Carlton Winemakers Studio

How’s this for a concept: one-stop - wine-tasting. That’s what you find at the innovative Carlton Winemakers Studio. The studio of wineries became a reality in 2002 through a partnership between Eric Hamacher and others, including his wife and winemaker of Ponzi Vineyards, Luisa Ponzi. Carlton Winemakers Studio’s slogan is “Liquid Synergy,” and that pretty much says it all.

Carlton’s contemporary facility is incredible and well worth the trip. True to Oregon’s winemaking spirit, the studio has gone “green” with a building that is sustainable and designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. The 15,000-square-foot facility is energy efficient and makes use of recycled materials. There’s enough space to comfortably fit 10 resident winemakers and their individual staffs. Although the roster of wineries changes over time, during my visit, the following artisanal wineries were present: Hamacher Wines, Andrew Rich Vintner, Lazy River Vineyard, Boedecker Cellars, Bryce Vineyard, Domaine Meriwether, Dominio IV Wines, J.Daan Wine Cellars, Resonance Vineyard, Ribbon Ridge Vineyard and Wahle Vineyards and Cellars. Given this all-star lineup, it’s little wonder that Food & Wine magazine gushed, “The Carlton Winemakers Studio is just plain cool.”

And it’s right, especially when it comes to wine tasting.

Whether you choose to do your sampling inside or out on the patio, WineTrail trekkers can taste the creations of each winemaker via tasting flights that range in price from $5 to $18. For example, the day I visited, I sprung for the white-wine flight and had the Carlton Winemakers Studio Pinot Gris, a Dominio IV Viognier “Still Life,” and an Andrew Rich Wines Roussanne.

Individual tastes and glasses of wine are also available for purchase. Visitors can purchase gourmet cheeses and other seasonal offerings to pair with the wine. Nearly 40 different wines produced by 10 winemakers are available to sample and purchase. Be sure to budget plenty of time; you might be here for the afternoon.

Of special note is Carlton’s Wednesday Night Dinners from 6 to 7:30 p.m., available for as many as 20 people. Guest chefs prepare a three-course meal to pair with select wines. For example, Wednesday Night Dinners have paired Andrew Rich Wines with chef Michael Uhnak of MiNGO; Hamacher Wines with chef Chloe of Eat Your Heart Out Catering; and J.Daan Wine Cellars with Lauro Kitchen Restaurant. To reserve a spot, call 503-852-6100.