Anthony Dell Cellars

Truth is, I didn’t actually make it to Anthony Dell Cellars. Not that I didn’t try. I ventured to McMinnville’s “Wine Quarter” on two occasions and, as luck would have it, the winery was closed. I took a couple of pictures and thought to myself to call ahead next time. However, with Panther Creek and The Eyrie Vineyards nearby, all was not lost.

Therefore, I leave it up to you, dear WineTrail trekker, to venture forth and discover for yourself Anthony Dell Cellars’ story. Sure, I know a little about it from my research. Launched by Douglas Drawbond and Joy Means in 2002, the winery produces fewer than 1,000 cases of wine annually. You can expect to taste pinot noir and pinot gris that began in their Sunset Ridge Vineyards in the Eola Hills, and cabernet sauvignon, syrah and red table wine made from fruit sourced in the Rogue Valley, most of it from Del Rio Vineyards.

I love what they say on the Anthony Dell Cellars website. Check this out: “We’re big into food. We believe wine is a food and should be enjoyed with other foods .… We believe that wine will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no wine. Most of all, we believe in ourselves. Our wine is our art, our craft, our gift to the world.” Now that’s a healthy attitude, and I believe it gives an idea of what’s in store for your visit. Odds are that Doug or Joy, or both, will be there pouring, the tasting room will be small, and you won’t contend with busloads of wine tourists. To me, it’s the perfect combination for a memorable experience!

If you do venture to Anthony Dell Cellars, please shoot me an email at info@winetrailsnw.com. Let me know what you discovered — what to look for, sample, and experience. I would be most appreciative. I promise, in the second edition of this book, to incorporate your feedback into a description of the winery and share with other WineTrail enthusiasts the nuances and unique character that define Anthony Dell Cellars.