Uncork Your Knowledge: A Wine Tasting Journey with Fullerton Wines
Discover the captivating world of wine through the fun, approachable, and remarkably affordable wine tasting classes offered by Fullerton Wines in the heart of Portland, Oregon. If you’re seeking to deepen your appreciation for wine, these classes provide an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and refine your palate without the hefty price tag or extensive time commitment of formal wine certifications.
Beyond simply enjoying wine as a delectable beverage, many of us possess a genuine admiration and respect for the intricate winemaking process. The desire to learn more about the nuances of winemaking, the diverse styles of wine, and the art of wine pairings is a common pursuit among wine enthusiasts. Luckily, Fullerton Wines provides an avenue to fulfill this desire.
While formal wine certification courses offer in-depth knowledge, they often require a significant investment of time and resources. For individuals seeking a more accessible and less demanding option, Fullerton Wines in Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley offers engaging and informative wine tasting classes tailored for the everyday wine lover. These classes provide a fantastic introduction to the world of wine and offer a delightful way to enhance your understanding and appreciation.
A Deep Dive into the Fullerton Wines Tasting Course
Fullerton Wines typically hosts its wine courses once a month, often on the last Thursday of the month. The majority of these courses are conducted at the Fullerton family’s private residence, which also serves as the location for one of their vineyards in Beaverton, Oregon. At a cost of just $40 per wine tasting class, it represents exceptional value for the wine education and the delightful experience that attendees receive.
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a wine course hosted by Fullerton Wines, titled “It’s Alive: Aging of Wine.” This provided a firsthand glimpse into the engaging and informative experience you can expect when participating in one of Fullerton Wine’s tasting classes.
What to Expect From The Course
Fullerton Wines, like many exceptional wineries in Oregon, is a family-run business. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by Co-owner/Associate Winemaker Eric Fullerton, his wife and Owner/General Manager Susanne Fullerton, their son and Winemaker Alex Fullerton, and Sales Manager Jeff Mathews. The personal touch and passion of the family were immediately evident, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all participants.
The wine courses are intentionally kept small, with attendance limited to ensure a personalized learning experience. The course I attended had approximately eight participants, fostering an intimate and engaging environment for questions and discussions. It’s important to remember that wine courses are designed for individuals of all knowledge levels, so there’s no need to feel intimidated if you’re new to the world of wine. Everyone in the class is there to learn and explore together, creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
After settling in, we were treated to a selection of delectable bites thoughtfully curated by Susanne Fullerton, the matriarch of the Fullerton wine family. Throughout the course, we savored two distinct types of crostini, along with a delightful cheese and fruit board. These culinary accompaniments perfectly complemented the wines we tasted, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Each participant was provided with a comprehensive notebook filled with detailed information about aging wine, along with ample space for taking notes and recording personal observations. This valuable resource served as a helpful guide throughout the course and provided a lasting reference for future exploration.
Alex Fullerton led the wine tasting class with an approachable and engaging style. Recognizing that some participants may be relatively new to wine, the course begins with a clear overview of essential wine vocabulary relevant to the specific topic. Alex skillfully pauses throughout the presentation to ensure that everyone is keeping up with the material and to address any questions that may arise. This thoughtful approach creates a comfortable and accessible learning environment for all.
During the “Aging of Wine” course, Alex delved into the various factors that contribute to a wine’s ability to age gracefully, as well as the changes that occur in wine over time. The information provided in the course notebook is thorough enough to cover the key concepts discussed without overwhelming participants with excessive technical details. This well-balanced approach ensures that attendees gain a solid understanding of the topic without feeling bogged down by information overload.
The Star of the Show: The Wines
Of course, a wine course wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity to sample a selection of wines. Your $40 course fee includes a generous tasting of various Fullerton Wines. This provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the winery’s diverse portfolio and discover new favorites.
Fullerton Wines produces and sells wines under two distinct labels: the Fullerton Wines label, representing their premium offerings, and the Three Otters label, which features their more approachable and everyday wines. A delightful piece of trivia: the Three Otters have been a part of the Fullerton Family Crest since the 13th century, adding a touch of history and charm to the brand.
We began the tasting with a 2014 Three Otters Pinot Noir Rosé. Priced around $20 per bottle (the 2015 currently retails for $18/bottle), this rosé offers exceptional value for its quality. It’s a beautifully balanced Pinot Noir Rosé with a refreshing character, making it an ideal choice for warm weather enjoyment or as an aperitif.
Next, we moved on to the 2014 Three Otters Pinot Noir ($20). This is a classic Oregon Pinot Noir, known for its smooth texture and delicious flavors of blackberry, strawberry, and cherry. The wine’s elegant structure and balanced acidity make it incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of dishes. I enjoyed this wine so much that I purchased a bottle to take home and savor later.
Vertical wine comparisons are an integral part of many wine tasting classes, and this one was no exception. We participated in a side-by-side vertical tasting of the 2015 and 2016 Bella Vida Vineyard Pinot Noir. Vertical tastings are particularly insightful because they allow you to experience firsthand how a single year can impact the characteristics of a wine. The 2016 vintage, being freshly picked and bottled (as indicated by the hand-penned label), was still relatively young and evolving. The 2015 vintage, on the other hand, was a beautifully developed wine with complex spice notes and rich, dark fruit flavors.
To further illustrate the aging process, Eric Fullerton generously shared a bottle from his personal collection: a 1987 Chateau Fombrauge Saint-Emillion Grand Cru. He had acquired this wine the year Alex was one year old, adding a personal touch to the experience. This vintage was a remarkable example of the transformative effects of aging, showcasing the complex aromas and flavors that develop over time. It was a truly special wine to experience after learning about the principles of aging wine.
We also sampled the 2015 Three Otters Chardonnay, a unique expression of Chardonnay crafted in both French oak and stainless steel. The resulting wine was exceptionally delicious, prompting me to purchase a bottle to enjoy at home as well.
Final Thoughts on the Fullerton Wines Tasting Course
The wine tasting course concluded with ample time for questions, discussions, and informal conversations with Eric and Alex Fullerton. This provided a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into the topic, share personal insights, and learn directly from the winemakers themselves.
At just $40 per person, this wine tasting class is an outstanding value. My friend and I left with a significantly improved understanding of how wine ages and the various factors that influence the process. The course was not only informative but also incredibly enjoyable, thanks to the Fullertons’ ability to make wine education approachable and engaging.
The experience fostered a deep appreciation for the passion and dedication that the Fullerton family pours into their wines. As a result, I happily added another wine label to my list of go-to everyday selections.
In fact, I plan to visit the store immediately after publishing this post to stock up on some Three Otters wines.
Cheers!
Upcoming Wine Events
To learn more about Fullerton Wines, please visit the Fullerton Wines website.
You can also attend one of their upcoming wine events and wine courses.
Shears and Boots
January 28, 2017
1:00pm
Ivy Slope Vineyard/Fullerton Residence
10404 SW Adams
Beaverton, Oregon
Learn more and register online
Plan Your Visit to Fullerton Wines
Fullerton Wines welcomes wine tastings by appointment only. To schedule your visit, please call 503-544-1378 or email [email protected].
Have you ever participated in a wine course at a winery? What was your experience? Or, what aspects of winemaking would you be most interested in learning more about?