Cameron Wines: A Year in the Making

Winemaker John Paul has been making some of the state's best wines, some would say some of the best wines in the country, since 1984—a year he describes in the video above "as one of the worst vintages ever." Variously described as a genius, idiosyncratic and maniacal about his wines, he's hewed to his vision of producing wines that express both the essence of the grapes and the Jory soil in which they grow.

The video above, which documents one year in the life of Cameron Winery was made by my friend Jeremy Fenske, a newcomer to Oregon but someone we can all hope decides to make a home here so he can tell more stories about the people who make it so special.

Outstanding Opportunity

The list of this year's farms to be included in the Outstanding in the Field dinners was just announced, and Clare and Brian Marcy's Big Table Farm in Gaston is one of two locations in Oregon chosen, the other being at Cameron Wines.

Clare and Brian will be working with Jason French of Ned Ludd, and will be featuring products from their farm and other farmers in their area. Clare's goal is to showcase the strength of the community of small farmers in the area. It will also feature Brian's Big Table Farm wines, recently rated very highly by Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate.

Tickets go on sale on March 20th and are not cheap at $160 each, so you have just over a week to decide if it's worth the investment for what may be one of the most memorable events of your summer.

Details: Outstanding in the Field dinner at Big Table Farm. Saturday, July 2, 4 pm; $180 per person. Tickets go on sale Mar. 20 on the Outstanding in the Field website.