Page 126 - Southern Oregon Magazine Spring 2019

chow | local habit 541.955.5311
301 SE 6th St., Grants Pass
Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Denner decided to produce his wines in this fashion because he wanted
an honest wine with minimal interference. He admits that his win-
emaking process involves more labor and time than the usual process
used by most wineries. The drawback to the process is that there is less
wine produced.

The unique back-to-basics winemaking process includes fermenta-
tion of the whole cluster of grapes including the stems that are gently
stomped by foot immediately after harvest. The manual punch down of
grapes are done multiple times a day during the fermentation process
in order to break up the thick cap of grape solids that rise to the top of
the tank. This method is used as a gentle way to mix the solids into the
liquid. Once fermentation is complete, the liquids are pressed off the
solids using a bladder press.

Simple Machine uses only native yeasts in the fermentation process and
there are no concentrated yeast strains added. Further, simple gravity
and siphons are used instead of mechanical pumps to move the juice
between the vessels. About one ton of liquid is produced an hour verses
Shun the mechanical process which yields about ten to twenty tons per hour.
Additionally, the wines essentially have minimal cellar intervention.
Classic, Premier, This clean method of production provides the purest manner of grape
Kanso, & Sora Lines essence. The results are an authentic and tasty lifeblood.

AVAILABLE AT THE KITCHEN COMPANY As Denner explains, he wants “to keep things simple” in his grape pro-
cess, so that they will be able to offer “an honest expression of what
happened in the vineyard that year.” Simple Machine produces about
600 cases of wine per year and plans to stay small so that they can give
people the wines they love.

Establishing the winery and tasting room has been a relatively smooth
and collaborative adventure. Friends in the business have allowed
Denner a facility in which to make his wines and Denner repays the
favor with harvesting and bottling. This dynamic duo is committed and
passionate about delivering an exceptional product to those seeking an
unadulterated wine tasting experience.

Simple Machine offers a rapidly growing wine club membership, and
have reached 70 percent of their anticipated membership. Offering
two wine releases per year in the spring and fall, members receive two
free tasting flights per visit, free local wine pickup, first choice on new
wines and specials, and online account management. Simple Machine
plans to keep their wine club small so that they can provide the best
wines and service to their members.

With much anticipation and excitement, the new 2018 wine releases
as well as a pending apple cider release is due out in the early summer.
Simple Machine Urban Tasting Room and Winery is most definitely
worth a visit for those wine enthusiasts seeking a distinctive wine
experience.
Open Late Everyday
Happy Hour daily 4 - 6:30
541-488-1115 Simple Machine Urban Tasting Room and Winery
alchemyashland.com 717 S Pacific Hwy, Talent
35 S. 2nd St. Ashland, Or 541-897-0688
www.simplemachinewine.com

124 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | spring 2019