👻 The ghostly winery you need to visit


Hi Reader,

It’s been a busy start to the year! If you’re planning out your 2025 wine adventures (because same 🙋‍♀️), I’ve got you covered.

I’m working on a whole bunch of new wine country itineraries that should be ready next month. In the meantime, you can find the latest ones here.

🔍 Speaking of adventures…

Let me tell you about a winery that’s equal parts wine and mystery: Ghost Hill Cellars.

I recently had the chance to join a virtual tasting with Bernadette and Cam, two of the lovely humans behind this family-owned winery.

They shared stories about their vineyard on Savannah Ridge in the Willamette Valley, where their family has farmed the land since 1906.

👻 A Spooky Story

The winery was named after the legend of a gold prospector who camped on the ridge in the late 1800s. He planned to sell his treasure but met an untimely end when both he and his horse were killed, and his gold was stolen.

Some say his ghost still roams the ridge, searching for his lost fortune. (But don’t worry, he hasn’t crashed a tasting yet!)

🍷 Their wines, though? Totally haunting…in the best way.

  • 2021 Bayliss Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir: Feels like cozying up by a fire on a crisp evening. With red cherry, raspberry, warm spices, and silky smooth tannins, it’s elegant yet comforting. Perfect with salmon or lamb.
  • Pinot Noir Blanc: One of the first white Pinots in the valley (and a best seller for a reason). Crisp, refreshing, and made for carefree sunny afternoons.

👉 If you’re heading to the Willamette Valley this year or looking for new Pinots to try, put Ghost Hill Cellars on your list!

Cheers,

Laura

P.S. Check out my guide to Ghost Hill Cellars and learn about the haunting story behind this Willamette Valley gem.

Ghost Hill Cellars generously sent me the wine for this tasting. While the wine was gifted, the opinions (and enthusiasm) are all mine.


Did one of your wine-loving friends forward you this email? Want more like it?

P.O. Box 44, Pinehurst, MA 01866
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Wine Travelista

Hi! I'm Laura, your go-to source for all things wine and wanderlust. Whether you're a wine newbie or a seasoned pro, I'm here to help you experience the same joy and education that wine country travel has brought me. From wine travel basics to wine region guides to done-for-you itineraries, I make planning a wine tasting trip simple…and fun!

Read more from Wine Travelista

Hi Reader, Let’s play a game of choose your own adventure… You’re walking down a quiet street in Florence, Italy, when you spot a small door in the wall. A sign says “wine,” and there’s a bell. Do you ring it? Heck yes! Let's see what happens. Nah, I’d rather keep walking and forever wonder what could’ve been. If you picked yes, good decision! The little door opens and someone asks what kind of wine you’d like. You place your order, and just like that, a hand passes you a glass. That’s a wine...

Hi Reader, If you're looking to explore a lesser-known U.S. wine region with small producers, vineyard views, and cool-climate wines, this one's for you. The Hudson Valley has been growing grapes longer than any other wine region in New York, but somehow it still flies under the radar. And it’s quietly turning out some great bottles of Cabernet Franc, Riesling, sparkling wine, and more. The region is pretty spread out, so I’ve rounded up 4 wineries close together that are great for a day or...

Hi Reader, Looking for a winter getaway that combines wine, food, and adventure? You don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy wine country! 🍷❄️ New York’s Hudson Valley pairs wine tasting with farm-to-table dining and winter activities, while the nearby Catskills offers skiing and craft beverages. I recently explored both destinations for Matador Network. Here’s where to play, eat, and stay for the ultimate winter escape. Hudson Valley 🎨 Play – Spot bald eagles along the Hudson River, wander...