For Children’s Sake

By Wine Press Staff

The obvious mission for those in the wine industry is to make quality wine, but for many, it’s more than that; it’s giving back to their communities and contributing to their towns’ futures.

In Carlton, winemakers—as well as restaurateurs, chefs, artists—reflect this attitude and express their generosity at one of the town’s signature events, Flavors of Carlton. But at this auction, it’s all for the kids.

On Saturday, March 7, 2009, Carlton Together Cares will host its sixth annual event at Ken Wright Cellars. Flavors of Carlton celebrates art, music, food and wine to support vitally needed education and enrichment programs for youth and teens in the Carlton area. 

Small-town hospitality and community spirit give this auction a distinctive appeal, and its elegant setting in the winery and barrel room adds to its charm. 

A tremendous selection of art (watercolors, oils, sculpture, textiles, collage) from more than 50 local artists will be on the auction block. Plus, nationally recognized artist Richard Hoyen will roam and sketch, capturing the spirit of the event and offering his works in the auction. 

Top winemakers and wineries, who have put the Yamhill-Carlton District on the international map (Ken Wright Cellars, Soter, Soléna, Penner-Ash, Scott Paul, Carlton Cellars, Belle Pente, Cana’s Feast, Elk Cove, Raptor Ridge, Roots, Resonance and more), will greet guests, pour new releases, as well as contribute to the auction spectacular bottles, verticals and winery events. 

Some of the Valley’s best restaurants and chefs (Dundee Bistro, Nick’s, La Rambla, Chef Lisa Lanxon of Cana’s Feast Winery, Paul Bachand, formerly of Hunters Ridge Grill, and others) will tempt attendees with tastes of signature dishes that have made the Willamette Valley a dining destination. Surprise guest chefs from Portland will participate as well. 

Cellist Gideon Freudmann will perform his unique fusion of blues, jazz, folk and more that has captured the attention of NPR’s All Things Considered and makes audiences marvel how, seemingly, so many instruments can be played on a cello.

Flavors of Carlton’s modest ticket price, $50, will allow more people to fully participate in the auctions—nearly 100 silent and live auction items generously donated by local businesses represent tremendous quality and value. Large format wines, older vintages and verticals will be auctioned along with winery tours and meals with renowned vintners, memory-making vacations, a year’s membership to the Oregon Fishing Club, hot air balloon rides, adventure excursions and restaurant experiences. 

Additionally, in memory of legendary winemaker David Lett, who passed away just before harvest 2008, a collection of Lett’s Pinot Noirs from The Eyrie Vineyards will be auctioned. Donated by his family, other winemakers and private collectors, this wine is sure to have many in the crowd raising their paddles.

The 2009 Flavors of Carlton auction will directly benefit Carlton Together Cares, Inc.—a locally staffed, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth and community services to the greater Carlton area. Current CTC-sponsored programs include: Learning for Life Preschool, Parenting Classes, Youth Work Experience Program, Cougar Club After School Program, SK8/BMX Team, Carlton Community Pool Programs, Summer Kids Camp, Parent-Child Play Group, Beginning Ballet Program and Student Mentoring/Counseling.

For more information on Flavors of Carlton or Carlton Together Cares, please visit www.carltontogethercares.com or call 503-852-4405. ◊