Drinks Business Features Bells Up Wine and Truffle Pairing Luncheon

The Willamette Valley is increasingly becoming known for its truffles as much as for its Pinot Noir. The region is capitalizing on the bounty of these fragrant nuggets with multiple truffle-themed events and tours during peak truffle season: January through March.

Among them is the Bougie Truffle Tour, led by Stefan Czarnecki of Black Tie Tours. Stefan invites select winemakers and chefs from the area to collaborate, preparing a meal that uses truffles foraged by tour participants.

Black Tie Tours’ Stefan Czarnecki explains the fine art of truffling to a captive audience, including Winemaker Dave. Photo by Jenna White.

Along for a recent experience in March was wine writer Lyn Archer, who has profiled us multiple times over the past several years. On assignment with The Drinks Business, Lyn filed the article, “Oregon’s Tremendous Truffle Pairings.” She writes…

Dave Specter, winemaker and owner of Bells Up Winery, also in Newberg, believes that “the inherent earthiness of Pinot Noir is an absolute bang-on match for the earthiness of truffles.”

Specter teams up with Black Tie Tours and Cabellero’s Catering for a seasonal Bougie Truffle Tour and Winemaker Luncheon.

“To decide which Pinot to pair with each dish, I first consider what the other ingredients are involved, then decide if the best pairing is a lighter, brighter Pinot, or a more savoury, spicy Pinot,” says Specter, who produces four different Pinot Noir styles at his 700-case micro-boutique winery.

His Bells Up 2021 Jupiter Estate Pinot Noir with medium body, supple tannins, and an elegant finish goes especially well with a wood-fired cabbage salad, served with shallot, creamy truffle vinaigrette, and truffle pecorino.

Although truffles may no longer be in season, the 2021 Jupiter definitely is. It’s currently on the tasting flight.

To sample the latest Jupiter, along with the rest of our current line-up, book a private tasting experience with Winemaker Dave by calling 503.537.1328.

Bells Up Winery | 27895 NE Bell Road | Newberg, Oregon 97132 | 503.537.1328 | info@bellsupwinery.com

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