Hang on for the Ride

[Umpqua Wineau]

Greetings Fellow Wineaus,

Yesterday, Sat April 5, Diane and I visited Wild Rose and Spangler
wineries. Our timing was perfect as we slipped in between the "Barrel
Tasting Buses". The weather was a bit knarly but the wines made up
for it.

At Wild Rose we talked to Carlos, the owner and winemaker, while he
poured his line up of expectational wines. While his most popular
wine was a semi-dry Pinot Gris, we were more impressed with the Cab
Sav, being refugees from Sonoma County CA!! And yes, thank Dionysius
you can make an enjoyable Cab in Oregon.

Carlos and wife, Denise have plans to expand their tasting room with
hopes for a grand veranda. The point being that the wine industry in
the Umpqua Valley AVA is doing better and better. More wine and more
wineries!

This theme was echoed by Pat Spangler at his winery. Over a taste of
his yummy Cab Franc we discussed the future of the AVA. He envisions
20 new wineries in the next five years! Yikes.

So like I said, hang on for the ride. We wine lovers are going to be
very happy campers here in the Umpqua Valley.