May 2026
May is Oregon Wine Month!
May marks the yearly celebration of Oregon Wine Month!
It’s a time to raise our glasses to the rich diversity, passionate craftmanship, and world-class quality that define the industry here in Oregon.
We’re proud to be a part of this diverse community of growers, vintners, and wine lovers who bring Oregon’s unique terroir to life in every bottle.
Join us all month long as we celebrate with a special discount offer only available for Oregon Wine Month:
- Buy 3 Bottles and get 10% off
- Buy 6 Bottles and get 20% off
- Buy 12 Bottles and get 30% off
- Wine club members get their normal Wine Club discount but can get an additional 15% off when they purchase 6 (or more) bottles!
(Discount only available from May 1st until May 31st)
We look forward to celebrating Oregon Wine Month with all of you! 
Cheers!
Come visit us up at the Estate Tasting Room. The vines are awake and growing more each day! The weather has been gorgeous, so we look forward to seeing you.
Friday-Sunday, 12pm-5pm.
If you prefer ease of location, the McMinnville Tasting Room is centrally located in beautiful Downtown McMinnville. Featuring relaxing outdoor seating on the patio for this gorgeous weather we’ve been having. Or enjoy the comfortable indoor seating in the chance of rain. Either way it’s the perfect location for a soul soothing afternoon or evening.
Open daily:
– 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday – Thursday (extended summer hours coming soon)
– 12 pm -8 pm Friday – Saturday
FEATURED EVENTS
Save the Date!
The Summer Wine Club BBQ Party is coming!
When: Saturday June 27th
Where: The Estate Tasting Room
Summer is coming fast and it’s almost time for our annual Summer Wine Club Release Party BBQ out at the Carlton Estate! Bring your friends and celebrate the warm weather, our fabulous wines, and delicious food! Catered by the local legend: Bert’s Chuckwagon.
Included in the price is your choice of 2 different meats: Chicken or Brisket (or even a bit of both!), Bert’s famous Mac and Cheese and Potato Salad. As well as side salads, fruits, chips, rolls, and more! Club member discount applies!
There will be two time slots available:
- Saturday 12-2pm
- Saturday 3-5pm
Just pick which time works best for you and make your reservation soon! Each club member may purchase up to 6 tickets.
Not a wine club member? Visit us at either tasting room, or online, to find out more about our customizable wine club memberships.
Taste of Mac 2026
Saturday, June 13th, 11:30am-5pm || Downtown McMinnville
Chris James Cellars is excited to be a part of the 4th annual Taste of Mac.
Taste of Mac is a wonderful event put on by the McMinnville Lion’s Club, all centered around historic downtown McMinnville. Experience everything great about Third Street in a single day, flitting from shop to restaurant to pub to winery. Every participating business will give you a sip of one of their vintages, a taste of something on their menu, or a small trinket for you to enjoy.
Big News!
We have added another river cruise to our upcoming events! We will be sailing the Upper Danube August 7-14, 2027.
Join us for an information session to discuss either of the upcoming cruises!
Thursday, May 14th at 3pm Pacific/6pm Eastern
Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/0VBpSTWhS1uqY8RrAiGSxA
Wednesday, May 20th 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern
Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/v8ifa_56ThuhG_JqWNX9RA
CITIES & SIGHTS
Vilshofen » Passau » Linz » Salzburg » Český Krumlov » Weissenkirchen
Dürnstein » Melk » Krems » Vienna » Esztergom » Budapest
Reserve by 5/31/26 and save $3500 per stateroom
Recipes
Recipes to look for this month on our website:
Braised Chicken with Gamay Noir, Mushrooms & Herbs
This month’s recipe highlights our 2020 Gamay Noir in two ways—both in the glass and in the pan. This rustic braised chicken dish brings together earthy mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a vibrant Gamay-based sauce that perfectly complements the wine’s bright red fruit and lively acidity. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and elegant—just like the wine itself.
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 May organization: Traveling Light Foundation
The Traveling Light Foundation exists to support and enrich the lives of local students—especially in McMinnville, Oregon—by providing educational resources, opportunities, and inclusive programs that help all kids thrive.
Featured May wine: 2020 Gamay Noir
Profile notes: Aromas of ripe cherries, plum and hints of tobacco, with flavors of dark cherry, plum, tobacco and an enjoyable hint of smokiness.
Available: At both tasting rooms and online
Cost: $38/ bottle — $13/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 2020 Gamay 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!
