Oregon Pinot, Washington Syrah, and… heavy metal? Believe it or not, all three fit right into this episode’s deep dive into the Pacific Northwest, one of the world’s most exciting (and misunderstood) wine regions.Fresh off a National Geographic wine cruise through the Columbia and Snake Rivers, host Amanda McCrossin is joined by journalist, educator, and senior editor at JancisRobinson.com Samantha Cole-Johnson. In this enlightening (and, of course, unfiltered) conversation, Amanda and Sam get into Washington’s red-hot Rocks District, where to eat and drink in Portland, and—HOT TAKE ALERT—why Oregon might actually be best suited to white wines. Whether you’re Pinot-obsessed, Syrah-curious, or just wondering what to do on your next trip to the PNW wine country, this one’s for you

2023 Tior Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

📢 Links & Mentions

Follow Samantha Cole-Johnson on Instagram
For updates on her wine reviews, blind tasting series, and more.
👉 @samanthacolejohnson

Read Samantha’s work on JancisRobinson.com
Check out her writing and the “Wine News in Five” feature.
👉 📰 Wine News in Five – read on JancisRobinson.com

👉🎧 Wine News in Five -- listen to the Podcast

Nat Geo x Lindblad Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise
The wine-adventure cruise Amanda went on.
👉 Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey

Kann Restaurant (Portland)
Amanda’s top meal of 2024.
👉 Kann Portland

Coquine Restaurant
Highly praised spot in Portland mentioned by Samantha.
👉 Coquine Portland

Bar Casa Vale
For Spanish wine and Sherry in Portland.
👉 Bar Casa Vale

St. Jack & Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Favorite neighborhood spots also mentioned in the episode.
👉 St. Jack | Lovely’s Fifty Fifty

Blood of Gods Wine x Metal Festival (Walla Walla)
Yes, it’s real—and Samantha is speaking at it.
👉 Blood of Gods

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IG: ⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠

Host: ⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠

Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠Wine Access⁠

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