Rustic elegance might be the best way to describe the on-set of a recent Eugene Oregon excursion I took through wine country. Our wine blogger conference excursion group was courted by some great people from  Eugene Cascade Coast and AMTRAK. This historic restored 19th century barn is the home to Heidi Tunnell Catering Company. Heidi may live in a small town, but this is no run of the mill catering as she took home the title of Iron Chef OR in 2011.

We were happily greeted in the barn by Heidi and a cold glass of bubbles on an unusually hot afternoon. She shared about how the property was purchased by her grandfather for 50 cents an acre. At one time the farm was 1,000 acres, but down now down under a 100. The 1939-ish Chevy truck was also Heidi's grandfathers and now brings a rural historic vibe to this top notch iron chefs farm.

While we sipped local small producers of artisan wines, we nibbled on some fine finger foods. Heidis' style embraces local farmed/raised foods. The photo above shows off her cured bacon, tomato, lettuce, and mayo sandwich. Take note, that bacon did not come from the grocery store. 

The elegant delectables just kept coming out, including blue cheese and pecan cracker of their own farm raised beef with caramelized onion aioli while we drank a Capitello Pinot Noir. The local foods and wines were a fantastic kick-off in rustic elegance. Next stop, King Estate.

As the bus approached the King Estate, one could not help thinking of such an appropriate name due to the size and gandjeur of this beautiful vineyard. We recieved a warm greeting by Elizabeth the wine club/sales manager for King Estate and a very nice welcome that included their refreshing Pinot Gris and a fantastic cheese plate.

Elizabeth showed us the palace estate, Oregons largest certified organic vineyard at just over 1,000 total acres. 

The shear size of the winery combined with its beauty was impressive. The Kings restaurant overlooks vineyards with both indoor and outdoor seating.

When it comes to barrel rooms, this one has to go on a list of pretty barrel rooms within the US. 

Jason on our tour even offered to replace the fork lift.

For those willing to brave the four story flight of stairs were rewarded with a 360 view of the winery. About half of us didn't think twice and moved quickly to take a peak. Along the way hundreds of library wines could be seen lining the walls.

We were then shown to the elegant restaurant offering locally grown organic ingrediants. Looking at this menu the evening just seemed to be getting better.

The crab cakes at Kings restaurant were amongst the very best bites placed before me while in Oregon and on the short list for favorite crab cakes.

After only our first fantastic day in Southern Oregon wine country, one might have to ask why they hadn't visited sooner. It simply brought on an increased excitment for what else was still yet to come.

Day Two: Off to Pfeiffer for Robin Pfeiffers Pinot Clinic. 

Pinot Noir is a wine that can be very exciting and hearing that we would be treated to a "Pinot Clinic" simply got attention. 

Our tour was welcomed by the Pfeifers out front of their tasting room. Our gracious hosts provided insights to the history of the family sheep ranch that was once active during Robins' (on the left) childhood. Robin indicated that the coyotes won over the sheep and that a vineyard seemed more appealing. 

We were invited to enter the wine tasting room where we tasted several vintages of Pinot Noir, including their prized 2005 that was served in the White House. 

One of Robins points of interest in his Pinot Clinic included how wine experts look at the color of wine through a candle to view it from all angles.

After the Pinot Clinic, we were invited to the gorgeous vineyard grounds with Robin as he spoke about viticulture. This is an easy location to get trigger happy with a camera. They say a picture says a thousand words, and if that is true then this post might equate to Gone With The Wind or a Stephen King like novel.

After soaking up the wine and beauty of Pfeiffer Vineyards, it was time to head to Portland for the Wine Bloggers Conference. Our fun, entertaining winemakers saw us off.

Portland bound: from the Eugen train station. 

Our train made its stop after traveling from Los Angeles and headed for Portland. Our group was exscorted on by Rose from AMTRAK and shown to a car for wine tasting.

Traveling by train through Oregon one looking out their window might catch some interesting sights certainly not seen in Los Angeles.

This was a well organized trip during the hottest days of the year. Fortunately with a combination of shade, correct temperture wines with a little a/c made for a nice trip through southern Oregon wine country. Thanks to Meg, Holly, and Rose for arranging a nice wine tour. I'll be back Eugene!