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There is nothing like starting the newsletter this week with the announcement of my first article in the International Wine Report! Earlier this year, I started a conversation with the team. In July, I met with Jeremy and his wife, Taylor, and here we are in August with the first of many articles spreading the word about Oregon Wine! Please take a quick minute to read the article, and let me know your thoughts.

Oregon Wine got excellent coverage in Decanter about Dan and Jeanne from Corollary's estate vineyard purchase being the first vineyard dedicated only to Sparkling.

There are several Oregon Wineries featured in Wine and Spirits Top 100 Wineries.

The medal winners for the Oregon Wine Experience were announced a few days ago.

Best of Show Awards:

• Specialty: 2021 Erath Pinot Noir Rosé (Oregon AVA)
• White: 2021 King Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley AVA)
• Red: 2019 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley AVA)

Best of Class Awards:

• Pinot Noir: 2019 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley AVA)
• Rose: 2021 Erath Pinot Noir Rosé (Oregon AVA)
• Red Blend: 2020 Benedetto Vineyards Ricardo's Reserve Red Wine (Walla Walla Valley AVA)
• Syrah: 2018 Quady North Mae's Vineyard Syrah (Applegate Valley AVA)

I hope you are getting out this weekend to enjoy the Air Show at the McMinnville Airport. If nothing else, I am sure you will see some fantastic aircraft flying overhead throughout wine country. Another event to consider is Party in the Sky at Brooks on September 3rd. Astrophysicist Ethan Siegel will be there giving all sorts of great info about astronomy.

I have been waiting for this day since April 19. Today I finally get to announce my podcast interview with Philippe Andre, aka niquesomm on Instagram, and the Master of Ceremony for IPNC this year. If you have not heard of Philippe, don't sweat it. The first time his name was brought to my attention was at IPNC last year when they announced the MC for 2022.

A little background about Philippe: he grew up helping his family's restaurant, Oceanique, in Chicago. His dad has a crazy cellar, which started Philippe's wine passion. In 2013, he attended Oregon's Pinot Camp and, later that year, Harvest at Maysara. He is also the U.S. Ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne. Heidsieck started back in the 1850s and shipped 25,000 cases of wine to the U.S. before the Civil War broke out. In 2021, Philippe was on the cover of Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40 Issue.

When I got confirmation of the interview on April 19th, I was crazy excited but also scared out of my gourd. I had no idea what to ask this larger-than-life, super outgoing wine superstar. Granted, I had time between April and July to prepare, but until he walked into the tasting room at Harper Voit on July 28th, I did my best to tell myself, "It's ok if he doesn't show." Hope is a crazy emotion.

Also, before I forget, a HUGE shoutout to Jessica and Drew at Harper Voit for letting me use the Harper Voit tasting room for the interview, I still get all nervous talking with Drew.

During my research timeframe, I read many blog posts, listened to several podcasts, and read the book Champagne Charlie. It was fascinating to read about a Champagne House in the 1850s and how Charles-Camille Heidsieck got arrested during the Civil War. To think events over 170 years ago impacted my podcast is mind-boggling. My research didn't stop there, though. I came across how cigars pair with Champagne. I might have tried the pairing even though I have never smoked anything.

The most prized gem I discovered between April and July was the person behind the larger-than-life persona. Philippe is one of the most sincere and humble human beings I have encountered. To hear how Jason Lett looked at his hands and accepted him into Oregon Wine Country with tacos and a beer warmed my heart through and through. I can't spoil the whole interview, but I will say there are many heartfelt moments.

99.8% of you don't watch or listen to the entire interviews, but you should hear what Philippe says about Lytle Barnett's Oregon Sparkling after the reveal. I also poured a Champagne he gave his girlfriend, now wife, and poured at their wedding.

I should stop blabbering away and give you links to watch on YouTube or download on Apple Podcast or Spotify, but before I do that, I have a favor even if you don't watch or listen. Click on the YouTube link and like the video. Then, if you feel so inclined, subscribe to the channel. It would mean the world to me!

All the Links

• ​YouTube​
• ​Apple Podcasts​
• ​Spotify​

Timeline:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:18 Pinot Camp and Jason Lett
• 11:28 Meeting with Charles Heidsieck for the first time
• 19:04 Who was the first person Andre called after the C.H. meeting
• 20:31 Charles-Henri Heidseick's White Horse into Russia
• 23:38 1852 CH was shipping 25,000 cases of Champagne to the U.S.
• 25:50 Champagne Charlie's Return in 2022
• 28:30 Challenges of Oregon Sparkling
• 32:20 Cigars, Terroir, and pairing with Champagne
• 41:30 Rapid Fire Questions
• 45:03 Blind Wine Reveal
• 47:27 Killer IPNC Weekend Closing

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With Gratitude,

A.J.

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