Sip with Division and dine with Jon Bonné!

Hi Wine Friends,

I’ve been exploring some exciting new tasting rooms lately, and one standout is Division Winemaking Co. You might recognize Division’s bottles from your favorite local wine shops and restaurant lists—they’ve been a fixture in Portland since opening in 2010.

The Village of Portland

Division, founded by Kate Norris and Tom Monroe, focuses on crafting innovative Pacific Northwest wines right here in the heart of Portland. Kate described it best during my recent visit: “When we made wine in France, we made wine mostly in the village with the vineyards surrounding us. And if you think about it here - Portland is our village and the Pacific Northwest -  that's our vineyards.”

Their new location on SE 8th and Harrison, in the Industrial Southeast, houses not only their winery but also the most charming tasting room imaginable. Designed by Kate herself, it features dreamy pastels, warm lighting, and local female artists’ work—perfect for an afternoon of tasting.

What sets Division apart is their adventurous spirit. While they do produce excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also embrace non-traditional Oregon varietals. As Kate puts it, “Diversity is the spice of life!” During my visit, I sampled a Chenin Blanc, Gamay, and carbonic Pinot Noir—each a testament to their creative approach.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc holds a special place in my heart—it’s versatile, age-worthy, and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Division’s rendition echoes the best of the Loire Valley, with vibrant acidity, peach notes, and a hint of honeysuckle. It’s a wine I could drink as a brunch aperitif or a midnight snack and everything in between. I can’t help but wonder why more Oregon producers aren’t championing this grape.

Side note: I wish someone would make a Chenin-scented perfume because it's the most delicious smelling grape!

Carbonic Pinot Noir

Kate’s reverence for tradition blends seamlessly with her daring approach to winemaking. Take their Carbonic Pinot Noir, for instance—a fresh, fruity take on a classic that defies convention. 

If you’re familiar with Carbonic fermentation, you’ll know that it involves throwing whole grape clusters into the fermenter and allowing fermentation to start spontaneously within each individual grape. It results in very vibrant, fruity aromas in a wine. Think fresh raspberries, candied violet and wild rose.

Kate makes traditional Pinot Noir as well but, as she puts it, “Pinot can have fun too.” Light-bodied with a touch of spice, it’s perfect for summer BBQs or casual sipping and works great with a slight chill!

Gamay Noir

Being from Beaujolais herself, Kate has long championed Gamay in Oregon. Division makes multiple Gamays - ranging from single vineyards to larger regional blends - and I've yet to have a bottle I didn't want to be friends with.

Their Willamette Valley expression is quintessential Gamay—bursting with marionberry, blood orange, and a hint of spice. It’s the Goldilocks of grapes—not too light, not too heavy, not too tannic, not too spicy. It's just right for any occasion. 

Visit Division

I encourage you to visit Division Winemaking Co. this summer—they have an exciting event lineup, including a New Orleans Bacchanal takeover in July! Stop by their tasting room Tuesday - Friday from 2:30 - 6:30 and experience their innovative wines firsthand.

Farewell to IPNC

On a bittersweet note, mark your calendars for the final International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) this July—it’s the last hurrah, and it’s going to be a party to remember. For over three decades, IPNC has been the pinnacle event for Pinot Noir enthusiasts worldwide. Oenophiles from all over the globe flock to McMinnville, Oregon for one wine-soaked weekend in honor of our most revered grape.

If you've never been, I highly encourage you to check it out while you have the chance. IPNC offers three days of pretty extraordinary experiences: vineyard tours, winery lunches, Champagne brunches, thought-provoking seminars and much more. The highlight? The legendary Salmon Bake—an evening under the stars with 800 fellow wine lovers, feasting and sipping until the sun comes up.

IPNC isn’t cheap but, for what you get, it’s 100% worth it. It’s unbelievably well-organized and every detail has been taken into consideration. Buses take you from vineyard to seminar and you can even opt to stay in a dorm room on the Linfield campus (which I always do!) so you never have to worry about drinking and driving. Plus, you basically feel like you’re at wine summer camp!

Arden’s IPNC vineyard lunch at JK Carriere last summer

This year’s IPNC is a tribute to the community that has made it must-do event on the global wine calendar. And I’d love to help  it go out with a bang. It’s an amazing opportunity to meet new friends,  raise a glass with old, and celebrate the vibrant community that is the Willamette Valley.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to wine, IPNC is not to be missed. Join me for a Saturday lunch hosted by Arden or find me on the dance floor at the Salmon Bake. Let’s savor the final moments of this legendary celebration together.

Save the Date: Dinner with Jon Bonné

Lastly, save a spot for an intimate dinner with renowned wine writer Jon Bonné, exploring the nuanced comparisons between Oregon wines and their French counterparts. Limited to just 30 guests, this unique event will feature a guided seminar followed by a delectable 4-course meal, complemented by 12 wines from Oregon and iconic French regions like Beaujolais, Alsace, the Loire and beyond.

Jon's insights into Oregon’s evolving terroir and the exploration of non-traditional grape varietals promise to be enlightening. It’s an evening tailored to wine lovers looking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Oregon’s diverse landscape.

I look forward to seeing you there!

NEW FRANCE / NEW OREGON

July 29th at 6pm
Arden
417 NW 10th Ave