Yearly Archives: 2012

Getting to Know Grillo From Mozia

Getting to visit the Grillo vineyards on the island of Mozia–a short and extremely charming boat ride off the western coast of Sicily–is a rare treat. The first thing you see as you push off the coast in a modest, leisurely-driven boat are these enormous piles of salt baking in the sun. (The tiles are [More]

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Producing Artisanal Hard Cider: Interview with Keith Kisler

I’ve worked along Keith Kisler at Finnriver, helping produce artisanal hard cider for most of my month on the farm. OK, well I’m not making the cider, but rather assisting with bottling and other tasks that I cannot turn into a catastrophe. Working on the line also gives me a chance to learn more about [More]

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Harbinger Winery Makes A Blend Like No Other

I pulled into Harbinger Winery in Port Angeles, WA after a morning of cider deliveries for Finnriver. Immediately, I was struck by the tasting room atmosphere, which reminded me of a cool rec room. Mismatched seating, a kayak, paintings, and random esoterica? Check. And how many wineries have you been to in a converted logging [More]

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Finnriver Farm in Pictures: Before and After the Snow

I put together a photo essay for Foodista, inspired by how the snow at Finnriver Farm and Cidery has transformed the landscape.

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An Interview With Crystie Kisler of Finnriver Farm

Crystie and Keith Kisler are the owners of Finnriver Farm and Cidery. It’s been great spending time at their farm, in their home, and with their family, neighbors, and friends. I’ve enjoyed talking to Crystie about life on the farm and, well, life, and came up with a few questions for her that would allow [More]

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January is a Great Time for Pierre Peters Blanc De Blancs Champagne

Maybe the last time you had a fine Champagne like the Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs was New Year’s Eve. OK, maybe even technically in January if the clock struck midnight before you popped the cork. But while January for many signals a month of austerity after a month (or two or three…) of indulgence, [More]

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Checking in on the 2000 Chasse-Spleen Bordeaux

I had forgotten about a bottle of the 2000 Chasse-Spleen Bordeaux I had squirreled away at my Mom’s house in Reno. (Thanks, Mom!) It was my most successful find from a day of scavenging liquor stores in Reno for overlooked gems. Probably the first thing you’re thinking is, “Why is there spleen in my wine?” [More]

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Images from Finnriver Farm and Cidery at the Halfway Point

I’m about halfway through my month here at Finnriver and I”m looking back on some of my favorite images and memories so far. This second half will be spent telling you about the great people I’ve been spending a lot of time with here. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Keith, Crystie, Jeff, and [More]

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