“This special place combined with all the sparkling a wine nerd like me could want is the reason Bubbles Fest remains one of my favorite events in the Willamette Valley.” – Jade Helm

Elk Cove attended the seventh annual Bubbles Fest sparkling wine festival hosted by Anne Amie Vineyard. The Bubbles Fest provides an excellent opportunity for people to taste a variety of sparkling wines. This year 26 wine producers participated.

“Upon arrival, guests are given a glass, a tasting list and map. With about 25 wines to sample each day, it is possible to sample them all. This year, the event was held in one large tent and, as always, included several fine food vendors. Our favorite, and a staple each year, is Northwest Fresh Seafood and their giant table of fresh oysters.

You can sense that enthusiasm in the crowd, too. As people huddled around the heat lamps, I can hear the conversations. “What were your favorites?” “Which did you buy?

Among my front-runners were Furioso Vineyards 2019 “Spirito” Blanc de Noir ($65), an elegant méthode Champenoise-style wine tasting of citrus and sharp with some balancing vanilla; Elk Cove Vineyards 2017 Mount Richmond Brut ($70), bursting with floral notes and light melon; and Left Coast Cellars “Queen Bee” Bubbly ($40), which incorporates estate honey in the dosage.” – Jade Helm

To read the full article click here: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/rising-to-the-top

Jade Helm, DWS, CS, CSW, a wine writer, educator and consultant. www.tastingpour.com