April 2025
Our wine is no joke!
Happy April from Chris James Cellars!
While April Fools’ Day may be full of tricks and playful pranks, we promise there’s no joking when it comes to the wines!
With spring finally here we are excited to share this season of new life and fresh growth with you. Let’s raise a glass to wine that is “no joke” when it comes to flavor, vibrancy and quality!
With the arrival of spring comes the opening of the Estate Tasting Room! Starting this weekend the Carlton Estate will be opening back up on weekends:
Friday-Sunday, 12pm-5pm.
The buds are starting to form on the vines, and the weather isn’t too chilly, so we look forward to seeing you up at the Estate.
If you prefer ease of location, the McMinnville Tasting Room is centrally located in beautiful Downtown McMinnville. Featuring comfortable indoor setting for these rainy spring days, and heated outdoor seating on the patio for the rare spring sunny days.
Open daily:
12 pm – 6 pm Sunday – Thursday
12 pm -8 pm Friday – Saturday
FEATURED EVENTS
Wine on the Water
April 17th. 5:30pm-8pm || The Portland Spirit River Cruise || Portland, OR
Boarding: 5:30 pm
Cruising: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Taste your way through Oregon on a sunset cruise!
Join Chris James Cellars on April 17th at 5:30 pm for Wine on Water, a wine tasting cruise aboard the Portland Spirit where you can taste your way through 15 local wineries, all showcasing their latest vintages, while we cruise the Willamette River.
Tickets include a two-hour sunset cruise, 14 wine tasting tickets and a souvenir wine tasting cup.
Food will be available for purchase.
(Must be 21 and over)
Save $5 per ticket with coupon code “CJC” on Wine on Water | Portland Spirit Cruises and Events or by calling 503-224-3900.
Boarding begins at 5:30pm, and cruise starts at 6pm. Don’t be late.
Yamhill Carlton AVA Spring Tasting
Saturday May 3rd || 10am-5pm || Abbey Road Farm || 10280 NE Oak Springs Farm Road, Carlton, OR 97111.
Chris James Cellars will be at the Yamhill-Carlton AVA Spring Tasting, come and join us!
Yamhill-Carlton AVA is hosting our Spring Tasting on May 3 at Abbey Road Farm.
Over 30 local wineries will be participating, pouring world class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling wines and more! The tasting will be catered by Abbey Road Farm.
It’s a beloved annual event for a reason: great food, great wine, and the incredible opportunity to taste from so many Yamhill-Carlton wineries in one day! The Spring Tasting is always a lot of fun, with so many winemakers and wine lovers spending the day celebrating our region.
This event is limited to those 21 years of age and older.
Recipes
Recipes to look for this month on our website:
Fluffy Sparkling Wine and Strawberry Pancakes
Perfect for Easter Brunch!
Charitable Giving Wine
We’re appreciative of your ongoing support with our Wine Releases paired with our Charitable Giving Wine program! For over a year now, each month we have successfully raised funds to support our local nonprofit organizations while showing off our featured wines!
Featured April organization: Juliette’s House
“At Juliette’s House, we help children affected by abuse begin their journey to healing. Each day our team provides compassionate care, guiding families from fear and confusion to safety and hope. When they leave, they are no longer alone but supported and loved.”
Featured April wine: 2024 Sparkling Chardonnay
Profile notes: Aromas of green apple, Bosc pear, with hints of white peach and citrus. The mouth feel is slightly creamy with crispness on the finish.
Available: At both tasting rooms and online
Cost: $35/ bottle — $12/ glass pour
How you can support:
- Visit the Tasting Rooms or purchase online all month long
- Purchase Bottles: 10% of the featured wine will be donated
- Glass Pours: $1 per glass pour will be donated
- Taste the 2020 Petit Verdot before you buy on our wine flights all month long!
Weekly Events
- WINE WEDNESDAY: Join us every Wednesday for a midweek treat at our McMinnville location! Enjoy a new wine flight as our menu switches over on Wednesdays, as well as drink specials (see below).
- B.Y.O.G (Bring your own games): Every Friday! Round up your friends, or just stop by to enjoy the environment. Every Friday at our McMinnville location, from 5 – 8 pm we offer our space for an evening of games, wine, and light fare!
No reservation needed, our tables will be first come first served
Drink specials: $3 off Glass Pours, and 15% off bottles
MONTHLY EVENTS
First Wednesday of every month!
6:30pm-8:30pm || McMinnville Tasting Room
Gather your team and come join us for a fun evening. Test your knowledge and enjoy a glass of wine.
Trivia night is free, but we do require a $10 minimum purchase of wine or food.
Register your team today!
Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
July 14-21, 2025 | 7-night river cruise | AmaSerena
Join us as we once again set sail with AmaWaterways. In July 2025 Chris will be wine host for the “Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps” cruise! The cruise includes 7 nights on the river with an optional 2-night stay in Amsterdam beforehand, and optional 3-night stay in Lake Como, Italy afterward.
Please reach out to Nicole Zima (nicole@sailawaygrouptravel.com) for more information or to book your room.
CITIES & SIGHTS
Amsterdam -> Cologne -> Rhine Gorge -> Rüdesheim -> Ludwigshafen -> Heidelberg -> Speyer -> Strasbourg -> Lucerne -> Basel
YOUR JOURNEY ALONG THE RHINE RIVER
Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this Rhine River cruise showcasing the wines of the Rheingau and beyond. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover the grand city of Cologne and the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim. Enjoy cruising through the UNESCO designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the river banks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. This itinerary is truly a dream come true.
EXTRA INCLUDED FEATURES ONLY ON WINE CRUISES
• Special tours and tastings at local wineries and private cellars
• Learn about winemaking in renowned vineyards
• Onboard wine pairings with award-winning cuisine
• A wine host will lead tastings and discussions
