Oregon Pinot, Washington Syrah, and… heavy metal? Believe it or not, all three fit right into this episode’s deep dive into the Pacific Northwest, one of the world’s most exciting (and misunderstood) wine regions.Fresh off a National Geographic wine cruise through the Columbia and Snake Rivers, host Amanda McCrossin is joined by journalist, educator, and senior editor at JancisRobinson.com Samantha Cole-Johnson. In this enlightening (and, of course, unfiltered) conversation, Amanda and Sam get into Washington’s red-hot Rocks District, where to eat and drink in Portland, and—HOT TAKE ALERT—why Oregon might actually be best suited to white wines. Whether you’re Pinot-obsessed, Syrah-curious, or just wondering what to do on your next trip to the PNW wine country, this one’s for you

2023 Tior Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

📢 Links & Mentions

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  Follow Samantha Cole-Johnson on Instagram
  For updates on her wine reviews, blind tasting series, and more.
  👉 @samanthacolejohnson

  
  


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  Read Samantha’s work on JancisRobinson.com
  Check out her writing and the “Wine News in Five” feature.
  👉 📰 Wine News in Five – read on JancisRobinson.com

  
  

  👉🎧 Wine News in Five -- listen to the Podcast

  
  

• 
  

  Nat Geo x Lindblad Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise
  The wine-adventure cruise Amanda went on.
  👉 Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey

  
  

• 
  

  Kann Restaurant (Portland)
  Amanda’s top meal of 2024.
  👉 Kann Portland

  
  


• 
  

  Coquine Restaurant
  Highly praised spot in Portland mentioned by Samantha.
  👉 Coquine Portland

  
  


• 
  

  Bar Casa Vale
  For Spanish wine and Sherry in Portland.
  👉 Bar Casa Vale

  
  


• 
  

  St. Jack & Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
  Favorite neighborhood spots also mentioned in the episode.
  👉 St. Jack | Lovely’s Fifty Fifty

  
  


• 
  

  Blood of Gods Wine x Metal Festival (Walla Walla)
  Yes, it’s real—and Samantha is speaking at it.
  👉 Blood of Gods

  
  

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