Winemaker Dinner Series 2020
Brianne Day, Day Wines
February 10th
Brianne Day has been a rising star in the Oregon scene for the last eight years - earning raving fans with her creative styles, unique varietals, and imaginative spirit. Her co-operative winery Day Camp, in the heart of Dundee, is a destination for both locals and travelers alike. Tasting through Brianne’s wines is akin to hanging out with her in real life - delightful and thought-provoking. And the lucky guests of this dinner will get to do both!
Lynn Penner-Ash, Penner Ash Winery
March 16th
Lynn Penner-Ash is one of the most formative architects of the Oregon wine scene. After studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis, Lynn worked at hard hitting Napa wineries Stag’s Leap, Domaine Chandon and Chateau St. Jean, before being hired at Rex Hill as Oregon’s very first female winemaker! Ten years in, she started her own Penner Ash, which is now one of the most beloved wineries in Oregon.
Luisa Ponzi, Ponzi Vineyards
April 20th
One of the few Oregon winemakers who can claim second generation status, Luisa’s family planted some of the very first vines in the Willamette Valley. Luisa studied enology in Burgundy before returning to the family estate and putting her knowledge to use. She took over from her father Dick in 1993 and has been the head winemaker ever since - running the family business alongside her sister Anna Maria.
Kris Fade, Analemma Wines
May 11th
Inspired by regenerative farming practices that bring to life the true character of a distinct site, Kris shepherds some of the nation's first Biodynamic(R) certified Mencia, Godello, and Albarino--fantastic additions to the diverse portfolio that Oregon's terroir has to offer. After studying Applied Biodyamics in New Zealand, she co-founded Analemma Wines in 2010 and found her home and heart in the Mosier Hills of the Columbia Gorge. Kris is dedicated to a vision of diversified farming and defines herself by a deep connection to the land and community she is cultivating.
Maggie Harrison, Antica Terra
June 15th
Back by popular demand, Oregon’s cult queen - Maggie Harrison! From a fascinating journey of travel, politics, and conflict resolution (involving President Jimmy Carter) to a decade with one of the most revered wineries in the world - Sine Qua Non - Maggie eventually ended up owning a rocky, fossil-filled vineyard in the heart of the Dundee Hills– Antica Terra. Born our of her love for the terroir, Antica Terra produces revered wines that have achieved ‘cult’ status in the last 10 years. Join us and discovery why.
Wynne Peterson-Nedry, Double Zero
July 20th
Though Double Zero is a relative newcomer to the Oregon scene, Wynne Peterson-Nedry is not. Another rare vigneron who can claim second-generation Oregon rights, Wynne grew up in the Willamette Valley, watching her father Harry found Ribbon Ridge Wines. She studied enology at UC Davis, before becoming the winemaker at Ribbon Ridge, as well as head winemaker at Chehalem Winery. Her debut vintage of Chardonnay at Double Zero earned rank on the Top 100 wines of America list by James Suckling.
Kelley Fox, Kelley Fox Wines
August 24th
If you’ve ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir at Arden, chances are that you’ve enjoyed one of Kelley’s. Immediately becoming a favorite of ours at the restaurant, Kelley’s wines have been slowly growing in production size over the last decade and they are already becoming harder to get our hands on! Kelley embraces a hands-off approach in the winery and, as a result, her wines are thoughtful and singular.
Mimi Casteel, Hope Well Wine
November 9th
Another second-generation Oregon winemaker, and one of the most influential viticulturists in the Willamette Valley, Mimi grew up at her family’s winery - Bethel Heights. She then studied botany, forestry and ecology at Oregon state, before living off the grid and working for the forestry service. She made her return to wine as the winemaker at Bethel Heights before starting her own winery Hope Well. Her work in viticulture and regenerative agriculture has received international recognition.
Jess Arnold, Pray Tell
December 7th
Originally from California, Jess moved to Oregon to pursue winemaking in, what she believes to be, the best wine growing region in the country. With full time experience at Beaux Freres, Bergstrom and now as the Assistant Winemaker at Soter Vineyards, Jess has been afforded the immense privilege of working with and learning from some truly inspiring mentors. In 2017 her creative outlet sprang forth, and she started Pray Tell Wines with her husband Tom. With a focus on Organically/Biodynamically grown Gamay Noir and Chardonnay from thoughtful, purpose driven growers (her heroes!), Jess coerces some truly compelling wines to bottle.