July 3rd, 2017 by Nicolette Bailey
When traveling through the Willamette Valley in Oregon, a bed & breakfast might not be your first lodging choice, but here are five reasons why it should be.
Let’s start at the beginning: breakfast. Nothing starts a day better than a delicious homemade breakfast, and that is exactly what you’ll get at a bed & breakfast. Wake up to the wafting smells of freshly brewed coffee and breakfast being prepared in the kitchen. The breakfast you’ll enjoy is unique and different from that which you might normally prepare at home or have at a hotel. Even if you don’t normally start your day with a full breakfast, while in the Willamette Valley, you may want to enjoy the morning meal. After all, it is important to wake up your taste buds, and fill your stomach, prior to a day of wine tasting.
The second reason to stay at a bed and breakfast is for the serene experience. Unplug, and detox from all the hustle and bustle of your daily life in a beautiful home with all the comforts of home. Typically located in rural locations, these establishments provide spectacular views, quiet and serene environments, no light pollution, easy access to nature, and the relaxation of not having to do anything but enjoy wine and the Valley. Only a few minutes from town and great restaurants, it’s the best of both worlds.
Reason number three, bed and breakfasts here in the valley are congregation areas for people that are passionate about good wine, good food, and enjoying both while relaxing and taking in the beautiful surroundings. You’ll have unique opportunities to meet new people from all over the world. It is always amazing how many connections are made, new friendships established, and stories Inn guest share. At Youngberg Hill, you have multiple opportunities to meet with your fellow travelers not only at breakfast, but also during the exclusive wine tasting; just another opportunity to taste great Pinot Noirs of the Willamette Valley!
Number four, service. Guests have exclusive access to some of the most knowledgeable people around; the owners and innkeepers. These people are your built-in concierge service, there to help you navigate the innumerable wineries, dozens of restaurants for lunch and dinner, and other activities during your time in the valley. Knowing the local scene, logistics of getting around in the valley, realistic travel times, and where to have the best experiences are all worth their weight in gold when it comes to making your Willamette Valley experience remarkable. They are there to make your trip as effortless and enjoyable as possible.
Which brings me to number five, our people. The overall experience you will enjoy with a B&B like Youngberg Hill is unsurpassed. Our staff pays 
attention to every detail to ensure that you have a unique experience focused on you and your preferences. You will feel coddled and cared for like nowhere else and coupled with the quiet ambiance, will have you relaxed and refreshed. One guest stated that his blood pressure was reduced by 20 points during his stay. That says it all.
Tags: Bed and Breakfast, McMinnville Area Attractions, Oregon B&B, Willamette Valley, Yamhill Valley
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March 20th, 2017 by Nicolette Bailey
We have had the honor over the years of helping families annually with our many charities including Boys & Girls Club, CAP, YCAP, See Ya Later Foundation, Henderson House, Give A Little Foundation, and The Ronald McDonald House Foundation. We focus on specific charities to make a larger impact in each rather than doing many charities with less impact. This year we have decided to increase our giving to Give A Little. Strengthening communities by providing hope, happiness, and comfort to families and children who need it most is important to us. We are committed to giving back to our community as an important part of who we are
. We have chosen to focus more on Give A Little Foundation because of their effort to assist the local McMinnville High School students not only to be able to successfully achieve their goal of graduating, but also experience those little things that make high school a great memory of life.
What is the Give A Little Foundation?
They are an independent, grass-roots, nonprofit organization that provides immediate, one-time financial assistance to individuals and families in Yamhill County who are in crisis or experiencing severe adversity. They provide a safety net for those who may have nowhere else to turn, always with the goal of helping people maintain or achieve self-sufficiency. To donate directly to this wonderful cause, click here.
To provide more supp
ort for this great program, we have committed to donate $15 for every bottle of 2014 Nicolette’s Barrel Select Pinot Noir. The Nicolette’s Select is our special reserve bottling of only 25 cases. The Nicolette’s Select will be available in the tasting room and online. With your help, we can provide over $4000 to Give A Little Foundation.
Tags: charities, Give A Little Foundation, McMinnville High School, Oregon Pinot noir, Oregon wine country, Travel Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley, Youngberg Hill, Youngberg Hill Wine
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September 8th, 2016 by Nicolette Bailey
It is hard to believe that September has just begun, and in the Willamette Valley Oregon wine country is in its second week of harvest. Even the pioneers that have been growing Pinot in the valley for 50 years do not remember harvesting a vintage this early in the season. As a result, wines in this year’s vintage are expected to be more robust and fruit forward due to ripening fruit in hotter days of August rather than cooler days of September.
This early harvest isn’t because this was a particularly hot year. In fact, the 2016 growing season was slightly below normal in temperature. Vintners use what’s called Degree Days to calculate the seasonal 
temperature. This measurement is the number of hours the vineyard experiences above 60 degrees. In a typical year we expect degree days to be somewhere around 2,100 hours. This year we were below 2,000 hours.
So why are we harvesting so early? An early spring, occurring about 3 weeks earlier than normal, and warmer than normal temperature during the spring contributed to this early harvest. In fact, at the start of June, our degree days were already about 200 or 300 hours above normal. Added to that were little heat spikes at just the right time to push fruit through critical stages of ripening faster. All these factors resulted in a significantly earlier harvest. The last two years we have picked our first fruit the 17th of September. This year we may be picking our first fruit before the 10th. At this rate, we could be done harvesting by the end of September, compared with October 7th of last year.
Is this a global warming trend? Who knows. It was only 5 years ago, 2011, when we had our coldest growing season ever and finished harvesting on November 7th.
Cheers!
Tags: McMinnville Area Attractions, Oregon Pinot noir, oregon wine, Travel Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley Winery, wine country, Youngberg Hill Wine
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September 3rd, 2016 by Nicolette Bailey
Harvest for the 2016 vintage is just around the corner and that means it’s almost time to celebrate. There are numerous festivals around Oregon that incorporate local sustainable farms, specialty chefs, and famous wineries. Come experience what Oregon Wine country is all about with these Top 5 Festivals for Harvest Wine Events.
Carlton Crush Harvest Festival – September 10, 2016
The Carlton Crush Harvest festival is a full day of activities for both kids and adults. It features complimentary morning yoga, live music and entertainment, Kids’ Watermelon Eating contest and Grape Stomp, and local art. Enjoy terrific food from a variety of restaurants such as The Horse Radish, and Ribslayer BBQ. Match the mouthwatering food with your choice of wine from more than 10 local wineries around the area. Entrance and Parking Free. carltoncrush.com
Feast Portland – September 15-18, 2016
Known as the “The best food festival in the country.” by Thrillist National, the “food festival to beat” by Tasting Table Feast Portland is entering it’s 5th year of inspiring the creative revolution of food and wine. Feast Portland offers a full weekend of hands on cooking and cocktail classes, wine tastings, brunch, BBQ cookouts, IPA tasting and once-in-a lifetime experiences. Since 2012 Feast Portland has donated over 200,000 dollars to end child hunger. Fees Vary. feastportland.com
Wine Country Half Marathon- August 13, 2016
Do you love to run? Do you love wine? If you said yes to at least one of these questions, the Wine Country Half Marathon is perfect for you. The course takes you in the heart of Willamette wine country. It starts at Stoller Family Estate and finishes on Main Street in Carlton where you are greeted by the Wine and Music Festival. At the Festival there will be over 20 local wineries and live music along with the Lagunitas Brewing Company! Come join the summer fun! Fees Vary. destinationraces.com
Bounty of Yamhill County – August 26-28th, 2016
In 2015, Bounty of Yamhill County placed #2 in USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best General Food Festival. Get your wine adventure buddy and go horseback riding as your mode of travel to three Dundee Hill Wineries. Enjoy a sunrise air balloon ride followed by a sparkling brunch, do yoga and experience a wine tasting breakfast buffet, kayak in Oregon’s Willamette Valley River followed by a picnic lunch and tasting at Hyland estates, or even take part in an Eola-Amity hills vineyard hike. This weekend is full of adventure and wine! Fees Vary. bountyofyamhillcounty.com
¡Salud! – November 11-12th, 2016
November 11th offers a variety of Cuvée Tasting and a Big Board Auction. A rare opportunity to taste over 40 wineries in Oregon, and meet the winemakers themselves. Each estate has made a specialty Cuvée just for this event and offers a barrel tasting that you cannot experience anywhere else. Saturday Night is the 25th Annual Wine Auction Celebration and Gala. The silent and live auction make a great opportunity to find rare library wines, winemaker experiences, unique travel packages, and to celebrate Pinot Noir. November 11: $275 November 12th, Gala and Auction: $500. Saludauction.org
Continue to experience the Willamette Valley wines and stop by Youngberg Hill’s tasting room and try award winning Pinot Noirs. It is also the perfect time to sit on the deck, enjoy harvest and to stay at Youngberg Hill Inn and enjoy the view! Find us at: http://www.youngberghill.com
Tags: McMinnville Area Attractions, Oregon Pinot noir, Oregon wine country, Oregon Wineries, Willamette Valley, wine country, Youngberg Hill
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August 15th, 2016 by Nicolette Bailey
Grapes turning color in the Willamette Valley means that veraison is upon us. Veraison is an exciting time for grape growers because it signals the beginning of the ripening stage. Pinot Noir grapes turn from green to a dark black-blue color. Pinot Gris grapes turn autumn colors like orange, red, and yellow. Pinot Blanc grapes turn a very light frosty green. This process typically takes about two weeks to complete and then serious ripening begins.
Although it is the easiest to recognize, skin color is not the only change to occur. The pulp of the berries change from a gelatin to a more liquid consistency. With this change, the pulp also adheres less to the seeds. The flavors of the fruit begin, meaning that instead of just tasting like grapes, you can taste all the other flavors that will later be enjoyed in the wine. The seeds themselves will turn from green to brown, lending to more mature seed tannins. The tannins that will show up in the wine later also develop in the skins, softening as the grape matures. And yes, the fruit becomes sweeter, shifting away from the unripen tartness.
From the time of veraison forward, we hope for continued long, cool, dry, sunny weather through harvest. This will slow the ripening and allow all of the above transitions to evolve in concert. The more balanced all these characteristics are in the fruit at harvest, the more balanced and of higher quality the finished wine will be. Hot weather during ripening pushes the fruit to ripen faster bring out more robust, fruit forward characteristics that typically throw the wine out of balance. Too cool of weather may also lead to an unbalanced wine via unripe fruit.
It’s this important stage of the grapes growing cycle that makes Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley so special. We are blessed with the weather needed to provide wonderfully balanced fruit to produce the highest quality Pinot Noir.
Tags: Oregon Pinot noir, Oregon Vineyard, oregon wine, Oregon wine country, Oregon Wineries, sustainable farming, terroir, Travel Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley wine, Willamette Valley Winery, Youngberg Hill Pinot Noir, Youngberg Hill Vineyards, Youngberg Hill Wine
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July 13th, 2016 by Nicolette Bailey
As a Willamette Valley wine grape grower, we pride ourselves on being a very sustainable lot. Here are 10 reasons:
1. We are small family farms that we are protecting the land and vines for future generations.
2. Most of us are raising our children on and around the vineyards.
3. Many of us have been influenced by the sustainable farming practices in Burgundy.
4. We believe that sustainable farming practices make for a higher quality wine.
5. Many of us are organic farmers.
6. Some of us farm holistically (biodynamically).
7. Many of us dry farm (no irrigation).
8. Because we are small, we can manage the more challenging aspects of sustainable farming practices.
9. Healthy ground leads to healthy vines, which leads to healthy fruit that ultimately creates healthy wine.
10. The climate for the Willamette Valley is optimal for sustainable farming practices.
The Willamette Valley is blessed by great soils above 300 feet in elevation as a result of uplift from the ancient ocean floor. These hillside soils are perfect for growing wine grapes. In the Valley, we generally get about 40 inches of rain a year, mostly from November through May. During the growing season, we get little rain with a relative humidity around 30%. We also benefit greatly from our close proximity to the Pacific Ocean; providing air conditioning during the summer and warmth during the winter. These factors all combine to give us the conditions that enable us to be more sustainable.
Drink healthy, Drink Oregon wine!
Tags: Oregon Pinot noir, Oregon Vineyard, Oregon wine country, sustainable farming, terroir, Travel Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley Wineries, Youngberg Hill
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June 6th, 2016 by Nicolette Bailey
What are the top three ways to wine tour in Willamette Valley? With the sheer number of fantastic Oregon wineries it is easy to become overwhelmed trying to decide where to visit, organizing and planning your route, and for safety reasons: who will be the designated driver. Fortunately, wine tours are a simple solution to what could be a complex adventure. Wine tours are a great way to see and experience The Oregon Wine Country easily without sacrificing time or energy on the logistics. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and focus on enjoying all that the Willamette Valley has to offer. The following are our favorite wine tour companies.
A Vineyard Wine Tour Led by Debra Kabarsky, A Vineyard Wine Tour designs a special tour just for you. Debra can create the perfect and most memorable day visiting up to four breathtaking, world class, Willamette Valley Wineries. With their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, A Vineyard Wine Tour will deliver you in style with first class door to door service and a fresh seasonal lunch. Enjoy the beauty and splendor of the Willamette Valley. Website: avineyardwinetour.com
Black Tie Tours Operated by Stefan Czarnicki, whose family moved to the valley in 1997 to drink wine, hunt mushrooms and open a restaurant (The Joel Palmer House – Dayton, OR). They’ve been showing off Oregon ever since. At Black Tie Tours, it’s Stefan’s passion to share the best that Oregon has to offer. Their vehicles are always clean. Their drivers are always courteous, knowledgeable and on-time. And they always strive to give the best experience that suits you. Oregon is the star – they are the lens. Take a peek! Website: www.blacktietours.com
Insider’s Wine Tours Operated by John Swenson, Insider’s Wine Tours accommodates groups of all sizes for visits to small, boutique wineries and premier wineries, as well. All tours utilize their executive cars for a private affair. Tours include, private winery visits with winemakers, complimentary dinner transportation, picnic lunches and water. Located in the heart of Oregon Wine Country, they have easy access to unique wineries! Website: www.insiderswinetour.com
If you are curious about what vineyards to experience, visit Top 10 Vineyards in Oregon
By: Molly Goldberg
Tags: Oregon wine country, Oregon Wineries, Travel Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley Wineries, wine country, Youngberg Hill Wine
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May 17th, 2016 by Nicolette Bailey
Beaune is the capital and heart of the Burgundy: a historic and storied Pinot Noir region. McMinnville is the capital and heart of Willamette Valley, which is home to many wineries that specialize in Pinot Noir. In addition to geographic similarities, McMinnville is also home to the IPNC, or the International Pinot Noir Celebration. McMinnville is in many ways the Beaune of the New World.
Now in its 30th year, the International Pinot Noir Celebration is held the last full weekend of July in McMinnville, Oregon. The event offers Pinot noir consumers and industry members the chance to enjoy an unparalleled selection of Pinot noir from around the world via a full schedule of seminars, walk around tastings, winery tours, and unforgettable meals prepared by top Northwest chefs. With the exception of vineyard and winery t
ours, the IPNC is held on the beautiful and historic campus of Linfield College. The IPNC offers three experiences for guests to choose from: The Full Weekend (Friday-Sunday), Salmon Bake (Saturday evening), and the Passport to Pinot (Sunday afternoon).
IPNC is open to the public as a celebration to Pinot Noir and is truly international. Wineries and winemakers from all the major Pinot Noir growing regions in the world are represented including Willamette Valley, Burgundy, New Zealand, California, as well as other regions like Austria, Germany, Canada, and Chili. It is a great way to experience Pinot Noirs from all over the world along with learning about terroir and what differentiates Pinot Noir from around the world. The weekend is laced with one of a kind eating and wine tasting experiences. For more information, go to IPNC.com.
Prior to IPNC, it is customary for wineries in the valley to have welcoming dinners on Thursday night. Similar to years past, Youngberg Hill will be hosting one of these culinary experiences. This year, renowned chef Michael Smith, of Michael Smith Restaurant in Kansas City, will be the guest chef. The dinner will be held outside in our new event building overlooking the most fabulous views in the valley. It’s in this very relaxed environment, that you will enjoy an intimate evening of wine and food. Go to www.youngberghill.com for more information and to reserve your seats now.
The IPNC is separate from another Pinot event: OPC, or Oregon Pinot Camp. OPC, on the other hand, is for educating individuals from all over the world, who are involved in the wine trade. They spend time learning about what makes growing Pinot Noir grapes and making Pinot Noir in the valley so special. With this experience, these lucky individuals become ambassadors for Oregon Pinot Noir around the world.
Tags: Oregon Pinot noir, Travel Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley Wineries, Willamette Valley Winery, wine country, winemaker dinner, Yamhill Valley, Youngberg Hill, Youngberg Hill Wine
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May 2nd, 2016 by Nicolette Bailey
Since vineyard grapevines are self-pollinating, you may question why we’ve recently begun beekeeping up here at Youngberg Hill. Quite simply, bees play an essential role within our bio-dynamic farming practices. Becoming a beekeeper initially seemed out of my comfort zone but as the time goes by I find myself learning and enjoying bees more and more. Bees are one of the most studied creatures on the planet with a highly complex society, who are essential to the production of a majority of our fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Without these pollinators our diet would consist primarily of grains and wine.
I first became intrigued in beekeeping years ago but didn’t have the time to devote to it. More recently, I came across a Facebook post about the Flow Hive. They made beekeeping look easier than the traditional method so I asked my girls if any of them would be interested in doing it with me.
I was met with pure enthusiasm from my youngest, Aspen who is nine. With an adventurous twinkle in both our eyes we began our bee journey as partners. I quickly learned that just because the Flow Hive offered some time savings when harvesting the honey we still needed to learn a lot about how to take care of the bees.
Our first step to becoming beekeepers was to attend a beekeeping class put on by the Willamette Valley Beekeepers Association. They presented a basic level of information on how bees work together, communicate, propagate, and survive. I was both intrigued and a bit overwhelmed at the information we were learning. One thing that did become evident is the need for bees in order to maintain a healthy environment. In a way, I felt like beekeeping would be one way that Aspen and I could work together to help save the world. To be honest, for me the altruistic part of this venture is second to the enjoyment I experience spending time with Aspen. As for Aspen, she plans on speaking and giving presentations about bees to guests at Youngberg Hill and at school.
What about Bee Stings?
In our 13 years no one has ever been stung by a honeybee at Youngberg Hill. We have received a number of stings from the wasps that live in all area vineyards and farms. Wasps, like honeybees are beneficial in pollinating plants, but they aren’t our friends. Wasps are natural enemies of honeybees, so to be successful beekeepers we now need to take wasp management to a higher level. When honeybees sting you they die so they really do want to avoid it at all cost. They really don’t want to sting you!
Wasps sting and continue to live. For the most part if you leave bees alone they won’t bother you. You can work around them in the garden without fear. All they want to do is collect nectar and pollen.
Honey Goals
Our goal is to have successful hives to produce both honey and honeycomb that we can use at the Inn and sell in our gift shop. Aspen is the CEO of the project and along with learning about beekeeping, she will be learning how to manage a business including keeping records, buying supplies, marketing, managing the hives and of course sampling the product to make sure it is the highest quality.
We are excited about this new experience, and will be sure to update our progress and knowledge with you as we move forward with our bee journey.
Aspen & Nicolette Bee Day!
Tags: beekeeping, flowhive, Oregon wine country, Travel Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley, Yamhill Valley, Youngberg Hill
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April 5th, 2016 by Nicolette Bailey
May is Oregon Wine Month in the Willamette Valley, and we couldn’t think of a better time to enjoy all that this area has to offer. The following are five ways to get out and explore the lesser visited parts of the Willamette Valley.
- 3rd Street in downtown McMinnville: This is a hub for a variety of activities. Wander the sidewalks exploring the many locally owned boutique shops lining the street, or enjoy one of the several top notch restaurants such as Bistro Maison, Nick’s, Thistle, and the Barberry. While also on 3rd Street, stop by the Elizabeth Chambers Cellar for a wine tasting.
- McMinnville AVA: This viticulture area is the place to enjoy exquisite wines that are distinguished for their depth, complexity, bold structure, and black fruit. Enjoy less crowded tasting rooms, unique views, beautiful structures, and friendly hospitality at these family owned wineries. You’ll be treated to all of these things at Youngberg Hill, Coeur de Terre, Yamhill Valley, Maysara, Coleman, and J Wrigley.
- Eola Hills AVA: Travel over to McMinnville’s neighboring wine growing area to taste the difference that a few miles can make. Spend a day visiting Brooks, Bethel Heights, and Cristom. Make a lunch stop in Amity at the Blue Goat for fresh, local fare before continuing your wine tasting adventures at Coelho Winery.
- Yamhill-Carlton: This town is where you’ll find many small wine producers making great quality wines that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere. Carlton is also home to several tasting rooms for wineries from other parts of Oregon pouring bigger red varietals.
- The Oregon Coast: Ok, this may not be technically part of the Willamette Valley, but it is only a short trip from the heart of the valley. Many people don’t know that McMinnville is only 45 to 50 minutes from the Pacific Ocean. Not only are there great beaches and views in Pacific City, there are many great restaurants along Hwy 101 from Pacific City to Newport. Take a break from wine tasting and head to the beach, enjoy some fresh seafood, and Oregon wines.
Tags: Historic McMinnville, McMinnville Area Attractions, Oregon B&B, Oregon Pinot noir, Oregon wine country, Oregon Wineries, Travel Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley, wine country, Yamhill Valley, Youngberg Hill
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