April 2026
April Showers: What’s Pouring in April?
SPRING AT THE WINERY
Spring is fully in bloom, and we are ready to open up the Carlton Estate Tasting Room for the season! The weather has been very cooperative, and we are anxiously awaiting budbreak. As the days grow slightly warmer, and the nights just a bit less chilled, we can really begin to see the potential in this beautiful season of growth.
Come visit us at the Carlton Estate and get a chance to see where all the magic happens. Relax in our cozy tasting room for a flight on a rainy weekend- or grab a spot on the patio if the sun comes out for a visit! Either way you can enjoy our award-winning wines while you take in the vines and the sweeping view of the Oregon Coast Range.
The Carlton Estate will be open starting April 3rd:
Fri-Sun: 12pm-5pm
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are always appreciated. (Dogs and kids are welcome!)
Can’t make it out to the Estate? Our McMinnville Tasting Room is a great place to meet your friends for a flight and some small bites. Right in the heart of historic Downtown McMinnville on 3rd Street, you can sit and relax for a spell with a glass of wine after a day of shopping.
McMinnville is open 7 days a week.
Sun-Thurs: 12pm-6pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm-8pm
FEATURED EVENTS
Hazel’s House Bunco Fundraiser
April 11th, 3-6pm|| McMinnville Tasting Room
We’re excited to invite you to a fun afternoon supporting a cause close to our hearts.
On Saturday, April 11 from 3 to 6 PM, we’re gathering at Chris James Cellars McMinnville Tasting Room for a Bunco fundraiser benefiting Hazel’s House Animal Rescue.
If you’ve never played Bunco before, don’t worry. It’s simple, social, and full of laughter. This event is all about coming together as a community to support animals who are waiting for their second chance.
During the afternoon we’ll also have:
Raffles with prizes from local businesses
A Dessert Dash fundraiser
Bunco games and prizes
Wine available for purchase
Every dollar raised helps Hazel’s House continue providing food, medical care, and safe placements for rescue dogs.
Spots are limited, so if this sounds like a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, grab your ticket and join us.
YAMHILL-CARLTON AVA SPRING TASTING
Saturday April 25th || 10am-5pm || Abbey Road Farm
Chris James Cellars will be at the Yamhill-Carlton AVA Spring Tasting, come and join us!
Join us for our 21st Anniversary Spring Tasting! This annual event showcases over 30 Yamhill-Carlton wineries alongside bites prepared by the incredible chefs at Abbey Road Farm, in the stunning open barn at Abbey Road Farm.
Yamhill-Carlton is known for producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and wineries will be pouring other varieties as well, including Riesling, Pinot Gris, and many styles of sparkling wines, showcasing the wealth of variety in the region. We can’t wait to host you again for the best regional tasting of the year!
Our VIP hour this year includes library pours from wineries, a Riedel Pinot Noir glass, and VIP-only pours and appetizers. This early entry also guarantees you more access to wine, so you can choose your favorites before the tasting gets busy.
Regular admission includes tasting multiple wines from all wineries, as well as beautiful local bites.
TWO TICKET TYPES ARE AVAILABLE!
Tickets Options:
VIP ($125): Limited and available for two separate sessions, from 10 am to 1 pm, or 2 pm to 5 pm.
Regular Admission ($75): Offered from 11 am to 1 pm, and 3 pm to 5 pm.
Parking: There will be priority parking for VIP ticket holders next to the winery location. Onsite parking will be available for regular ticket holders with only a short walk required.
Recipes
Recipes to look for this month on our website:
Tempranillo Polenta with Flank Steak and Grilled Cauliflower
Our Tempranillo shines in multiple ways in this recipe.
Featured + Charitable Giving Wine
We’re appreciative of your ongoing support with our Wine Releases paired with our Charitable Giving Wine program! For over two years 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: 2019 Reserve Tempranillo
Profile notes: Aromas of caramel, blueberry, cacao and spice. Robust flavors of cherry, plum, cigar, and spice.
Available: At both tasting rooms and online
Cost: $49/ bottle — $17/glass
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 2019 Reserve Tempranillo 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
Gems of Southeast Europe
November 9-16, 2025 | 7-night river cruise | AmaBella
Join us as we once again set sail with AmaWaterways. In November 2026 Chris will be wine host for the “Gems of Southeast Europe” cruise! The cruise includes 7 nights on the river with an optional 2-night stay in Vienna beforehand, and optional 2 nights Bucharest or 3-night stay in Istanbul afterward.
Please reach out to Nicole Zima (nicole@sailawaygrouptravel.com) for more information or to book your room.
CITIES & SIGHTS
BUDAPEST -> MOHÁCS -> VUKOVAR -> BELGRADE -> SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES-> VIDIN -> ROUSSE-> GIURGIU
YOUR JOURNEY ALONG THE DANUBE RIVER
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe.
Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
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
- Owner, farmer, winemaker for Chris James Cellars, Chris Barnes, will lead tastings and discussions. And, of course, Beth will also be there!
