Step into the world of Kelsey Glasser, the visionary behind Portland’s renowned Arden PDX, where wine, food, and art seamlessly blend in one unforgettable dining experience. In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, Kelsey shares her journey from growing up with a passion for Shakespeare to becoming one of Portland’s most respected restaurateurs. Discover how her deep love for storytelling and the arts, combined with a dedication to locally-sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients, led to the creation of Arden—a sanctuary for food and wine enthusiasts.

Kelsey opens up about the inspiration behind Arden’s name, drawn from Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and how the philosophy of escape, rejuvenation, and empowerment plays a pivotal role in her restaurant’s ethos. We explore her early days as a theater major, the challenges of running a restaurant through the pandemic, and the joys of collaborating with some of Oregon’s top winemakers. From blind tastings of rare vintages to her love for experimenting with new projects like house-made wines, Kelsey is always pushing boundaries in the culinary world.

In this engaging conversation, you’ll hear stories about the magic of winemaker dinners, the resilience of her team, and how Arden has become a place where Portland’s vibrant food and wine scene thrives. Whether you’re a wine lover, food enthusiast, or just curious about what it takes to create an iconic dining spot, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a lot of heart. Tune in to discover how Kelsey Glasser is shaping the future of Portland’s culinary landscape, one glass of wine at a time.

In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we sit down with Anthony Sereni, head winemaker at Flâneur Wines, to dive deep into his fascinating journey from rollerblading in the streets of Philadelphia to making world-class wines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Anthony’s path to winemaking is anything but traditional—starting with a love for roller hockey that morphed into a passion for viticulture and winemaking during his travels in New Zealand.

Throughout the conversation, Anthony reflects on his early days in the wine industry, the invaluable mentorship he received, and how working at top wineries like Archery Summit shaped his approach to winemaking. He shares stories from his time working with renowned winemakers like Kate Payne Brown and Grant Coulter, and how these experiences have influenced his style at Flâneur Wines.

Anthony also discusses the nuances of working with varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Aligoté, as well as Flâneur’s focus on sparkling wines. He reveals what it’s like to step into the role of head winemaker and his vision for the future of Flâneur, all while maintaining a commitment to the principles of thoughtful winemaking.

The conversation takes unexpected turns, from Anthony’s love for rock climbing and literature to how his journey to New Zealand sparked a deeper appreciation for agriculture and sustainable farming. Through humor, humility, and deep insights, Anthony opens up about the joys and challenges of making wines that truly reflect the land they come from.

If you’ve ever wondered about the creativity and dedication that go into making wine, this episode offers an engaging and inspiring look into the life of a winemaker who is always learning and evolving. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Flâneur Wines and the incredible journey that led Anthony Sereni to where he is today.

In this insightful episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we sit down with Brenda Smola-Foti and Frank Foti, the passionate minds behind The Ground, a multifaceted project in Oregon's Willamette Valley that encompasses sustainable farming, agritourism, and hospitality. Brenda and Frank share their journey of turning a dream into reality, starting with a humble 33-acre farm and expanding it into a thriving ecosystem that connects people with nature.

They share their experiences and the challenges of water scarcity in the region, leading to innovative solutions such as regenerative practices and permaculture. Their vision for The Ground goes beyond traditional farming. It's about creating immersive experiences that reconnect people with the land, be it through farm-to-table dining at their restaurant Humble Spirit, or offering agritourism experiences that leave lasting impressions on their guests.

Throughout the episode, we explore their commitment to sustainability, the importance of community, and the joy they find in bringing people closer to nature. Whether you’re curious about farming, wine, or just want to hear a fascinating story of resilience and innovation, this episode will leave you inspired.

Tune in as Brenda and Frank share their passion for sustainable living, the creation of The Ground, and their plans for the future, including a vineyard and winery venture rooted in regenerative viticulture. It’s a conversation about building something meaningful and leaving behind a legacy of love and respect for the planet.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that’s all about connection—between people, land, and the natural world.