Let's start here
The hardest part is (often) beginning
I think the hardest part of almost anything is getting started.
I’ve been creating drafts of this newsletter, topics (which I have pages and pages of), and outlines for a couple of months now. Finally, I sat with myself this weekend to figure out what was stopping me from publishing and it was simple: I wasn’t sure where to begin.
I had actually already started. I created my profile, my bio, and my (beautiful) logo - which was made for me by my friend, artist, and colleague, Colby Brooks.
So, here I am today, just committing to my practice, and starting. And hopefully providing some good information for people. On slow travel, experiences over things, wine, food, and more.
I am currently in Portland, Oregon for a few months. I landed back here, as it is my home base of sorts (and I’ve lived here, mostly, since 2007), in late January 2022, after 3 (glorious) months in Italy. I will be writing a LOT about Italy in the coming weeks with the hope of guiding folks in their travels there this year but today I’m going to start with “what I know” and where I’ve been lately that has really lit me up. Portland is having a bit of a tough time these days but there is still a lot of wonderful and delicious to be had here and I’m going to focus on sharing the spots I love and hope you will too.
So, here we go:
A (wonderful) wine shop. And my current home away from home most weekends.
Back in November 2021, while traveling and living in Italy, I saw on Instagram that a new wine shop was going to be opening in Portland. Helmed by Andy Fortgang, and Sergio Lecia, Andy is wine director, and partner in the James Beard Winning Le Pigeon, Canard, and (the dearly departed) Little Bird Restaurants and someone I knew from my years living in Portland, frequenting the restaurants, and being in the wine biz. His partner in the shop, Sergio Lecia, was someone I didn’t know personally but recognized as someone who had been a part of the restaurants as well. I was excited about this new wine shop and made a note to visit when I returned.
When I landed back in Portland, I discovered my temporary apartment was a mere 13-minute walk to Flor Wine Shop and within days of returning, made my way there.
3 months later, and after many, many visits, I count Flor as one of my favorite places to shop, and to spend time with my favorite people to chat and sip wine. I heartily agree with their website description as similar to a book shop: a place to browse and buy but also to connect and “nerd out” on wine with like-minded people who happen to be completely approachable ‘experts’. They offer a new flight of four wines every week; ‘aperitivo-like’ snacks; wines by the glass and/or bottle for enjoying in the shop or take-away; a wine club and events. Honestly, if I opened my own place I would want it to be just like this. Take a look at their website, order one of their featured packs of wine, and definitely do visit!
A most special dinner (also held at the above wine shop) - these guys are the best.
FLOR is also hosting events in their space that have included featured wine producers (such as a bomb champagne tasting I went to last Friday); cheese and wine pairings featuring one of the best cheesemongers in the country and dinners.
I was lucky enough to snag a ticket to their first dinner in April, with none other than Chef Gabriel Rucker of Le Pigeon and Canard creating a special 4-course dinner, with wines paired by the team at Flor, for 14 lucky guests.
This dinner was so special on many levels. Being able to enjoy an intimate dinner prepared by one of the best chefs in the country was a treat beyond compare. The food and wine were ridiculously delicious and my table of strangers soon became friends as we geeked out on our courses and pairings.
I am already signed up for their next dinner in a couple of weeks and I will be sure to share the details here.
Connect with them to sign up for their mailing list here, follow them on Instagram, and don’t hesitate when tickets are released for purchase - they go fast!
Willamette Valley - a private tasting experience that exceeded any expectations
Part of my ‘day job’ is working with clients, such as winery owners, to help them with their development, communications, hospitality, and experiences programs. Therefore, I do spend a good amount of time researching what great producers are doing for their guests and members. My research informs and inspires and this work is not hard for me - it is a pleasure most of the time (albeit the occasional bad experience but I don’t focus on those except as an example of what not to do).
Two weeks ago I had an out-of-town client make the trip to Dundee, Oregon for two days for us to do such “research” together. I made four appointments over the two days and the absolute highlight for both of us was our private tasting appointment at Bergstrom Winery’s new location, Ekollon. Ekollon is the site of the Bergstrom’s original family home that has been recently remodeled and opened, by appointment, for their hospitality experiences.
Bergstrom Wines have long been sought after and considered very fine for almost two decades. I have long been acquainted with Bergstrom wines but had not had a proper tasting with them in over a decade. Their private experience was recommended by a colleague as one of their favorites and I was excited to be able to book an appointment.
I do a lot of experiences, all over the world (which is one of the reasons I started this newsletter - to share them) and this experience at Ekollon is now one of my absolute favorites, especially in Willamette Valley.
The Ekollon house and property are beautifully laid out - accessibly stunning, without being ostentatious. There are views of the original vines planted in the 90’s; a wonderful flower and vegetable garden and the house itself has several tasting areas that feel more like a home than a “facility”.
On this rainy Monday, we had the place to ourselves, and our host, Avery, was delightful and knowledgeable. There were 6 wines for us to try and the experience also had 3 distinct pairing bites that went with all the wines. Avery led us through the history of the family and winery while sharing information about the wines we were tasting, the key points of the vintages of wines (there were 3 different vintages in the 6 glasses), and details on the food.
When there was a break in the rain, we were invited to grab a glass and we went for a lovely walk around the grounds and through the garden, before returning to our table and buying wine (which we both did).
If you’re traveling to Willamette Valley this year and love gorgeous wines and excellent hospitality, book an experience at Bergstrom. I feel confident saying you won’t be sorry.
A ‘stay-cation” at an Airbnb in the SW hills of Portland
While I have a little house in Portland for the next few months, recently it needed some work done and I decided to vacate for a couple of days. Since I had business appointments in the area, I couldn’t go far so decided to do a little staycation in Portland. I hopped on Airbnb and began looking for a good spot for two nights.
One of the filters I always use when searching Airbnb is ‘superhost’. I always book a designated ‘superhost’ or ‘Plus’ property. Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests. In all of my Airbnb stays, I have found this definition to be true in almost every one of my experiences with a superhost. I also make sure to read at least a dozen reviews (depending how many reviews there are, but most superhosts have dozens, if not hundreds, of reviews) to get a good sense of what to expect and if the property and the host is compatible with my expectations.
I was looking at two or three and found my perfect stay here, at Amy’s Garden Apartment in SW Portland. The photos were delightful and I knew the neighborhood as one that was full of charming, winding tree-lined streets but not far from groceries and coffee. Perfect.
Amy was easy to communicate with and very generous in offering me an early check-in so I could settle in before some work zooms on my first day. When I arrived I was delighted with the little garden outside my door, which was lush and green. Upon entering, there was a hand-written note from Amy, welcoming me and some fun snacks. The space was cozy and homey and just what I needed. One of the deciding factors was the large, claw-foot tub and the gas fire stove. The weather was chilly and I planned to cozy up with a hot bath, the stove, and a good book. That’s exactly what I did.
Walks in the neighborhood were serene and fresh. A 5-minute drive took me to a grocery store and coffee. Amy’s spot was perfect.
If you are visiting Portland, I also recommend it, if you don’t want to be in the city. It’s about a 15-minute drive downtown, so it’s very easy to see the sites but also be a part of a neighborhood. The space is perfect for 1-2 people.
Tiny and delicious - Allora
Around the corner from FLOR wine shop, is the restaurant Allora. One night I shared some dishes with my friends at FLOR, who had ordered in some items for their dinner, and fell in love with the pasta.
Last week I combined the two and met a friend for some champagne at FLOR and then went to dine, by reservation, at Allora. The space really reminded me of some of my favorite restaurants in Italy - small, cozy, bustling with good energy and good food. We ordered several appetizers, including killer calamari and bresaola salad, some polenta fries, and a perfectly cooked pasta. A decent wine list (it’s hard to compete with what my friends at FLOR offer) and cocktails and spritz will offer some good pairings
Day job: Wine recommendation of the week: Champagne Lombard Brut Rosé
I never say no to champagne so a Champagne tasting at FLOR was a ‘Hell Yes and please’ last week. My friend, Jenny and I were walked through 4 champagnes by the charming French gentlemen visiting the US from Champagne Lombard, located in Êpernay, and established in 1925. All of the wines were good but I am a sucker for a rich sparkling rosé and this one was exceptional and a great value at $45. I ended up going back to FLOR this week and buying all 6-bottles they had left. You can see where you might be able to find them through their website here.
That’s what I have for you this week. I hope you enjoy these tips and shares and do let me know if you try any of them. I’m so very excited to create a community of curious travelers here.
If you need help with a trip to Oregon, do hit me up!
Cheers to a beauty week.
COMING SOON: a fully down-loadable Oregon Guide for Summer-Fall 2022 packed with restaurants, wineries, shops…all the places that I consider a “do not miss” on your travels here this year.