Turn Left at The Burgerville...

...off of Highway 30 about 45 minutes north of Portland and you are minutes away from Mom's place in the tiny town of St Helens. (logging trucks and trains in background).

Thanksgiving at home! A very rare occurrence for me due to my real job in the wonderful world of restaurants. I do hope all of you got to spend time with some family or friends or both as I did this Holiday. 
Entertainment provided by Baby Ava and Laia. My two nieces.

The real baby Ava and her impersonation of that kid in  "A Christmas Story!" 

Hundreds of miles from Healdsburg, but still close to Wine Country.  It is a tradition in The Willamette Valley to go wine tasting on the Thanksgiving Weekend. We took full advantage of the situation. Driving the 70 miles south to the Eola-Amity Hills sub-AVA of The Valley.  Just a bit cooler and wet here in Oregon. Way up on a remote hill is the tiny Brooks Winery.  Their Ara '07 Riesling was paired with the 2nd course at President Obama's 1st State Dinner! They produce an array of mouthwatering Rieslings and some crisp juicy Pinots.  I had no problem finishing mine. 

We then got re-acquainted with some of my old friends from Oregon Pinot Camp 2005. Stopping by Witness Tree to say hi to Steven, Heath and Mark and then over to Bethel Heights where we were greeted by one of the owners, Marilyn in the kitchen.  I noticed at all 3 wineries that the 2006 Pinots on display seemed to be my favorites (at least on this day). 


Heath at Witness Tree gave me a quick briefing of recent Oregon vintages.  Chris, the Brooks winemaker, was patient with my various questions on Riesling production and styles. He seemed to be very passionate about his craft; and Ben Casteel came back to work with his father at Bethel Heights in 2005. Giving me more insight into his family's winery! The 2005 Casteel Reserve Pinot was also served at a White House dinner in 2008.   

A great way to spend a Thanksgiving weekend with the family. 
So, some of my new friends from Oregon will be looking for me in 2010!