Winemakers and blues recording artists Tess and Patrik Barr, who have been making music together since the 1980s, quietly started making wine in Washington in 1992. For the first dozen years, their efforts were dedicated solely to crafting sparkling apple wine using the traditional methode champenoise.
In 2003, the family moved to Hood River, Oregon. They purchased vacant farmland at the foot of spectacular Mt. Hood in the picturesque valley of Hood River. The Barrs planted winegrapes and, as they waited for the vines to mature, they sourced Merlot, Syrah, and Malbec from longtime friends who had vineyards to the east. Tess and Patrik feel fortunate to have access to these grapes, plus the best varieties from other growers, to handcraft their Columbia Gorge- and Columbia Valley-designate wines.
For years, the Barrs called Hood Crest Winery a secret winery because they offered private tastings by appointment only. But it’s hard to keep good wine a secret forever. With the children grown and taking part in the winery operations, the secret is out. Now open to the public, Hood Crest is quickly becoming a destination winery.
The Hood Crest portfolio presents a long, inviting list of wines, all crafted by Tess, one of the only female winemakers in the Columbia Gorge AVA. Besides big red varietals— including Merlot, Malbec, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache—and some nice red blends, there are also a Gorge-style Pinot Noir, a lightly oaked Chardonnay, a crisp Riesling, and a Gewürztraminer that sells out far too quickly.
Hood Crest Winery has become a favorite spot for informal tastings of the fabulous boutique wines as well as the homemade pizzas. The pizza crust is made from scratch on the premises, handcrafted, and then baked in the Barrs’ commercial wood-fire oven to perfection— an ideal for pairing with Hood Crest’s wonderful wines.
For more information, please visit: hoodcrestwinery.com