August 2025
August Uncorked 
August may herald the end of summer, but it also means that harvest season is coming! The grapes are starting to ripen, soaking up this last stretch of summer heat. It’s a magical, and beautiful time at Chris James Cellars. It’s also the perfect time to soak up the end of summer sunshine on the patio up at the Estate!
Whether you’re in the mood to sip a chilled white (or Sparkling Rose!), or savor a bold red, we have the views, vibes and vintages to make it the perfect end-of-summer retreat. Come unwind with us, the seasons not over yet!
The Carlton Estate is open Fri-Sun: 12pm-5pm
Or visit us at our downtown McMinnville Tasting Room for a day of strolling the shops and sipping some wines on the patio. Join us for MacFresco! on weekends thru the end of summer, or Cruising McMinnville on August 23rd.
(More details on these events below.)
McMinnville is open 7 days a week.
Sun-Thurs: 12pm-7pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm-8pm
We look forward to celebrating this summer with you!
FEATURED EVENTS
Summer Fun with MacFresco!
Weekends: Friday-Sunday. June 20th-Sept 1st.
Starting Fridays at 3pm and going to Sunday at closing.
Starting each Friday afternoon during the summer season downtown McMinnville will be transformed into an outdoor dining and shopping event experience!
Each weekend, Third Street is transformed into a pedestrian-friendly epicurean playground.
Chris James Cellars will be featuring various shopping and food vendors each Saturday and Sunday of the event from 12pm-6pm.
Come visit us, have some wine, and then take a stroll and check out the exciting shopping and foods of this fun summer award-winning event!
Additionally, there will be live music every Saturday from 4-7pm at the 600 block of Third Street!
Featured August Vendors:
- Delphian School (Private school)
- Blush and Bloom (Flower bar)
- Jo Jo’s Joy (Jewelry and wine charms)
- Kate The Button Lady (Vintage Button art and jewelry)
- Lucky Lads (Pet provisions)
If you are a vendor, or know a vendor, that would be interested in a free space to sell your wares during this event, please contact us!
Seventh Annual Stargazing Party
September 6th, 2025, 7pm-9pm
Estate Tasting Room – Carlton
We are so pleased to announce that Chris James Cellars is partnering with The Carlton Observatory Project for our seventh annual Stargazing Party at the Estate. Wine, Food, and the Cosmos!
We will be offering small bites paired with our wines.
Relax and enjoy an evening snack and drink before making your way to the top of the hill for star gazing using the telescopes brought out by the Carlton Observatory Project team.
A portion of the proceeds will go to support this wonderful non-profit to share the wonders of astronomy across generations.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
Get your tickets soon, before they sell out!
Chris James Cellars at Italy in the Valley
Sunday August 17th. 12pm-4pm || Cana’s Feast
Started in 2009, Italy in the Valley is a celebration of wine, food, music, and friendship. Wineries from throughout Oregon gather on the lawn at Cana’s Feast to highlight their Northwest take on the classic wines of Italy.
We will be there pouring our best Italian varietals. So, come out and join us for a fantastic day that celebrates the magnificence of Italian wines
Entrance fee includes a logo wine glass, wine tastings, lunch, and the opportunity to visit the various vendors.
No ticket sales at the door. Must buy tickets in advance.
Recipes
Recipes to look for this month on our website:
Orange Muscat and Peach Slushies
A refreshing treat for those hot August nights!
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 August organization: Cruising McMinnville
“Cruising McMinnville is a non-profit organization created to present an annual car show and cruise in Historic Downtown McMinnville.
Our primary mission as a non-profit is to support students pursuing careers in the trades; automotive, welding, construction and more. We are pleased offer Scholarships that help Yamhill County graduates move on to trade schools and careers in their chosen fields. We also offer Teacher Grants to local educators that specialize in trade and STEM courses.”
Featured August wine: 2022 Orange Muscat
Profile notes: Floral aromas of iris, citrus and apricot, with flavors of apricot and peach with a dry finish.
Available: At both tasting rooms and online
Cost: $30/ bottle — $11/ 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 2022 Orange Muscat before you buy on our wine flights all month long!
Check out the car show on August 23rd and then relax with us at our McMinnville Tasting Room, both conveniently on 3rd Street!
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!
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!
