Editor's Note: Sounds of the Season

The trees, the tinsel, the traditions all set to music

Editor's Note

Hilary Berg has been the editor of OWP since 2006. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s in journalism. She and her husband own a seven-acre vineyard and winery called Roots.

The holidays are here, and I hear music … everywhere. You can’t escape the jolly tunes that, for better or worse, fill the air this time of year.

 On page 18, OWP asked members of the wine industry to share their favorite Christmas albums. The records chosen reflect the eclectic mix that is today’s merry music. I also asked the participants to pair the albums with wine. Their responses were so creative that I’ve been inspired to do the same, but with articles appearing in this month’s edition.

 The cover story, about my good friend, photographer Andrea Johnson, and her new book featuring stunning photos of Oregon wineries (page 28), could be paired with “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” Many of the photos show the vine-covered slopes of the state’s finest vineyards; each picture shouting, “Come see and sip for yourself!”

 The second feature about longtime wine enthusiast Doc Wilson (page 32) could be read while listening to “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.” Recently retired from a long career at Jake’s Famous Crawfish, the incredibly cheery Doc has earned a long winter’s nap, but if you have ever met Doc — and chances are you have, according to the article’s emphasis on his Kevin Bacon rep — you know he won’t waste a moment resting. Too many wines to try, places to go and people to entertain!

 On page 9, OWP’s story on !Salud! could be paired with “Feliz Navidad,” as the 23rd annual event helps migrant workers and their families receive quality healthcare. The record-breaking funds raised at this year’s celebration left organizers very “feliz,” indeed.

 The winery profile on Angela Estate (page 14) would match well with “Sleigh Ride,” as founder Antony Beck is a thoroughbred owner and a lover of fine wines in both his home country of South Africa and here in Oregon. “Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, let’s go” really, really fast to the tasting room in Dundee.

 I would suggest reading Cheese Chick’s story about the classic holiday cheese ball (page 24) while listening to “White Christmas.” These retro-inspired snacks actually look like snowballs before being covered in a variety of spices and crumbs. 

 And in the final article of this month’s publication, you will find a Q&A with St. Nick himself (page 46). Can you guess which song would be best? You guessed it, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” — specifically, Ken Wright’s tasting room at The Depot on Dec. 6.

 Whether you like holiday harmonies and want to “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” or would rather have a “Silent Night,” I wish you a blessed, harmonious holiday.

- Hilary Berg, OWP Editor