• Home
  • U.S. Destinations
    • Midwest
    • Northeast
    • Northwest
    • Southeast
    • Southwest
    • Coastal
  • International Destinations
    • Africa/Middle East
    • Antarctica/Arctic
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Food & Drink
    • For the Home
    • On The Town
    • At the Bar
    • Recipes
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Getting There
    • Staying There
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear & Gifts
    • People Stories
    • Focus on Photos
  • About
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
Confetti Travel Cafe
Celebrate travel, culture, connection
classic wines auction
At the Bar, Food & Drink, Food And Drink, Northwest, On The Town, U.S. Destinations 0

A Perfect Pairing from Classic Wines Auction: Noble Rot and Syncline Winery

By Julie Pacheco-Toye · On March 4, 2019


Wine loving, foodie philanthropists in Portland have a perfect opportunity, thanks to the Classic Wines Auction, to make a difference while exploring Portland’s considerable offering of world class cuisine and wines from the premiere winemakers in the region. Classic Wines Auction is celebrating their 35th anniversary, and the Winemaker Dinners Series is a popular event that takes place three times a year. They’ve raised over $46 million over the years to benefit eleven different local non-profit organizations.

classic wine auction

The Classic Wines Auction dinner at Noble Rot featured fine dining and wines from Syncline Winery at Noble Rot (Photo by Julie Pacheco-Toye)

Winemaker Dinner with Noble Rot and Syncline Winery

The Winemaker Dinner I attended provided an evening in the company of eighteen Portland wine and food aficionados at the super chic yet comfortable award-winning  Noble Rot. Guests enjoyed a very special wine pairing collaboration between Portland’s Noble Rot chef Leather Storrs and winemaker James Mantone of Lyle, Washington’s Syncline Winery.

Upon entering the intimate candlelit banquet room, guests were offered a glass of Brut bubbly and some herb ricotta puffs and had a chance to mingle a bit before the main event and to enjoy the stunning view of the nighttime Portland skyline. Many of the diners are repeat and even regular attendees of the Classic Wines Auction (CWA) Winemaker Dinners series and of the Annual Classic Wines Auction. Several of them had stories to share of other winemaker dinners they had attended in the past and told me that they try to attend at least one or two a year.

Noble Rot chef Leather Storrs chats with diners about the meal he’s prepared (Photo Julie Pacheco-Toye)

Non-Profits Gratefully Benefit

Jennifer and Gil Klemann are one of the couples who are frequent patrons, and in fact Jennifer has been involved as a Classic Wines Auction volunteer and has served on the Winemaker Dinner Committee.  She says that one of the things she loves about this series is the relationships she has forged at the event. Jennifer enjoys the intimate time with the winemakers.  She appreciates the chance to chat with them over a meal and learn from the winemakers about what makes each wine special to them.

Winemaker James Mantone of Syncline Vineyard (Photo Julie Pacheco-Toye)

Our hostess for the evening was Susan Sundberg, from the Clark County YWCA, one of the five local non-profits that the proceeds will benefit, and she spoke about the different services and programs offered there, giving a personal touch to the philanthropic element of the event. Syncline winemaker James Mantone and his wife Poppie Mantone, General Manager of Syncline Winery, sat at the table with us to enjoy the meal prepared by Noble Rot chef Leather Storrs.

classic wines auction Syncline winery

Syncline winemaker James Mantone and Poppie Mantone, General Manager of Syncline Winery, (Photo by Julie Pacheco-Toye)

A Fundraiser Dinner That Was as Educational as it Was Delicious

At the beginning of the dinner and at various points throughout, both James and Leather would get up to explain what we were about to taste, what the inspirations behind the dishes and the pairings were, and detailed information about the grapes and the production of the wines. The meal was as educational as it was delicious.

Guests learned about the old world wine-making processes employed by Syncline, and the growing conditions required by the various grapes.  I appreciated learning about what I think is my new favorite wine, the 2016 Mourvèdre. The Mourvèdre grapes originated in Spain and are not easy to grow in the Pacific Northwest.  James explained that the grapes are grown on Red Mountain in the Tri-Cities, Yakima Valley area, one of the hottest place in the state. Mourvèdre is a very full-bodied red wine best served with meats or with richly flavored foods, and Leather paired it with a braised and grilled lamb shoulder, slow-roasted carrots, and a ragout of potatoes and wild mushrooms.

Noble Rot Chef Leather Storrs

Noble Rot Chef Leather Storrs carefully pairs his meal with the wines served for the Winemaker Dinner. (Photo by Julie Pacheco-Toye)

More Dinner Highlights

Other highlights of the meal were a shrimp bisque with Meyer lemon quinoa and crispy shallots, and the fried chicken with a white root puree and caper and olive sauce.

The spectacular vegetarian dish specially prepared for a couple of the guests must be mentioned despite the fact that it wasn’t part of the main planned menu.  Here’s how Leather describes it: “It was developed by our Sous Chef, Trey Jackson. It consists of a lion’s mane mushroom, brined, smoked and roasted. The other mushroom is a king Oyster that is hollowed out and filled with potato and celery root purée. A slow roasted carrot sitting on garlicky pea shoots rounds out the plate. The sauce is an attempt at vegan beef jus. With lots of caramelized vegetables, mushroom stems, red wine and nutritional yeast. A vegan steak plate is the aim!”

The wines were all stellar, but especially the 2016 Carignan-Grenache, the afore-mentioned Mourvèdre, and the 2016 Syrah, both rich reds.

(Photo Julie Pacheco-Toye)

(Photo Julie Pacheco-Toye)

Classic Wines Auction: Offering One of a Kind Culinary Experience

If enjoying outstanding dinners at premier restaurants, while also learning about the cuisine and wine and making a difference in your community sounds right up your alley, you’re in luck.  The next series of CWA Winemaker Dinners is in April, and if the Noble Rot/Syncline Winery dinner is typical, you’ll love this one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Portland’s Noble Rot has been a Portland staple for food and wine lovers since 2002. (Photo Julie Pacheco-Toye)

(Photo Julie Pacheco-Toye)

For More:

  • Classic Wines Auction, https://www.classicwinesauction.com/
  • WineMakerDinners, https://www.winemakersdinnerspdx.com/
  • Noble Rot, noblerotpdx.com/
  • Syncline Winery, https://www.synclinewine.com
  • On our site: Let the Wines Come to You at Local Wine Events

-All photos by Julie Pacheco-Toye.

Download PDF
charity dinnersClassic Wines AuctionColumbia Gorge AVAJames MantoneLeather StorrsNoble RotOregonPortlandPortland restaurantsrestaurantsSyncline WineryTri-CitieswineWinemaker DinnersYakima Wine Valley
Share Tweet

Julie Pacheco-Toye

Julie Pacheco-Toye is a high school Spanish teacher and a student, dancer and performer of flamenco. She's also an amateur photographer studying the art of travel photography. She loves to travel and to capture all the beauty she finds in the world when she travels. See more of her work at JuliePachecoToye.pixels.com and Abriendo Caminos.

You Might Also Like

  • Redding California Sacramento River Coastal

    Top 10 Things to Do in Redding, California

  • breckenridge colorado Southwest

    Breckenridge Colorado: A Destination to Swoon Over

  • on Mackinac Island Erin Coyle Coastal

    Enjoy These Six Activities on Mackinac Island

No Comments

Leave a reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Like What You See? Write For us!

We're always interested in publishing new stories that celebrate travel, culture and connection. Take a look at our Submission Guidelines and pitch your story.

Follow Us on Instagram

Follow on Instagram

Our Contributors!

We love our Contributors and enjoy building a community of writers. Take a look at who’s writing for Confetti Travel Cafe on our Contributors page!

Recent Comments

  • Nancy Zaffaro on The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
  • Kepler Newman on The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
  • Nancy Zaffaro on Pub Classic: Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
  • aabella aabella on Pub Classic: Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
  • Nancy Zaffaro on How to Choose an International Yoga Retreat
  • Yoga Teacher Training on How to Choose an International Yoga Retreat

Archives

  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Mediterranean Isles: Viking Mars Reunion Cruise for Viking Sky Survivors
  • Adventure-Seekers: Try These Thrilling Activities in Dubai
  • Staying Within Your Vacation Budget
  • Top 10 Things to Do in Redding, California
  • The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
  • Calafia, Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico’s Napa Valley
  • 5 Budget-friendly Outdoor Wedding Destinations
  • Home
  • Our Site
  • Contributors
  • Write To Us
  • Write For Us
  • Work With Us
  • Disclosure

Categories

  • Africa/Middle East (16)
  • Antarctica/Arctic (1)
  • Art & Culture (27)
  • Asia (32)
  • At the Bar (61)
  • Canada (4)
  • Coastal (47)
  • Europe (45)
  • Food & Drink (148)
  • Food And Drink (77)
  • For the Home (39)
  • Getting There (32)
  • International (106)
  • International Destinations (131)
  • Mexico/Central America/Carribean (14)
  • Midwest (9)
  • Northeast (16)
  • Northwest (80)
  • Oceania (9)
  • On The Town (80)
  • Outdoors (25)
  • People Stories (25)
  • Recipes (31)
  • South America (8)
  • Southeast (42)
  • Southwest (22)
  • Staying There (56)
  • Travel & Lifestyle (91)
  • Travel Destinations (22)
  • Travel Gear & Gifts (33)
  • Travel Tips (77)
  • U.S. (95)
  • U.S. Destinations (163)
  • Uncategorized (1)

Recent Posts

  • Mediterranean Isles: Viking Mars Reunion Cruise for Viking Sky Survivors
  • Adventure-Seekers: Try These Thrilling Activities in Dubai
  • Staying Within Your Vacation Budget
  • Top 10 Things to Do in Redding, California
  • The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
  • Calafia, Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico’s Napa Valley
  • 5 Budget-friendly Outdoor Wedding Destinations

Tag Cloud

Old Town Scottsdale Rail Yard Little Rock Eugene Gabriel salt caves Tennessee River Dr. Who Windhoek Capitol Cider Duke's ADA museum Central America Clingmans Dome caboose flamenco Mardi Gras parades air travel Belcanto di Bellussi phone apps St. Simons Island ghost tours Tiffany Turner outoodrs Lilly Miller Donburi seafood recipes artisan chocolates Jalisco kangaroos Breckenridge Colorado shrimp with okra Gullah Refinery premium teas Ayers Rock Floria U.S. National Whitewater Center Vyšehrad Dawn Damico Franklin

© 2021 Confetti Travel Cafe. All rights reserved.