We are thrilled so many of you joined us for the first Wine Wednesday of the year! It was wonderful to see members partake in the full wine flight, engage with the winemaker, and catch up with one another.

The purpose of these wine events, and Club ‘64, is to create a community around wine at MCC. And of course enjoy a variety of wines and experiences.

Each quarter we will present a theme that connects the wines and wineries presented at the restaurant, Wine Wednesday, Winemaker Dinner and Club ’64. Our hope is that the theme will inspire curiosity to learn more about these wineries, while tasting wines that complement the current season, holidays and wine industry focus.

January is a time to catch our breath from the bustle of the holiday season and focus on new experiences in the New Year. It’s a time where we get excited for the sunny days ahead, but still feel the chill of Winter. The Willamette Valley wine industry calls this Cellar Season, where wineries boast about fireplaces and adjust their flight menus to feature richer pinots, bolder red wines and alternative white wines. 

While Pinot Noir is the treasured red wine of the Willamette Valley, many winemakers are eager to work with different grape varietals to broaden their skills, differentiate themselves, and prepare for the future. Many of these grapes are sourced from the Pacific Northwest (primarily Columbia Valley and Applegate). This quarter we’ll share what six+ wineries based in the Willamette Valley are doing to stand out with bold reds and alternative whites. You can expect to taste some Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc and other red and white blends. There are a lot of fabulous red wines and alternative whites made in the Willamette Valley, we hope this quarter inspires you to seek them out.

Bottle Shop – All wines featured at the club will be available for purchase in the bottle shop.

Club ’64 – Join by 3/16 and you’ll receive the first release. 

Let me know if you have any questions and please share your feedback.

Cheers! Kim