Posts by Cougar Digital
Minestrone Finocchio Soup and Violet Vines Syrah
By April Zawada I love hearty soups that can stand only as a complete meal. This one is especially savory and as a bonus it is low in carbs and high in protein! It is my go-to most beloved soup and a family recipe shared to me by one of my Italian friends over twenty…
Read MoreV2 Uncorked Spring 2024
Happy Spring 2024 everyone! As the clouds and rain slowly depart Oregon, we’re incredibly excited about the promise of 2024, which also marks Violet Vines’ fifth anniversary and vintage! We thought we would share some updates with you as we’re preparing for the upcoming growing season. In the Winery The 2023 vintage continues to show…
Read MorePNW Salad and Estate Pinot Noir
By April Zawada I love sophisticated salads. I was inspired when I moved to Oregon because this region has a panache for incorporating local ingredients into a simple salad that was both savory and healthy. In my opinion, salads aren’t the easiest food to pair with wine, but this salad is so rich and savory…
Read MoreWhat is Pinotage?
By Brian Zawada Ever heard of a wine varietal named Pinotage? I discovered it a little over ten years ago during a visit to Cape Town, South Africa. Back in 1925, a South African professor traveled to France and returned with 177 varietals, with the goal of finding varietals that would work well in his…
Read MoreThe Power of Pinot
Why Oregon Pinot Noir is the Better Option When Choosing a Wine By April Zawada January 21, 2024 Wine is more than a drink. It is enjoyment. It is relaxation. It is a luxury that evokes emotion with every sip. But not all wine is the same. In particular, the Pinot Noir varietal is extremely interesting and…
Read MoreThe Crowning Glory
By Brian Zawada Ever heard of Le Nez du Vin? If you haven’t, it’s a fun way to educate yourself on different aromas common to wines – some good and some not-so-good. As a Christmas present for my wife April (and myself!), I bought the kit that contains 54 vials that showcase different aromas, with…
Read MoreThe Estate Vineyard is Planted!
Since we purchased the 88-acre vineyard in September 2019, we’ve been expanding from the original three acres under vine. We began the process by planting Pinot noir and Chardonnay in the Fall of 2020 (12 acres), took a break for a year, and planted other varietals – Syrah, Viognier, Grenache, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and…
Read MoreViolet Vines Wines Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck
We recently submitted a few of our wines to JebDunnuck.com for review. Our results for our 2021 Violet Vines Pinot Noir Origin Block and our 2021 Violet Vines Eola Springs Vineyard Chardonnay are below. 2021 Violet Vines Pinot Noir Origin Block, 91 pts. Pouring a dark, youthful red, the 2021 Pinot Noir Origin Block is…
Read MoreStem vs. Stemless Debate
Another contested debate in the Zawada house…. April (Pro Stem Wine Glasses) Pros: For the best wine experience, a stemmed glass is, in my opinion, preferred over a stemless glass. First and foremost, stems prevent the wine drinker’s hands from warming the temperature of the wine (assuming it is served at the proper temperature). The…
Read MoreViolet Vines’ 2023 Vintage Summary
That’s a Wrap What a whirlwind six weeks! Grapes arrived at the Violet Vines winery from August 27th through October 16th, and the good news is that the 2023 vintage fruit is fully processed and doing their thing in the winery! By processed, that means hand-sorted and at a minimum, fermentation’s started. Some wines are…
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