Just back from being the guest host on a wine-themed voyage via Un-Cruise Adventures. Part of my duties involved a daily wine program during cocktail hour. I got to run wild as far as the format and the selection of wines. So I presented a mix from both Washington State and Oregon, with bottles comprising my selections and what was already on the S.S. Legacy.

So how did it all go down? I’m glad you asked. Here’s a recap of my Pacific Northwest wine program:

I started things off with an exploration of Oregon Pinot Noir in sparkling and still rosé forms, plus two bottles of red from the 2013 vintage.

2011 Argyle Brut Rosé ($50)

(Actually 70% Pinot Noir, but close enough.)

2014 Spindrift Cellars Rosé ($16)

2013 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Reserve ($24)

2013 Adelsheim Pinot Noir ($32)

The first three wines were (warning: going to refer to myself in the third person) Jameson Fink (JF) selections, the last wine was on ship (OS) already. It was heartening to get feedback from guests that though previously not fond of pink wine, the sparkling and still rosés were a pleasant surprise. Same went for the Pinot Noirs. In other words, they didn’t throw me overboard after Day One of the wine program. In fact, the only time I was in the water was when I (voluntarily) took a dip in the Snake River.

The next evening’s wines fell under the title of “Weird Grapes“. I wanted to showcase wines outside of the standard zone of Chardonnay and Cabernet. These Washington wines were poured:

2013 Whidbey Island Winery Madeleine Angevine ($17)

Perfect selection to make the point there are grapes being grown for wine production on the Seattle side of Washington State. Hailing from the Puget Sound AVA (American Viticultural Area, an officially designated wine region), this obscure white wine grape originates in France’s Loire Valley. Pair this Madeleine Angevine with mussels from Whidbey Island steamed in (this) wine, some butter, shallots, and herbs. Pacific Northwest perfection!

2012 Kiona Lemberger ($15)

To get an estate grown red wine with grapes from Red Mountain at this price is ridiculously awesome. Don’t be put off by the name! Lemberger strikes a perfect balance between those who like wines light and those who like them brawny. Very Goldilocks and the Three Bears: just right! This may have been the favorite wine I poured the whole trip; I was blown away by how much my fellow S.S. Legacy passengers enjoyed the Kiona. Also, mad props to a winery whose first two grapes planted were Chenin Blanc and Lemberger. Ah, to be on Red Mountain in the 1970s. Keep on spreading that #LembergerLove.

2011 COR Cellars Petit Verdot ($23)

OK, Petit Verdot isn’t the weirdest grape but you rarely see it bottled on its own.

(The first two wines were JF selections, the third was OS.)

Tuesday was Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon Day:

2011 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon ($26)

Novelty Hill is produced in a shared facility with Januik in Woodinville, Washington. Both have in common Mike Januik as winemaker. He spent a decade as Chateau Ste. Michelle’s head winemaker before starting his own place in 1999. This was a very easy-drinking, approachable Cab.

2012 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon ($47)

The most complex and intriguing of the trio. If you can get your hands on the Reserve Cab, do.

2011 Barrage Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon “Double Barrel” ($35)

When passing through Woodinville (WA) and have time to say hello to Winemaker Kevin Correll, you must. He’s a good dude. Also, this Cab is aptly name as it is like a double-barrel shot of toasty oak to the palate. Not for the faint of heart.

(All three Cabernet Sauvignons were OS.)

Then it was time to mix things up, literally. Brought out the Imbue Bittersweet Vermouth ($27), made with Oregon Pinot Gris and brandy distilled from Oregon Pinot Gris. Passengers enjoyed a cocktail with equal parts vermouth and club soda with a lemon zest. This is the cocktail to drink while cruising a river on a warm, sunny day. (Imbue was a JF selection.)

Then I thought, what the heck, let’s break out the cider.

Finnriver Artisan Sparkling Cider ($23)

Dry and elegant, this cider is made in the exact method as Champagne. I love it and I love Finnriver, an organic family farm and cidery located on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. (Read about my month there.)

Reverend Nat’s Hallelujah Hopricot ($8/500ml)

This is really cool. A apple cider base that’s made with a Belgian saison ale yeast and added coriander, orange peel, and grains of paradise. Then apricot juice is added to the cider and it’s finished with hops. Though off-dry and rich with apricot flavor, the bitter hops really balance the Hallelujah Hopricot. Beguiling!

(Both JF selections.)

Finally, one wine on the last night, brought on board at my request: 2014 Abacela Albariño ($21). Though this grape is best know in the Rías Baixas area of Northwest Spain, there are a few places in both Oregon and Washington State making cool white wines from it. Especially Abacela, in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. When I added the wine to Delectable (a wine app), and started to type a hashtag for Umpqua Valley, this amazing one autocompleted:

#umpquaffable

Wish I could take credit for it! Anyhoo, Abacela’s Albariño is a wine I’ve enjoyed for years and the 2014 is the best yet.

Big thanks to all passengers and crew for a great week on the water. Everyone was really open-minded, curious, and engaged. I relished the company, companionship, and camaraderie of all my new friends. The best part of a small cruise experience is getting to know the people aboard. And, of course, drinking wine with them.

Note: This post was updated to clarify the relationship between Novelty Hill and Januik.

Tags: columbia river wine cruise, ss legacy, uncruise wine, wine cruise oregon, wine cruise washington