Wine workers throughout the Willamette Valley are starting to catch up on their sleep as harvest slows down and barrels are filled with young wine. But before the wine industry officially puts this vintage to sleep, the famed Joel Palmer House Restaurant in Dayton shows its appreciation to these tired souls who work so hard to produce Oregon wine. Each year chef and owner, Chris Czarnecki, along with his gracious staff, host an exclusive, industry-only gathering to celebrate the end of another harvest.
Now in its seventh year, the party blends both fun and education accompanied by many mushroom-influenced dishes hot from the restaurant’s kitchen. Last year’s celebration was attended by over 500 wine professionals from throughout the Willamette Valley. Partygoers bring wine and everyone has an opportunity to sample local wines they might not have tasted as well as old favorites.
A highlight of the party is when Czarnecki emerges from The Joel Palmer House’s wine cellar, cradling special bottles to share with his lucky guests. With an extensive collection of over 3000 different bottles, it’s always a delight to see what Czarnecki finds while he’s down there.
Often one doesn’t have the opportunity to savor a bite of something well paired to the wine being tasted. So it’s incredibly helpful to taste these wines with dishes created using local ingredients, including mushrooms and truffles, the main focus of the restaurant. Foraged by Czarnecki and his father, Jack Czarnecki, Oregon’s famous truffle hunter, founder of The Joel Palmer House and creator of Oregon White Truffle Oil, these scarce delicacies are prized by foodies worldwide.
Wine industry folks are invited to the party at The Joel Palmer House in Dayton, Oregon this Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 5pm. Please bring a business card and a bottle of wine to share with party guests. Since much of this event is outside (under tents with a few heaters to keep the chill down), attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes.
The Joel Palmer House
600 Ferry Street
Dayton, OR 97114
503.864.2995
If you’re not involved in Oregon’s wine business, please make a date to dine at the Joel Palmer House, open Tuesday through Saturday. Not only are you in for a real treat, but you will also be supporting a local business that takes wine and food very seriously. And if you drive an electric vehicle, the restaurant has a charging station available while you dine.
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