Oregon Wine Awards - Tasting Panel
The Oregon Wine Awards could not be possible without the essential and valued contributions of our distinguished group of Northwest wine professionals. A special thanks goes out to our esteemed 2011 Tasting Panel and the fantastic support and service from the staff at Waverley Country Club.
Oregon Wine Awards Tasting Panel at Waverley Country Club, March 20, 2011 - L to R: Craig Plainfield ~ Owner Plainfield's Restaurant, Lorne Mews ~ VP Benton-Lane Winery / CWE, Savannah Ray ~ Sommelier at Wildwood / ISG Instructor, Michael Dietrich ~ Wine Manager Tualatin Fred Meyer, Christopher Chan, Executive Director* ~ Oregon Wine Awards, Marcus Goodfellow ~ Owner / Winemaker Matello Wines, Gaironn Poole ~ Galaxy Wine Co. / Sommelier, Cole Danehower ~ Co-Publisher & Editor-In-Chief NW Palate Magazine, Rob Ord ~ Adv. Sommelier / Vinum Wine Distibutors.
* Executive Director Christopher Chan does not participate in the evaluation.
A Closer Look At Our 2011 Tasting Panel:
Marcus Goodfellow
Winemaker, Matello Wines
The "masseur du raisins" behind Matello Wines, is both sommelier and vintner. He worked with Master Chef Philippe Boulot for 6 years at the Heathman restaurant. For winemaking, he chose apprenticeship over formal schooling, spending time at Evesham Wood and Westrey. Matello is a member of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization of artisanal Oregon wineries dedicated to producing wines from non‐irrigated sites. Since Matello's inception in 2002, the winery has grown up to a current production of just around 2000 cases.
Lorne Mews
CWE, Vice President, Benton-Lane Winery
Lorne Mews, CWE has over 14 years in the wine business producing, selling and promoting Oregon wines. He is a certified wine educator and has also received the advanced certificate with distinction from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. He is currently the Vice President of Benton-Lane winery where he manages national and international sales.
Rob Ord
Vinum Wine Distributing
Rob holds the Advanced Sommelier designation from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and earned the prestigious Rudd Award for the highest exam score in the Cincinnati test in 2008. He was later awarded the first ever Johnston Medal for the highest cumulative grade in the USA for that year. Robert has over fifteen years as a professional in the wine industry, and is currently the Import Manager and Wine Educator for Vinum Importing and Distributing. He passed the Sommelier Diploma Program through the International Sommelier Guild and was invited to take part in their Teacher Education Program. In February of 2010 he sat for the Master Sommelier Examination passing 2 of the 3 parts on his first attempt, and has recently become certified as a Sake Specialist.
Craig Plainfield
Owner, Plainfield's Restaurant
Craig has been chef/owner of Plainfield's Restaurant a fine dining and wine destination in Portland for 34 years. Their wine cellar has received a "Best of Excellence Award" from Wine Spectator. Plainfield's has over 750 selections on their list representing all decades (except the 1800 to 1810) from 1795 to present. Craig has been tasting and evaluating wines for almost 50 years. His oldest written note was made in 1963 (a Vouvray). Craig hasjudged the Oregon Amateur Wine making competition at the Oregon State Fair on two occasions and has also judged the McMinnville wine festival twice.
Gaironn Poole
Galaxy Wine Company
Gaironn Poole, certified sommelier through the ISG is now celebrating her 8th year in the Oregon wine industry. Her past experience includes stewarding for New Seasons Market Mountain Park, and acting Wine Curator for Bluehour, 23Hoyt, Saucebox and Clarklewis. This summer will mark her 4th year involved in IPNC (International Pinot Noir Celebration), an event she adores, while also marking her 3rd year as a judge for the Oregon Wine Awards. Besides writing the wine list for Spints Ale House in Portland, she is also represents Galaxy Wine Company throughout wine country and Portland.
Savanna Ray
Sommelier, Wildwood Restaurant; Instructor, International Sommelier Guild
A native Oregonian, Savanna earned her International Sommelier Guild Diploma in May of 2007. She is currently an instructor for the International Sommelier Guild. As Wildwood's Sommelier, Savanna uses her background in wine education, leading staff in wine tastings and training. In addition, Savanna is on the Board of Directors of the International Pinot Noir Celebration, taking on the role of service captain this year. Since 2008 she has coordinated the Sommeliers and wine service professionals at ¡Salud! A Benefit for Tuality Healthcare, which provides healthcare to Oregon's vineyard workers.
Michael Dietrich
Wine Manager, Tualatin Fred Meyer
A veteran in the wine industry, Michael has been one of the top wine stewards at Fred Meyer for many years.
Christopher Chan
Executive Director, Oregon Wine Awards
Executive Director and Certified Sommelier Christopher Chan has over 20 years of Special Events and Food & Beverage experience in Seattle and Washington DC and currently serves as the Director of Wine & Spirits for Seattle's exclusive Rainier Club.
Christopher has just completed the International Sommelier Guild Diploma Course will sit for his Advanced Court of Master Sommelier Exam in fall 2011.
Christopher was bestowed the Washington Wine Commission's most prestigious legacy award as the 2009 Walter Clore Honorarium recipient in recognition of his tireless efforts in the promotion of Washington wine.
(*Executive Director Christopher Chan must ensure and maintain the highest professional integrity for the auspices of the Oregon Wine Awards and is therefore unable to participate as a member of the Tasting Panel.)