this dirt matter so much? The climate of the Willamette Valley and the Jory soils provide a picture perfect combination for the production of many different crops, to include Christmas trees, various berries, and the famous filberts (hazelnuts). The Jory soils are perfectly suitable for grapes because of the deep, well-drained layers of soils that formed in basic igneous rock and is easily distinguishable by its strikingly red color. For those who wish to deep dive into the extensive information about the soils and the terroir of the Willamette Valley, I have provided a link to the Willamette Valley Wineries Association for you to read more about the in-depth growing factors found in the Valley. https://willamettewines.com/about-the-valley/
A Taste of Willamette Valley
One of the best ways to end a day of wine tasting in the Willamette Valley is with a relaxing and delicious dinner. Chefs in the Valley are striving to entice diners by sourcing the freshest local produce, meats and seafood to complement local vintages. Two locations, both in Newberg, had everything I love about dining in a new town. The setting is welcoming, the food and beverage selections are unique and you get the feeling that this is were “the locals eat”. Both Barley & Vine Tavern and The Newbergundian Bistro are both relatively new, and both are making a big impact on the food scene in Newberg.
Barley & Vine Tavern
Imagining a place that patrons would feel like they were enjoying a meal in a friends living room, Owner Emily Weichold envisioned Barley & Vine as being a cozy spot for any mood or occasion.
Owner of Barley & Vine Tavern, Emily Weichold.
Opening its doors in June of 2017 Barley & Vine features local and domestic beers and wines from around the around the Willamette Valley and around the world. Beers and ciders consist of a rotating list of 16 taps, with growlers and bottles available to fill up and to go.
A tasting flight is always a great way to taste some of the 16 on tap beers and ciders, and that is exactly how we began our night after a day of wine tasting.
The wine selection both by the glass and bottle is just as impressive at Barley & Vine Tavern.
The night that we visited Barley & Vine was a Wednesday which means Burger Night for the locals and tourists.
A delicious burger and a glass of red wine is just the perfect way to spend a Wednesday.
Don’t feel like a Burger? No worries, Barley and Vine Tavern has you covered with a selection of upscale bar bites.
Herbed Goat Cheese Spread with Crostini, Chicken Liver Pate with Crostini and Pickled Veggies, Ham and Brie Sandwich, Nachos and more can all be found on the menu.
Now that I have been there I feel like a trip to Newberg in the Willamette Valley wouldn’t be complete without a night at Barley & Vine Tavern.
The Newbergundian Bistro
Not yet open for a year The Newbergundian Bistro is creating quite a buzz in the Newberg community.
During our first full day of wine tasting in the Valley we were often asked that familiar question, “Where are you having dinner tonight?” When the name The Newbergundian Bistro was spoken, unanimous accolades were provided. The only disagreement, was which menu item was the favorite.
Serving the food and beverages that they love, Owners Sean and Noelle McKee are plating up meals with a French-inspired American flare like salads, fish and chips as well as a few things with a more European influence.
The thriving Newbergundian Bistro combines Sean’s 18 years experience as a Chef who trained in France, and Noelle’s two decades working in the restaurant business. With an open view of the kitchen it was a pleasure to watch Sean and his staff seamlessly assemble their creations, plating traditional and self-styled dishes.
Beets:
Frisée, goat cheese, candied filberts, balsamic vinaigrette
A Seasonal Spring Special:
Charred Broccoli Rabe
Newbergundian Bistro has an impressive wine by the glass menu, with my meal I enjoyed a 2017 J. Christopher Sauvignon Blanc.
On the salad menu, Croque Monsieur wowed with spinach, smoked ham hock, gruyere cheese, and stone ground mustard vinaigrette .
Dining with my husband is always a pleasure and we have an ongoing agreement to always order something that we both want so that we can experience two dishes. On this night we just couldn’t resist the Coq Au Vin, and the Lamb Chops.
Braised Chicken with whipped potatoes and a beautiful mushroom gravy.
Don’t even get me started on how simply amazing the Lamb Chops were! Served with Merguez sausage, French lentils, braised endive, and a tahini vinaigrette, I really wanted to go back the next night for another plate.
I want to thank both Barley & Vine Tavern and The Newbergundian Bistro for their hospitality. These two dining experiences really made our first trip to the Willamette Valley something to remember.
Throughout the month I will continue the Willamette Valley series with in depth posts of some outstanding Oregon wineries.
For more information about these two establishments visit: https://www.newbergundian.com/ https://www.barleyandvinetavern.com/
All images copyrighted by Drink In Nature Photography and Drink In Life Blog.
Welcome to Drink In Life! I’m Elaine—a writer, wine expert, photographer, and lifelong collector of moments that deserve to be remembered. This space began as a place to share the beauty I found in a vineyard’s quiet morning light, the rhythm of travel, and the way a glass of wine can hold history, place, and emotion all at once. Whether you’re here for the wine, the words, or something in between, I’m glad you found your way. The stories are just getting started.
WSET Level 3 with Merit
American Wine Expert
Oregon Wine Expert-Napa Valley Wine Academy
Member of
Professional Reader
