Wine Wednesday! It's Wine Wednesday! I feel like skipping through Oregon Wine Country singing "Hooray for Wine Wednesday!" In honor of Mother's Day coming up this Sunday, I'm so excited to share with you the story of a sweet family-owned Oregon winery I had the pleasure of visiting recently: Blizzard Wines, headed up by Oregon winemaker and mom of two, Dana Blizzard.
Blizzard wines
In 1981, Dave and Carol VanSchepen moved to Oregon with their children and purchased land just south of downtown Hillsboro. The property had a small vineyard on it, and the VanSchepen family harvested the grapes and sold them to local wineries each year.
Daughter Dana helped with each harvest, and soon she discovered a passion for the farming and science behind winemaking. After attending the Northwest Center for Wine Studies, she and her husband Nick officially opened Blizzard Wines in 2011.
In chatting with Dana, it's clear that there is a strong sentimental connection for her, running a winery in the house in which she grew up. The original vineyard has been restructured and has expanded to accommodate new vines for greater production, but the house and much of the land has stayed the same throughout the years.
There's something very special about watching Dana talk passionately about her wines while her own two adorable children and the family dogs (also adorable) run happily about the property, and her husband tests the wines in the barrel room. It's the kind of feeling that makes me feel like I'm at home, in their home; a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that I find more common in Oregon vineyards than anywhere else I've been. Blizzard is a special place, indeed, and their wines offer a few surprises that will delight Oregon wine lovers.
The wines
Blizzard Wines produced 700 cases of wine last year, and expects to produce 1,000 cases this year.
Wines are made from grapes on the Blizzard Wines property, which are farmed organically, as well as from other vineyards in Oregon and Eastern Washington.
Blizzard makes a Pinot Gris, Estate Chardonnay, Syrah, Carménère, Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Wedding Blend. Wines are priced between $20 and $40 -- an extreme value for the quality and creativity of the wine.
My wine picks
2014 Riesling ($25)
If you know me or read this blog often, you know that I am NOT a fan of Rieslings. They are usually way too sweet for me. Yet the Blizzard Wines Riesling wowed me from first sip. It has elegant floral notes and a smooth finish. There's no saccharine bite to this one, and I love that. I imagine this would be an excellent picnic wine for the summer, since it drinks beautifully on its on and the tamed sugars would make this a great picnic food companion.
2012 Carménère ($32)
Carménére is a grape that I have not been as familiar with, mainly because it is normally used as a blending grape and is not as well-known as other wines from the Bordeaux region. Blizzard Wines, however, has given their Carménére a full showcase in its own bottle, and the result is amazing. This medium-bodied red wine is less tannic than most, and every sip offers a unique taste of different spices.
Coming up
As the vineyard grows, production increase, and interest in Blizzard Wines blooms, the vineyard simply needs more space. Dana and Nick currently are building a new facility, which will sit at the top of the property overlooking the vineyard.
In the photo below, Dana holds up a preliminary rendering of the new facility in front of the land that will house the facility.
If you're visiting Oregon wine country, whether from out-of-state or during an impromptu weekend wine excursion, I recommend giving Blizzard Wines a call to set up a visit. Their small batch production wines are made with love, and Dana's expert hand. She is definitely an Oregon winemaker to watch.
Visit Blizzard Wines
29495 SW Burkhalter Road, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
Blizzard currently is open by appointment only.
Call (503) 985-6386 or email Dana at dana@blizzardwines.com
kelsey says
i am such a huge wine fan than it never takes much convincing for me! everything looks delish!
http://www.ladiesinnavy.com
Jenni Bost says
Oh my... I love this post. It feels just like I've gotten to go meet them myself! Anytime I go to a winery and get to really experience what it is like for the wine makers the wine just feels so much more personal to me.
I am a huge fan of a well-done Riesling. I can't wait to try that one!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Jenni! I'm the same way: when you feel a connection to the people who make the wine, the wine somehow almost tastes better ;)
Blog To Taste says
Wine, woods, family and dogs. I am so there!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Right? Such a sweet place!
Wendy says
Love the Blizzards; love Blizzard wine! Great to see them featured here.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks for stopping by, Wendy!
Lindsay says
Looks like a great spot! I'll have to pick up a bottle!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I just saw their wine at New Seasons, too, Lindsay!
Aubrie LeGault says
Woo-hoo! I love learning about wineries that are close to home. I'll have to check this winery out. Not a lot of people make Carménére so I'm excited to try that wine.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
So happy to share their info with you, Aubrie! I hope you get a chance to check them out!
Erin says
I've never heard of this winery before but it sounds great! I can't wait to try it!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I think you'd love it, Erin!
Catherine says
Your photos really show what a laid back production they have (flannels and hoodies, yes!). I love it when wine has no pretense. Thanks for sharing!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Wine should have no pretense, right? Thanks Catherine!
Melinda says
Wow...I've never heard of this place and it is practically in my neighborhood! I am definitely going to check them out!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Yay! I love sharing new places I love with locals! Hope you get a chance to check them out, Melinda!
Susannah says
What a fun, family owned winery! I need to find some of this wine to try. :-)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
They sell some at New Seasons Market, Susannah! It is a super fun winery :)
Pech says
Great profile of a family owned winery - and the idea of a Carménère definitely sounds interesting as you rightly point out you don't usually see wine bottles of just that grape!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I'm not sure how many bottles of it they have, but I hope they have more since I hope to buy some as well! It is rare, and so good!
Melissa Kaylene says
I've never heard of them before! See I AM a Riesling fan myself - but I prefer a dry Riesling...I will have to try theirs!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I think you'd love it, Melissa!