Erin Glenn Winery

History buffs are in for a treat when they visit Erin Glenn Winery in The Dalles. Originally commissioned by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864, the winery’s Mint building was intended to be a fortress-like structure to house gold. Unfortunately, the gold rush failed to materialize, which left an unfinished building that was used for various purposes over the years.

Erin Glenn Winery is the brainchild of owners Erin and Tim Schechtel. In 1997, they succeeded in making gewürztraminer in their Hood River garage, and because of that positive experience, decided to grow grapes and make wine. They subsequently moved to The Dalles and rehabbed The Mint to house their winery and tasting room. Their addition of such interesting touches as a candelabra in the brick-walled tasting room enriches the room’s historic charm. A tour of the thick-walled facility takes visitors to the downstairs catacombs, where wine barrels reside rather than stacks of gold bars.

When I asked what the number-one question asked by visitors is, Tim and Erin both exclaimed, “Our name!” Erin Glenn reflects their Irish heritage with Erin’s first name meaning “Ireland” in the old Gaelic language, and the word “glenn” meaning a secret valley. Erin Glenn’s logo further reinforces the Celtic branding. Inspired by one of artist Margaret Mackintosh’s drawings, the logo consists of a large Celtic knot at its top with four smaller knots representing the Schechtels’ four daughters making up the rest of the image.

At Erin Glenn’s large tasting bar, WineTrail trekkers can sample Bordeaux-style blends, cabernet sauvignon, dolcetto, gewürztraminer, sauvignon blanc, syrah, viognier, tempranillo, rosé, and dessert wines. While swirling and sipping, note the names of the wines; someone fueled by a quad latte and a healthy dose of imagination came up with these terrific names. For example, the most popular red blend, named in honor of Tim and Erin’s daughters, is Tantrum Red. Other names include Power Block Bordeaux Blend, Threemile Cabernet Sauvignon, and Blind Dog Estate Syrah. But my personal favorite is Velvet Ass Rosé. Nice.

If possible, time your visit for a Friday evening, when live music fills the air and light fare is served up from the downstairs kitchen. However, if a Friday-night visit isn’t in the cards, any time is perfect for experiencing this unique setting and tasting Erin Glenn wines — which are true expressions of the Columbia Gorge. I think this is the kind of place ol’ Abe would appreciate.