by Helvetia Winery | Feb 19, 2016 | Winery Photos |
When Catherine first visited Helvetia Winery in 2010, she came for facts not for wine. She was working for the federal government then, conducting the 2010 census in the Helvetia area and other Tualatin Mountain surrounds. John Platt recalls her going beyond the usual questions and engaging in a conversation about a wide range of topics related to the people and places on both the east and west slope communities.
A year later, when she stopped by the winery seeking work as a server, she offered her resume after a brief phone interview. John told her not to bother. Her vetting as a census taker by the federal government ensured she was not a security risk and her friendly style and engaged conversation had qualified her for the job months earlier. As an added qualification, she was an Oregon wine aficionado who had followed the growth of our industry from its inception and loved tasting each new vintage . . . in moderation.
According to Catherine, “Wine is delicious. I have discovered it offers life-long-learning as well. Everyday I experience something fascinating and quite often in areas of study I would have avoided when in school; geography, chemistry, botany, meteorology—wine is all of them. And did I mention, wine is delicious.” Catherine brings curiosity as well as a friendly outlook. She sees her work as an “opportunity to meet visitors.”
“They come to the winery from the metro area; from states all over the US, and from countries all over the world. They come to us bringing friendship and good humor and contribute knowledge of their own to our wine tasting conversations—together we share an interest in wine and together we learn.”
While her avocation is wine, her job focus is exhibit design. She is a graphics artist who, under the business name Dalziel Graphics, has developed displays for entities including OMSI, the Oregon Jewish Museum, the Multnomah County Library and other public institutions.
Catherine is one of the reasons Helvetia Winery is so special, and we are all better for having her around.
by Helvetia Winery | Feb 3, 2016 | Events, Food
Batch PDX chocolatier who coined the term “Chocolate Hedonism” is back again in time for Valentine’s Day
Jeremy Karp’s special selection of Batch PDX truffles will be in the Winery this weekend through February. Batch PDX took the world of chocolate by storm in 2013 when Jeremy developed a line of artisan truffles that has Food & Wine, Portland Monthly, Willamette Week and The Oregonian singing it’s praises.
Batch PDX uses all local ingredients, and puts an avant-garde twist on the traditional truffle with inventive ingredients like ghost peppers and passion fruit. Chocolate expert Valerie Beck calls Karp “A Chocolate Magician…some of the most exquisite I’ve tasted in quite some time. Everyone who sampled from my batch of Batch PDX fell into rapture and reverence.”
Ghost Pepper Truffle
Come in on through Valentine’s Day and taste for yourself why Batch PDX chocolates are so special. Our 2009 Pinot Noir is tasting especially well with Batch PDX truffles, and we can help you put together a thoughtful and delicious Valentine’s Day combination. Last year we sold out of Batch PDX chocolates, so plan on getting here early.
by Helvetia Winery | Feb 3, 2016 | Events, Food
Our Valentine’s Day Dinner sold out in record time this year, but it’s not too late to plan a romantic getaway at Helvetia Winery. Bring your sweetheart out to our country winery to experience our first ever Wine + Chocolate Weekend Event, on February 13 & 14 from 12-5pm. We introduced Batch PDX truffles into the winery as a Valentine’s Day last year, but it is only recently that we added a dark chocolate fudge as a part of our wine tasting flight. Come in and discover how wines can complement the unique flavors of chocolate with each sip and bite.
We will be featuring Batch PDX truffles, Brigittine Monk’s fudge, as well as specials on wine and heart-inspired wine accessories. Wine Tours are still available if you’d like to enhance your winery experience and make the day at Helvetia Winery truly special. Tasting Fee is $10/person and waived with the purchase of a bottle of wine. Wine Club Members are always welcome to taste for free.
by Helvetia Winery | Jan 27, 2016 | Events, Winery Photos
Alicia Eddens & Carolyn Sloan
For a number of years, Alicia Eddens and Carolyn Sloan were loyal customers of Helvetia Winery, often visiting and staying late on Saturday afternoons. Alicia says that when their wine tabs mounted, both began serving wine on weekends while Carolyn took on additional tasks as the vineyard and winery bookkeeper.
Carolyn and Alicia met as across-the-street neighbors while raising young children in Bethany. Currently, Alicia is a medical assistant for a dermatology office and cares for her two daughters at her Bethany home. One is a freshman at Westview High School and the other, a freshman at University of Oregon. While,at their ages. Alicia’s daughters have better things to do on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon than hang out at the winery, you may run into Alicia’s rescued terrier, Leo, her ever-faithful companion. Carolyn now lives in Rock Creek and works for the Beaverton School District as a budget specialist. Her son, Jordan, is a junior at Oregon State University while son Matt specializes in finish carpentry. When Carolyn isn’t at her jobs working for the school district, the winery, or the PaintNite organization, she takes time off to work on a school construction project in El Salvador.
Carolyn enjoys the winery’s “great customers and fun-to-work-with co-workers” as well as the laid-back family atmosphere that, she says “is never snooty.” Alicia adds that she is attracted to the personal experience of meeting and learning about the people who visit the winery and what they like. She appreciates the cozy and comfortable atmosphere that is both casual and welcoming. “It’s not an overpriced, expensive showroom,” according to Alicia.
by Helvetia Winery | Jan 25, 2016 | Events, Food |
Our Valentine’s Day Dinner is SOLD OUT. Thank you! Please save the date: St. Patrick’s Day is our next Wine & Dine event.
That being said, please know that we still have some amazing Valentine’s Day Weekend Tours and Tastings, as well as special gourmet chocolates and gifts in our tasting room. Plan a special day away just 15 minutes from Portland. We hope to see you soon.
Every year Helvetia Winery’s proprietor, John Platt, and Chef Dave Clark present a Vintner’s Valentine’s Day Dinner. Local food is sourced, a five course meal is prepared, and library wines are opened and paired perfectly. It will be a night to remember with limited seating, so reserve your spot today.
Helvetia Winery Vintner’s Valentine’s Day Dinner
First Course
Smoked Salmon Quiche
Second Course
Fusilli Bucati w/Smoked Bell Pepper Sauce and Cured Black Olives
Third Course
Crab Stack w/Dungeness and Blue Crab, Avocado, Hearts of Palm
Entree Course
Roasted Pork Tenderloin Stuffed w/Wild Mushroom Pate
Dessert
A delectable dessert surprise!
RSVP HERE
