Page 88 - SOM_FALL_2020_FLIPBOOK

neck of the woods | theatre
f ea tu r e | wine clubs

IRVINE & ROBERTS VINEYARDS NAUMES SUNCREST WINERY

Last September, Irvine & Roberts Vineyards hosted a wine club event, a For Naumes Suncrest Winery wine club members, picking up a new
Full Moon Dinner. People were seated at tables with friends, and with release isn’t just swiping your credit card and leaving. It’s an event—
strangers who didn’t remain so for long. They shared a meal and got food and wine and music. Last November, their Mississippi chef put
acquainted as they watched the luminous harbinger of night rise at a on a crawfish boil. Covid-19 changed everything. The event will now
perfect angle. accommodate smaller groups, perhaps stretching over a weekend. The
details—menu, logistics, etc. - are being worked out for the autumn
In 2016, however, two original club members experienced a uniquely event.
personal event. The couple had stopped by, unaware there was no tast-
ing room or winery yet. Owner Doug Irvine was onsite, so he led them Corey Schultz, Winery Director, notes the use of technology in the wine
to a special spot by the creek, poured a variety of wines, and chatted business being taken to new levels, including wine tastings on Zoom!
with them for several hours. They are planning a virtual wine dinner to connect with new members
in the Midwest. At a specified time, they will eat together—based on a
As Wine Club Manager Amira Makansi says, “It becomes a community.” pre-sent menu—and taste the new release they’ve received.
With the Covid changes, the winery and wine club members are finding
ways to encourage each other. Another couple, convivial, good-spirited Corey has always enjoyed seeing people connect and new relationships
people, found a way to help. The husband is a videographer and offered, form through the club. In this season, however, he feels it’s more about
pro bono, to film Chef Kris Elder preparing a meal and sharing that with the engagement factor than about the wine. “Right now, we need con-
club members. nection, and wine can be a medium to help people get through tough
times,” says Corey.

86 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2020