It was a glorious fall day to enjoy my favorite Oregon Wine country immersion experience – viewing scenic vineyards by horseback with Equestrian Horseback tours. Winter’s Hill Vineyard in the Dundee Hills was the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stroll down the vineyard and gallop up the hills, ending with their exquisite 2006 barrel select pinot noir – I only wish all my photoshoots were this enjoyable!
As much as I love to travel, I’m a native Oregonian at heart and love working on projects in my own backyard. I began photographing Oregon wine harvest 10 years ago: this year in addition to scenics I enjoyed capturing a few fun, quirky moments that define each vintage.
Sunrise over Mt. Hood Sept 19, 2013 - begins one of the earliest harvest this past decade.
Alex Sokol Blosser surveys estate Dundee Hills vineyard before harvest
I don’t know why it’s so difficult for Americans to enjoy time off work to relax and rejuvenate without feeling guilty, but for the last 15 years I’ve found it necessary to escape the USA to a 3rd world country for this ‘indulgence’. When a last minute opportunity arose for a trip to Molokai and Maui, I decided to return to the islands I’d enjoyed with my family and rediscover the islands Aloha spirit.
Molokai Land trust, photo by Dewitt Jones
Dewitt Jones, a National Geographic photojournalist, inspirational speaker, filmmaker, creator of “Celebrate What’s Right with the World (http://www.celebratewhatsright.com), and long time friend of colleague Robert Holmes offered us his guest house and the right frame of mind to recharge our creative batteries. Evenings were spent on his porch watching sunset over the island, and at dawn we explored the extensive natural wilderness of the Molokai land trust conservation.
A decadent yet festive and fun family style dinner in Archery Summit’s candlelight wine caves. Dinner prepared by Gregory Gourdet, Chef de Cuisine of Departures restaurant in Portland & live entertainment by renowned concert violinist Aaron Meyer. And of course carefully prepared wine pairings including Archery Summit’s 2011 Vireton rose, limited production Ab Ovo pinot gris (from the concrete egg, referencing the unusual fermentation vessel) , and Premier Cuvee pinot noir – perfect way to ward off the freezing fog temps and enjoy a healthy start to 2013.
Departures Restaurant team at Archery Summit's estate vineyard, Dundee, Oregon
Gregory Gourdet, Chef de Cuise of Departures restaurant, with Alaskan King Crab dish served family style
