Do you ever have a week where you accomplished a lot, but after reflecting on the week, it feels like you didn’t do jack squat? I know I knocked off so many things on my to-do list, but there is still a heaping pile of items on another list of unimaginable proportions.

There is an incredible event coming June 24th and 25th from okta, and all I can say is wow!

Another project to keep your eyes on is The Ground.

Most of us know the hard work and dedication vineyard workers put in, allowing us to enjoy some off-the-charts wine. A Washington winemaker is working to make a difference for those working amongst the vines.

Actor Kyle MacLachlan who played in Portlandia and Twin Peaks, has opened a new tasting room in Walla Walla.

The Vintner Project has an excellent write-up on the History of Oregon Chardonnay.

It is another podcast week for the newsletter, which means the schedule gets back on track next week. However, there are occasions when the timing for things like a podcast episode dropping falls spectacularly in line all by accident.

Let me explain a little. Last week, I interviewed Dave and Lois Cho of Cho Wines. The plan was for the episode to drop this week. A few days after the interview, I got an email from Cho Wines (I signed up for their mailing list) announcing the Oregon Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Food and Wine Festival. I gave myself a little fist bump because it gave me something to tell you about, and the content intertwined perfectly.

A few days after that email, I get another email from Lois with the official press release of the event asking for a highlight in the newsletter. I told her about the previous email, which was already planned for highlighting. I told Lois it would be cool to give a ticket away via Instagram while highlighting their 2015 Blanc de Noirs, the podcast episode, and the APPI Food and Wine Festival.

She agreed, and the giveaway is still going until Monday. So if you haven’t already liked the IG Post and tagged someone in the comments who needs to know about this event, now is the time for your chance to get a free ticket!

Here are the nitty-gritty details for the event:

Fifteen AAPI-owned restaurants and wineries will be participating in this first-ever event

Buy your tickets here.

I have to deviate just a teeny bit to mention this week’s podcast sponsor, Lytle-Barnett. If you remember, last year I was off the charts excited for Lytle-Barnett because they were the domestic Sparkling featured in the James Beard Nominee show titled Sparkers from Jason Wise, the legend behind SOMM and SOMM TV. Not only was Lytle-Barnett featured, but the first 8 of 14 episodes were also shot AtTheJoy, which is a gorgeous vacation getaway you have to check out.

Be sure to listen to the podcast this week and learn how Lytle-Barnett was featured on Sparklers, and also don’t miss out on saving 20% by visiting LB’s website by using promo code WEINNOTES!

I am trying to think of the first time I came across Cho Wines, and I think it was when they did their interview with the Oregon Wine Archive. From there, I followed them on The Gram and signed up for their newsletter (you would not believe the number of wine emails I get in a day).

In June of 2021, I met Dave and Lois for the first time at Mac Market. They were doing an event, and I coordinated to get a bottle of the Blanc de Noirs for the Sparkling Report (hit reply now with the word yes if you want to see an updated yearly version). Over the last few years, I have enjoyed watching them grow, buy a new vineyard, and get all the plans for a winery/tasting room on the property.

In the interview, Lois mentioned how they are working to do tastings out in the vineyard this summer, and hopefully, the tasting room will be ready by the end of the year. You will also hear the word community throughout the interview. If you don’t already know, Lois and Dave are all about bringing everyone together. They are a fantastic couple working their patootskis off night and day and still manage to spend time in the gym working out together.

I hope you enjoy this episode. Please sign up for their newsletter, and next time you see them, please say, “A.J. sent me!”

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Here are all of the links for your viewing and listening pleasure:

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

Shameless plug. Please follow, subscribe, like, and rate the podcast wherever you watch or listen! It is greatly appreciated!

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With Gratitude,

A.J.

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PS - I haven’t had a PS in a long while. This Japanese Anime story is gorgeous and tells a beautiful story.