One of the things our guests repeatedly tell us they love most about listening to Dave talk about wine is that it’s never just about wine. It’s about weather, timing, people, food, and those small moments that quietly change the direction of your life.
That came through clearly when Dave joined Lisa Smith on Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry show for a National Wine Day 2025 episode that quite literally traveled across the country—and beyond—one glass at a time. Bells Up Winery was the Oregon stop on the journey, and Dave shared our story in that broader context, providing a great reminder of how connected wine really is to place.
An Early Start to the Vintage
Dave spent part of the conversation talking about what was happening in the vineyard at the time—and it was happening fast. Bud break arrived earlier than usual, driven by a wetter winter followed by warmer, drier spring weather. In Oregon, our growing season is already short—about five and a half months from bud break to harvest—so any acceleration gets our attention.
There’s excitement in that, of course, but also responsibility. Earlier harvests tend to carry less risk than later ones, especially when it comes to fall rain and disease pressure. Still, Pinot Noir likes balance. Temperate days, cool nights, and a steady rhythm to the season are always the goal. As Dave put it, we’re happy to be on this path—we just wouldn’t mind the weather calming down a bit.
Bells Up Is More Than Just Pinot Noir
When people think of the Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir is usually the first—and sometimes only—grape that comes to mind. And while Pinot is still very much at the heart of what we do, Dave shared how much the region has evolved.
With more than 800 wineries now calling the Willamette Valley home, diversity has become one of its greatest strengths. Thanks to cooler temperatures, shorter growing seasons, and a wide range of soils and microclimates, the region supports far more than a single grape variety.
At Bells Up, that curiosity has always mattered. Dave talked about field-grafting part of our vineyard to Zweigelt, an Austrian red we’re excited to see develop. It’s a small but meaningful example of how Oregon wineries—including us—are pushing beyond old assumptions and letting the land guide what’s possible.
Why the Experience Matters
Lisa also touched on something that’s very intentional for us: how people experience Bells Up when they visit.
We’ve always believed that being small is a strength. We host one group at a time, sit down together, and tailor each tasting to where people are in their wine journey—whether they’re seasoned collectors or just starting to explore. Dave explained why that matters: it’s impossible to have the same conversation with everyone when experience levels vary widely, and we want those conversations to be genuine.
There are many beautiful tasting rooms and styles of hospitality in the Willamette Valley. Ours is simply built around connection—good wines, thoughtful dialogue, and the freedom to ask questions without feeling rushed or intimidated.
Food, Pairing, and a Little Truffle Cheese
Because this is Big Blend Radio, food naturally entered the conversation. When asked about building a charcuterie board to pair with Oregon wines, Dave talked about balance and intention—choosing items that complement lighter-bodied but deeply flavored wines.
One of his favorite additions? Truffle cheese, which makes perfect sense here in Oregon. Cooler-climate wines often lean earthy, and truffles echo those same flavors beautifully. The takeaway wasn’t about a single perfect pairing, but about diversity—creating a board that gives each wine a partner at the table.
The Sip That Changed Everything
Near the end of the show, Lisa asked Dave a question I’ve heard him answer before, but it never gets old: Do you remember the first sip of wine that made you realize this would be part of your life forever?
For Dave, it wasn’t a grand bottle or a famous label. It was a simple Côtes du Rhône, enjoyed during spring break in law school, of all places. But something about it clicked. He’s described it as feeling the world shift just a little under his feet—a quiet moment that opened the door to curiosity, learning, and eventually, winemaking.
Listening to him tell that story again reminded me how often big changes begin quietly.
A Conversation Worth Pouring a Glass For
Big Blend Radio’s National Wine Day episode covered a lot of ground—from Oregon to Arizona to Hungary—but Dave’s segment felt like a true snapshot of who we are at Bells Up: rooted in place, attentive to the land, curious about what’s next, and always focused on the experience we share with others.
If you haven’t listened yet, it’s the kind of conversation best enjoyed with a glass of wine nearby—and maybe a little truffle cheese on the side. Here’s the recording:
Book Your Private Tasting Experience
To enjoy a private tasting experience and sample these wines—hosted by Winemaker Dave exclusively for one group at a time—call us at 503-537-1328. We are open year-round, including January-March, when many small producers are closed.
