Sunday, August 12, 2012

Kramer Vineyards and Crawfish Deliciousness.

Kramer Vineyards
While Bear is off in the Gulf of Mexico chasing Physeter Macrocephalus aka Sperm Whales, I decided to treat myself and attend a Crawfish Boil at Kramer Vineyards.

For some, Twitter is a bother. For me, Twitter is a blessing as it has introduced me to some wonderful people who have become firm friends and the Kramer family are included in that small group. Over the summer Kramer Vineyards hosts various dinner events and I jumped at the chance to attend their Crawfish Boil dinner.  Kim, the fantastic and gorgeous winemaker, invited me to stay at Casa Kramer so I wouldn't have to make the long trek back to Corvallis at night.  In other words I could get my drunk on. (Mom, really I wasn't drunk, just a little relaxed.)

I love Kramer winery and was amazed to hear that some people in the Portland area have not visited this wonderful winery.  The very first time Bear and I visited the winery we were welcomed by the wonderful Ms. Angelene whose infectious smile and bubbly personality has you asking what is she on and where can I get some of that happiness, the fabulous Mrs. Trudy Kramer with her sun hat and her handful of fresh blooms and Kim, second generation winemaker.  Kim poured for us and watching her describe her wine and the process makes you feel as though you are intruding on an intimate moment.  Kim is very passionate about her wine and it shows. 

Mr. Kramer welcoming guests.
Relaxing and waiting for the dinner to commence.
Big Ron Sabin
The Kramer family knows how to put on a party and this event was finger licking, crawfish slurping deliciousness.  The music was provided by Big Ron Sabin and he provided the perfect winery event ambiance. I invited myself to sit with the wonderful Mike and my twin, Jacqui. Good choice as these peeps are my kind of peeps.


Fresh crawfish goodness.
The wonderful Kathy and Michelle, pourers of the happy juice.
Crawfish delicousness.
There was salad, but as Mike said, "This isn't a salad boil."
Kramer Rose of Pinot Noir - perfect pairing
My plate and my sippy cup.
My plate of awesomeness
Mr. Kramer with the incredible Pinot Noir 2002
Mr. Kramer surprised us all by opening a jeraboum of Kramer Pinot Noir Reserve 2002.  Everyone got to try it and it was mind blowing berry bursting velvety smooth heaven. Thank you Mr. Kramer for sharing with us one of your library wines.  

Fresh peach cobbler
Fresh whipped cream with basil.
After we all went up for seconds and some of us for thirds of dinner, dessert was served.  Fresh peach cobbler with fresh whipped basil cream.  *cue song* 'Heaven, I'm in heaven' I had a cup of coffee that was made from beans that Mr. Kramer roasts himself.  Not only does he make superb wine, he also makes superb coffee.

Much laughter, much wine and many sucking and slurping noises filled the vineyard and for the grand finale clear skies in which to witness the meteor shower.

Kramer Crew, you know how to throw one hell of a party.

28 comments:

  1. What an awesome night...I want to go next time!

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    1. Oh yes you must join next time. Thank your for visiting my blog.

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  2. Wow. Wow. Wow. Gorgeous photos. Glorious day. I love how you "winos" (I'm sure that's the correct term for a wine connoisseur) have all those highly technical descriptions for the wines (i.e., "mind blowing berry bursting velvety smooth heaven"). You're a poet!

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    1. My 7 word wine review! A few of us "winos" try to describe a wine in 7 words, very fruit forward don't you think? xox

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  3. Great write up! I definitely missed a fun-filled evening.

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    1. Thank you husband. Yes you missed a great evening, but there will be many more for you to attend. Love you much.

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  4. Wow, amazing spread. I dig the Kramers too. The friendliest winery folk in the industry. I'm craving some of that cobbler, yum.

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    1. Everything was delish. I agree, the Kramers are one of the friendliest, kindest folk in the industry.

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  5. Love simple, gorgeous food, good wine, great company, beautiful location - what a great evening x.

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    1. It was Lesley. I love living in the Willamette Valley, reminds me so much of Stellenbosch.

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  6. Jacqui and I really enjoyed visiting/eating/drinking wine with you. It was a fantastic evening, can't wait for the next event.

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    1. Please tell Jacqui I bitch slapped myself and then changed the spelling of her name.

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  7. OK, WOW! I'm going there!

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    1. Sandy when you are your wife visit Oregon you know we will be taking you to visit the Kramer family.

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  8. Wait a minute, so people think I'm on drugs when they meet me? ;) It does my heart good to hear such rave reviews. We put a lot of effort into our dinners and guest happiness is first priority. Thanks to you and all our guests. It was a pleasure to help host you!

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    1. Ever the sales person. You rock. You make me smile.

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  9. Everything looks delicious enough to swim in. That is Heaven, for sure.

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  10. Awesome pictures, great commentary, and you summed up so well what the Kramer Winery is all about; family, friends, and great wine.

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  11. Thank you for the incredibly kind words and for coming to our first-ever Crawfish Boil. I'm really proud of our team for organizing such a wonderful event, and grateful to everyone who attended to make this evening so memorable.

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  12. I wanted a part time job at a vineyard and I chose the Kramer's because they are just down to earth good folks and I'm so thankful they chose me as well. Wonderful wines, great wine club members, and The Kramers, Val, Michelle, Angelene are amazing to work with. See all of you next time. Life is good!

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    1. You couldn't be part of a better team. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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  13. I've never had crawfish but the peach cobbler and wine look amazing.

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  14. Serves me right for reading this before lunch, especially since I won't get home to have lunch for several hours still. That reminds me, I should pick up something for my own sippy-cup on the way back.

    By the way, TAG! You're it.

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  15. I am green enough to be Kermit. What a beautiful place to pig out and get your drink on. I could have put that more eloquently, but come on, a pile of crawfish and spectacular wine? No way would I have been able to nibble delicately and take lady like sips.

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  16. Confession: I have never eaten crawfish. But I want to! Because that all looks DELICIOUS!

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