The weather was simply perfect today for our wine adventure - 55 degrees, bright sun, no rain, no wind. The short drive from our house to Carlton, Oregon is so pretty too. We had a mission: to visit two winemakers who specialize in Italian-style wines and grapes.




Dave really liked their wines. I really liked their cheese selection. The winemakers were very friendly and knowledgeable about their product. We highly recommend the Sangiovese and Nebbiolo from Cana's Feast Winery and can't wait to go back soon to try their restaurant.
Remaining in Carlton, we parked in the two-block long downtown and visited the Barking Frog Winery tasting room.



The grapes used in Barking Frog wine also come from Washington! Dave really liked their Barbera and brought a few bottles home. In two days, after visiting four wine makers, we purchased 26 bottles of wine.
That should hold us for a while.
But these days, there is more than wine to sample in Oregon Wine Country. Would you believe olive oil? Yes, the Oregon Olive Mill is operated at Red Ridge Farms and Durant Vineyards. The facility is awesome - a beautiful herb nursery, garden shop, gift shop and party facilities - with a beautiful view.


Red Ridge Farm has 15 acres planted in olive trees especially bred to withstand cold weather. The fruit is pressed on-site and they offer two varieties, Koroneiki and Arbequina. Both are "eating" oils, and not recommended for cooking. Both are delish! (Recommended by me.)

Olive Oil in Oregon? It's a wonderful world! Maybe we should add a few trees to our landscape?
Dave and I were really enjoying a perfect day. What could make our day even better? How about a nice (early) dinner at The Dundee Bistro - one of our favorite restaurants! I mean... we had to drive right past the restaurant to get home...


A good day! Beautiful vineyards and fresh-pressed olive oil - who needs Napa?
Until my next update, I remain, your "buy local" correspondent.