Wheatridge in the Nook

I paced around the tasting room and looked at the open wine bottles on the counter. I was the only one there. I contemplated grabbing a wineglass and giving myself a healthy pour, but resisted the temptation. I walked outside, gave the winery dog a few pats, and looked around. No one in sight. That was my experience at Wheatridge in the Nook … but not quite.

The information I had for Wheatridge in the Nook noted that it was open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but requested that visitors “please call ahead.” So I called and left a message that I would be there later. Without confirming it would be open, I hit the road, mistakenly thinking someone would be there when I arrived.

Once you get off I-84 and head up the hill toward Philippi Canyon, the rolling wheatfields of eastern Oregon take over. After a few miles, I pulled the car over and got out, camera in hand. It was amazingly quiet and at the same time, breathtaking. I realized that Wheatridge in the Nook’s literature had come to life: “Hidden in the gentle folds of ‘The Nook’ between the John Day and Columbia rivers, the golden rows of wheat lay next to acres of lush green grape vines.”

I didn’t taste any Wheatridge in the Nook wines that day, but I did witness the hard work Larry Bartlemay invested to create his winery. There was dedicated space for winemaking, and equipment spread across the grounds. On the porch, an Adirondack chair beckoned visitors to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. I was aware that Larry’s farm had been in the family for more than 100 years. I wanted to get his take on that history; stories of the Depression, paralyzing winter storms, droughts, that sort of thing. I figured the next time I would get my chance to meet Larry.

I know some folks say things happen for a reason. In this case, I can vouch for that. Later that day, I was at The Gorge White House wine shop outside Hood River on Highway 35. I spotted among the other local wines a bottle of Wheatridge in the Nook’s 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, with its distinctive black and gold label. I sprung for it and took it home. Several weeks later, I paired this cabernet sauvignon with some baby back ribs fresh off the barbecue. I can tell you this about Wheatridge in the Nook: Larry Bartlemay makes mighty fine wine!