Reflections from Mary

August 13^th is Starry, Starry Nite! See 'Airlie Happenings' below for details and get your reservations in now by emailing me at airlie@airliewinery.com.  This annual camp-out with wine, food and the best dance band to be found, is a must summer activity. 

Speaking of summer, it has finally arrived and is perfect!  The grapes are loving the mid 80's during the day and upper 50's at night and they promise that they can make up for time lost this spring.  Sebastian and crew have the vines in great shape with clusters exposed to the sun giving them the best chance to become another stellar Airlie vintage.

Knowing how hot it is in the rest of the country, I encourage you to come visit, bring a picnic and enjoy this perfection.  For those of you unable to make the journey settle down with a cool Airlie white and let your favorite retailer know that it appears you will need more.  We will gladly ship you some, order here.  Delays due to high temperatures may occur but I know you will find it worth waiting for. 

Finally, spread a little kindness. During these heated times (in more ways than one) a smile, generosity and any attempt to lower the temperature is more than welcome.  And as I have discovered around the tasting room, the art of conversation is not diminished, as some might argue, but continues to be respectful and filled with learning and most importantly, human.  Perhaps wine is not only healthy for your body but for your mind as well! 
Mary

Airlie Happenings
Airlie Winery News

Starry Starry Nite!
 Please email your reservations!

• August 13, 2010~ 6PM to Breakfast
• $15 per person, $25 for two, gets you a camping spot (tents around the pond, trailers in the vineyard), a great dance band, Mixed Bag, returns and breakfast in the morning (My famous blackberry pancakes and eggs!)
• $10 per person gets you all the fun in the evening without the lodging but we really want you to stay!

Rudy and Deb will be set up to sell hamburgers and sausages beginning at 6PM and will serve until dark.  They have all the sides as well!  

Wine and Beer will be available for sale (no outside alcohol please).

The band fires up around 7:30 and plays until the drummer's blisters begin to bleed!

Stargazing all night!

Bring some late night snacks and perhaps some fruit or breakfast rolls to share in the morning.

Wine Tastings:

• Pinot in the City, The Pearl, Portland, Oregon ~ September 11, 2-6pm 
• Bike Oregon Wine Country, Eola Hills, Rickreal, Oregon ~ August 14 & 28th 
• Chef's Nite Out,Willamette Valley Vineyards, Salem, Oregon ~ October 2 ~ Benefit to Support Local Food Banks.

Dinners:

• Buena Vista House ~ September 24^th  Time to eat wood fired pizza, garden fresh salads and the best desserts in the valley as we get ready for harvest.  Call Claudia 503-838-6364 or visit her website: Buena Vista House<="">

Events:

• Starry Starry Nite ~ August 13th
  
  
• Bounty of Benton County ~ Labor Day Weekend ~ This passport benefit in support of rural families will feature Local Artists with art on display and for sale, along with local cheeses and breads to sample.

New Releases and Awards:

• 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ~ Wine Press Northwest gives this vintage a total thumbs up with an excellent rating highlighting huge aromas of strawberries and cherries followed by flavors of raspberries, molasses, Graham crackers and spices.  Liz has sweet memories of a perfect fruit set, warm summer and dry fall, things that winemakers as of late can only dream of.

Recipe Corner:

In this heat, cut up some watermelon and cantaloupe, add a few blueberries and toss with a bit of fresh cilantro.  Serve with a bottle of Airlie 7 and just chill out!