With this newsletter, we will shine light on many local wineries, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals that add enormous value to the unique wine culture in Oregon. Thank you for joining us on this journey in which we can share our love of wine together. We are excited to bring this collection to our community. 

Backstay Wines is owned by Laura and Ryan Hunter. It was officially started in 2015 while Laura Hunter was pregnant with her firstborn. However, her love for farming and all things Pinot Noir had started long before that - in 2009 while she and her husband managed a 30 -acre vineyard estate (Madrona Hill Vineyard) in Chehalem Mountains AVA.

 

Laura and her now husband, Ryan, had their first full-day date enjoying sailing together on Devil's Lake in Lincoln City, Oregon. Laura thought Ryan was a well-seasoned sailor, but little did she know it was his first time captaining; and they ended up flipping the boat...in November. They were fine, the boat was fine and have since then become year-round, seasoned sailors. Backstay is a key component of the sailboat that holds the main sail up and they thought it was apropo the business had a sailing theme. They like to retell the story of their first date, naming the other as the cause of the flipping of the boat over a glass of their Pinot Noir with family and friends.

What is something that makes your winery, vineyard, or wine unique? 

We are vegan-friendly, lower sulfites, minimally processed and we don't compromise quality for quantity. Our wines feature gorgeous hand-pressed wooden labels that are cut and printed by Laura and Ryan on their 3,000-pound letterpress from the 1940’s. Each bottle is then labeled by hand with lots of love, care and attention. As we have lots of personal touches, we also offer a custom label service. This has been a fun way to connect with our customers and create artistic and unique designs for a variety of restaurants, wedding events and other businesses.

 

What is something you want wine drinkers to know? 

When you find a winery you love, take some time to sit with their wines. Buy two bottles of the same wine and try them different ways, chilled... poured immediately ... decantered ... warmed to room temperature ... you will find that different notes will open and blossom with each different method or food pairing. It is quite a fun endeavor! And, as always, the best way to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine is in the company of some of your favorite people. 

 

Backstay Wines does not currently have a tasting room or a store front. They can be found at Whole Foods, New Seasons, Lifesource, boutique wine shops throughout Portland, at pop-up events and on their website www.backstaywineco.com

 

2017 Backstay Pinot Gris 

 

Notes from the winery:

These bottles are hand-labeled with white oak.

Our Pinot Gris is complex and intriguing, semi-dry with hints of pear and crisp green apple.

 

 

 

September 1 - Art & Wine Walk

Downtown Lebanon

Lebanon, OR

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September 1 - Portland Train Ride & Wine Tour

Tickets - tinyurl.com/portwinetour

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September 9 - Cacti Wine & Watercolor

Helvetia Winery

222485 NW Yungen Rd, Hillsboro, OR

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September 11 - Yoga & Wine

Cubanisimo Vineyards

1754 Best Rd NW, Salem, OR

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September 13 - Bingo Night

Syndicate Wine

12620 SW 1st St, Beaverton, OR

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September 17 - Harvest Party Wine Tasting

Three Feathers Estate

19569 SW Finnigan Hill Rd, Hillsboro, OR

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September 20 - The CBD Band

D'Anu Wines

173 NE 3rd Ave, #107, Hillsboro, OR

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September 22 - Build a Charcuterie Board Class

Hip Chicks do Wine 

4510 SE 23rd Ave, Portland, OR

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September 27 - Lol & Neil Duo

D'Anu Wines

173 NE 3rd Ave, #107, Hillsboro, OR

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We hope you enjoyed this months featured winery, and we are excited to share many more with you in the coming months. As always, We're so grateful for your support and this opportunity to share all-things-wine with you!

Until next time,