Page 30 - Southern Oregon Magazine Winter 2021

NEW PORT DISTILLING
NEW DISTILLERY OPENING IN MEDFORD

ew Port Distilling has opened a new tasting room in the Medford
Narea. They are a small batch distillery that exclusively distills gin
and vodka, as well as crafting new cocktails for guests. Currently the
tasting room offers flights and small plates from the Oregon Cheese
Cave, but future plans include food trucks, expanded tasting menus, and
curated cocktail classes and experiences.

New Port Distilling was founded in January of 2020, exclusively selling
to restaurants and liquor stores. With the opening of the tasting room,
they’re excited to take this new step in introducing themselves to the
Rogue Valley. Current tasting hours are 2-8 Saturday and Sunday, and
5-9 Monday and Tuesday. New Port Distilling is located at 201 Bateman
Dr, Ste 23 in Central Point.

For future updates find New Port Distilling on Facebook, or
follow them on Instagram.

THE PUNCH HOUSE
A NEW WINE LABEL IN
SOUTHERN OREGON

on and Melissa LeBarsis announce their
Jnew wine label, The Punch House. For
some, the name means they make adult
punch; others recognize that they exclusively use punch downs in their
wine making. But the LeBarsis’s preferred explanation is, “Whatever
‘house’ our wines are in, may they punch up the moment to create a
lasting impression full of magic and wonder, and be a bridge for bringing
loved ones together.”

Like many, the couple caught the wine bug while driving through the
Applegate Valley drinking Syrah and Viognier—or maybe it was the
Willamette Valley, drinking Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Location aside,
they fell in love with wine and knew they could put their own spin on
this thousands-year-old drink of the gods. After obtaining a winemaking
degree, then working at wineries learning what to do and what not to
do, they started collecting pieces of basic equipment—a couple barrels
and grapes from some exceptional vineyard sites.

Jon is the winemaker. Melissa is his assistant, as well as handling behind
the scenes operations. Their primary goal is to create magnificently,
terroir-driven, beautiful wines. They first released a Provencé style dry
Rosé of Pinot Noir and a Southern Oregon Petite Sirah. In 2021, they’re
releasing a South Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and what they’re deter-
mined will be the best Sauvignon Blanc in the valley.

The Punch House wines are currently available in Southern Oregon
wine bars and restaurants.

www.PunchHouseWine.com

28 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | winter 2021