Fall 2007 Newsletter

From Willamette Farms/ Vx Pinot Wines

The cool and late summer of 2007 resulted in our harvests being at least 2 weeks later than usual. Then came a very rainy October. But, in one four-day window of dryer weather, we were able to rush out and gather in all of our grapes* We then had to watch the hazelnut crop get rained on day after day. Finally we are taking advantage of the sunny break this week to work almost round the clock to harvest, a work in progress as this is being written.

This farm and vineyard have quite varied settings, including our ½ mile of Willamette River frontage and our Springbrook Creek. We are not only "sustainable" in our vineyard practices, but we really "walk the walk" as to that fuzzy term "Salmon Safe" with our many waterside plantings for erosion and heat control. During the good weather of 2008, we hope you come out to see this for yourselves.

An increasing number of our visitors are combining tasting of our wines, hazelnuts and other products with picnics on our overview veranda, along the Willamette river or around our ponds. We have had walking groups, canoers, picture takers and bicyclists visit in 2007, and, in 2008's good weather, we look forward to runners, horse riders, antique car gatherings, and - you choose! We can handle quite large groups, as many of you know from our past family functions.

This year on Thanksgiving weekend, in addition to wine tasting and the release of our 2006 vintages, we will offer 5 to 7 foot contoured Christmas trees grown on our farm. plus a special discount with case purchases of both Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. We hope you are already aware that for two years in a row we have received high marks on our Pinot Gris (88 on 2004 vintage in Wine Spectator and "excellent" in The Wine Press for 2005.) Our Pinot Noir has been very popular in a Michelin 3-star restaurant in New York, and the featured wine in two major Northwest events. Of course the Pinot Noir is always very compatible with our dark chocolate covered hazelnuts! During the Thanksgiving weekend tasting event, we will have live music, and the TV on for football enthusiasts! It won't be summer, but it will be cheerful and fun. We hope to see you!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Bruce Hall and family