Bells Up Winery has been spotlighted in a major way across Big Blend Radio’s growing travel and lifestyle network—earning a featured appearance in the inaugural issue of “Jo Goes Everywhere” digital magazine and an in-depth mention on the accompanying podcast episode. Together, these features highlight not only the winery itself, but also the immersive experience behind visiting our micro-boutique Oregon winery and the broader connections we’ve made across the wine community.
A Cover Story Moment for Oregon Wine Country
The inaugural issue of Jo Goes Everywhere introduces a fresh digital magazine concept that evolves continuously rather than existing as static editions. Each update becomes part of a living publication, with a rotating cover and expanding sections that grow over time—including recipes, travel notes, and featured destinations.
At the heart of the first issue is Bells Up Winery, captured through a cover image of wine and travel writer and photographer Jo Clark visiting the property and enjoying a tasting experience on-site. The feature reflects the magazine’s ethos: travel that is personal, interconnected, and rooted in real encounters.
Bells Up Winery is presented not just as a stop on a wine tour, but as a meaningful destination shaped by hospitality, storytelling, and a hands-on winemaking philosophy. The feature underscores how small, family-run wineries—like ours—can leave a lasting impression through direct engagement with visitors.
Big Blend Radio Podcast Conversation Highlights
The companion podcast episode expands on the magazine feature, with Lisa Smith, podcast host and publisher of Big Blend’s many media outlets, joined by Jo. The pair specifically discuss Jo’s visit to Oregon’s Willamette Valley and her experience at Bells Up Winery at the 15:46 mark.
A key theme of the conversation is how organically the trip unfolded. After previous interviews and connections through Big Blend’s wine-focused programming, Jo was invited to visit Oregon and explore the region firsthand. What followed was a deeply local experience shaped by Winemaker Dave and Money Honey Sara, who not only hosted her at our vineyard but also shared curated recommendations across the area.
As Lisa and Jo discuss in the podcast, we helped Jo plan her trip by sharing an extensive list of nearby wineries, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfasts—many of which included both mentors who influenced us and newer producers we have mentored in turn. This networked approach reinforced the sense that Oregon wine country is built on collaboration rather than competition.
Lisa noted the serendipity of the journey, emphasizing how media connections often evolve into real-world travel experiences that deepen storytelling. Jo’s visit became a natural extension of earlier conversations on Big Blend’s “Wine Across America” programming, where Bells Up had already been introduced to listeners.
Bells Up’s Unique, Winemaker-Hosted Tasting Experience
During the podcast, Jo describes her on-site visit in vivid detail, highlighting the intimate nature of the tasting experience. Rather than a traditional bar or counter service, guests at Bells Up are welcomed directly by Winemaker Dave, who personally guides the tasting, shares production insights, and explains the characteristics of each wine.
She describes a range of wines presented during the visit—sparkling, rosé, white, and red—reflecting the winery’s small-batch, boutique approach. The setting itself is equally memorable, with sweeping views from the winery’s back porch, seasonal blooms, and a tranquil rural atmosphere that enhances the tasting experience.
Jo also notes our property’s unique history as a former Christmas tree farm, a detail that adds character to the landscape and reinforces the sense of place that defines the winery today.
Exploring the Willamette Valley Connection
Beyond the winery itself, the conversation emphasizes the broader appeal of Oregon’s Willamette Valley as a destination. The region is described as lush, scenic, and full of outdoor experiences, including nearby hiking trails and waterfalls that complement wine tourism.
This blend of natural beauty and artisanal production is part of what makes visits like Jo’s so memorable. She recommends that visitors make Bells Up Winery a gateway into the region rather than an isolated stop, emphasizing how Dave and Sara actively encourag exploration of neighboring wineries and local attractions.
Bells Up Winery: Defined by Hospitality and Craft
Across both the magazine feature and podcast discussion, both Jo and Lisa praise Bells Up Winery’s approach—one that’s defined by personal hospitality, hands-on winemaking, and a commitment to sharing the broader community around it.
Being featured in the inaugural issue of Jo Goes Everywhere and highlighted on Big Blend Radio was a tremendous honor and we so appreciate both Jo and Lisa for their kind words. It’s always gratifying to hear that people consider Bells Up to be more than just a destination, but rather an invitation into a wider world of wine, community, and discovery.
