Discover the Art of Oregon Pinot Noir at Tendril Wine Cellars
Experience the passion and innovation of Tony Rynders at Tendril Wine Cellars, where the complexities of Oregon Pinot Noir are masterfully unveiled. And for a lighter, more approachable introduction to wine, explore the playful charm of the Child’s Play line.
We’ve all been there – that moment of realization when you miss the turn. In Oregon wine country, it’s a common occurrence.
While the number of bright, attention-grabbing winery signs seems to increase daily, many wineries still maintain a subtle, understated entrance. Think long, winding gravel roads that beckon you away from the well-trodden path, offering a sense of discovery and seclusion.
This juxtaposition of established tradition and modern innovation, of corporate polish and rebellious spirit, is what makes exploring Oregon wine country so captivating. It’s a place where the heart of a wine lover truly thrives.
On one such adventure, a slightly-missed turn eventually led us to Tendril Wine Cellars. Here, these contrasting elements blend harmoniously, resulting in a unique and delightful winemaking experience.
The Essence of Tendril Wine Cellars: A Winemaker’s Vision
Tendril Wine Cellars offers an exclusive tasting experience by appointment only. Hosted within a beautifully appointed private tasting room, each session is personally guided by one of the winery’s passionate winemakers.
Tony Rynders has carved a prominent name for himself in the Oregon wine industry over the past two decades. His impressive career includes crafting exceptional wines for renowned wineries such as Argyle Winery and Domaine Serene Winery.
In 2008, Rynders embarked on his own venture, establishing Tendril Wine Cellars. The name pays homage to the tendril, the vital grasping appendage of the grapevine. He views the wines produced here as a liquid representation of his extensive winemaking resume, showcasing his skill and dedication.
Exploring the Exquisite Wines of Tendril
The collection of Tendril Wines represents what Rynders affectionately calls a “five-course meal” of Oregon Pinot Noir. Each wine bearing the Tendril label is a testament to his expertise in extracting the very best qualities from the Willamette Valley’s terroir.
Consider the 2012 White Label Pinot Noir (approximately $48; the 2008 vintage is pictured). This elegant wine boasts smooth tannins and vibrant fruit flavors, making it a delightful and approachable Pinot Noir. In contrast, the 2013 Tighrope Pinot Noir presents a bolder profile, with a jammy character, whole cluster fermentation, a well-defined structure, and luscious dark fruit notes.
For those seeking the pinnacle of Tendril’s winemaking prowess, there’s C-Note, a meticulously crafted Pinot Noir priced at $100 per bottle. Aged in entirely new oak and utilizing 100% whole cluster fermentation, this wine is a seductive and smoky masterpiece, truly deserving of its playful name. It embodies the art of fine winemaking, offering a unique and memorable experience.
However, if a more lighthearted and fun-loving experience is what you desire, then the Child’s Play line is the perfect choice. This sibling label to Tendril Wines offers a playful and accessible approach to wine enjoyment.
Embrace the Playful Spirit of Child’s Play Wines
The Child’s Play wines are distinguished by their whimsical labels, featuring artwork created by Rynders’ daughters. These wines can be considered the younger, more rebellious siblings to the sophisticated and refined Tendril wines. They offer a more approachable and less intimidating entry point into the world of wine.
Featuring an energetic Pinot Chardonnay, a flirty Rosé, a playful Pinot Noir, and a merry Zinfandel, Child’s Play provides a lighthearted and enjoyable way to explore the flavors of wine. These wines are perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a relaxing evening.
One standout in the Child’s Play collection is the Pinot Chardonnay, a rare find in the Willamette Valley. This intriguing blend offers the subtle oak notes expected from a Chardonnay, combined with the fuller, fruit-forward character of a Pinot. It’s a unique and delightful wine that challenges expectations and offers a new perspective on the possibilities of Oregon winemaking.
A Culinary Journey: Tendril Wines Paired with Exquisite Cuisine
Recently, we had the distinct pleasure of attending a winemaker’s luncheon showcasing the exceptional pairing of Tendril wines with the culinary creations of Chef Christopher Czarnecki from The Joel Palmer House, a restaurant known for its innovative and mushroom-centric cuisine.
The luncheon was an unforgettable experience, highlighting the ability of Tendril wines to complement and enhance the flavors of carefully prepared dishes. Each pairing was thoughtfully designed to create a harmonious and memorable culinary experience.
Chef Czarnecki initiated the meal with a delicate pairing of the 2014 Tendril Wines Chardonnay (priced around $40) alongside a rich and creamy Oregon truffle Vichyssoise. The Chardonnay’s bright acidity and subtle oak notes beautifully balanced the earthy richness of the soup.
For the salad course, we savored a white Pinot Noir – the 2014 Pretender Pinot Noir (approximately $60) – accompanied by fresh Joel Palmer House garden snap peas, delicate pea tendrils, and a succulent Maine lobster salad. The Pretender Pinot Noir’s crisp acidity and subtle fruit notes provided a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the peas and the richness of the lobster.
The main course featured the 2014 Extrovert Pinot Noir (around $48), paired with an artistic and delectable 5-spice scented duck, complemented by a marionberry foie gras purée and a fat-seared apple. The Extrovert Pinot Noir’s complex aromas and rich fruit flavors harmonized beautifully with the savory duck and the sweet and tart elements of the accompaniments.
The 2014 Mount Richmond Pinot Noir (priced around $60) was perfectly matched with the renowned, rich, and earthy Joel Palmer House three mushroom tart. The Mount Richmond Pinot Noir’s earthy notes and elegant tannins enhanced the umami flavors of the mushrooms, creating a truly decadent and satisfying pairing.
Finally, the exquisite 2013 C Note Pinot Noir (a splurge at $100) was paired with elk yakitori and matsutake mushrooms. This pairing highlighted the C Note’s complex and nuanced flavors, complementing the savory and earthy notes of the elk and mushrooms. It was a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Plan Your Visit to Tendril Wine Cellars
Discover the magic of Tendril Wine Cellars and experience the passion and artistry that goes into each bottle. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, a visit to Tendril Wine Cellars is sure to leave a lasting impression. Taste the difference that dedication and innovation can make.
Address: 3500 NW Bridge Farmer Road, Gaston, OR 97119
Please note that Tendril Wine Cellars is currently open by appointment only. To schedule your personalized tasting experience, please call 503.858.4524 or email [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of your desired visit. Each seated wine tasting is expertly guided by one of the winery’s knowledgeable winemakers, offering an in-depth exploration of at least six exceptional wines.
Visit the Tendril Wines website for more information and to begin planning your unforgettable wine country adventure.