Posts By Cooking Up a Story

Other Fine Wines: Roussanne

Other Fine Wines: Roussanne

As an Oregon winemaker, Andrew Rich knew he was within close proximity to two distinct grape growing regions: the Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley that afforded him certain advantages.

Strawberry Picking at a U-Pick

Strawberry Picking at a U-Pick

It’s that time of year to get your buckets ready and go pick your own fruit and/or vegetables.

An Oregon Wine Grower: From Wall Street to Vineyard Farm

An Oregon Wine Grower: From Wall Street to Vineyard Farm

Dick Shea came into farming later in life from an entirely different career path. He chose his Oregon vineyard property (Shea Wine Cellars) after six months of careful research, settling upon a 140-acre pasture in the Yamhill-Carleton District in Newberg.

Vegetable Literacy: Deborah Madison Describes Some Plant Families

Vegetable Literacy: Deborah Madison Describes Some Plant Families

Deborah Madison talks about some of the botanical families, and their edible members that are organized by chapter in her new book, Vegetable Literacy.

LIVE: A Sustainable Program for Wine Growers and Wineries

LIVE: A Sustainable Program for Wine Growers and Wineries

The idea for the LIVE program (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) came about in the early 1990’s when it became clear to Ted Casteel there needed to be both an education and independent verification program based upon solid, science-based principles to promote sustainability practices to other producers.

An Interview with Deborah Madison: Vegetable Literacy

An Interview with Deborah Madison: Vegetable Literacy

Veteran food author Deborah Madison’s new cookbook “Vegetable Literacy” draws inspiration for its recipes directly from the garden.

Making Sparkling Wines in the Willamette Valley

Making Sparkling Wines in the Willamette Valley

Sparkling wines are relatively new in the Willamette Valley. Chris Berg, the current winemaker for the Laurel Ridge Winery, is one of the few local winemakers who specializes in making “Methode Champenoise” style sparkling wines.

The Old World Craft of Barrel Making

The Old World Craft of Barrel Making

Rick DeFerrari, of Oregon Barrel Works makes hand-crafted, wine barrels from Oregon and French oak woods, to achieve the desired blend of characteristics individual winemakers are looking for. Wine barrels used in the aging process play an important role in imparting the final taste to the finished wines.