Phelps Creek Story
So excited to tell you about spending time with the folks at Phelps Creek Vineyard.
Bob Morus was with our group for most of the day. He is President and Director of Winegrowing of Phelps Creek.
He moved to Hood River in 1989 with the goal of raising both wine grapes and kids.
Today he and his wife Lynette care for the estate, comprising 36 acres of vines.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area introduced Bob to Napa, Sonoma and Santa Clara Valleys.
His family moved to Danville, California in 1964.
As a kid, Bob read the San Francisco Chronicle’s coverage of the nascent wine explosion, noting bottles frequently graced our own and friends’ tables.
Then as an adult he flew in the Air Force and eventually became an airline pilot.
The Visit
During our visit, we found a tiny plane parked outside his garage – testament to his flying days.
The Dinner
Bob and Lynette hosted a lovely dinner incorporating their library wines, delicious farm fresh cuisine, and lots of stories.
Bob Morus Explains How Alexandra Roy Joined the Team in His own Words
“In 2007, I met the 27-year-old Alexandrine Roy. A mutual friend, Alan Busacca, owner of Alma Terra, contacted me saying that three French winemakers would be in Oregon prior to the International Pinot Noir Celebration. Alan asked if he could tour them through my vineyard, as they had never before seen the Gorge.”
“We accepted the offer to receive the vignerons, provided that we could also host them for lunch. A memorable July afternoon ensued where much wine and even more conversation poured. A few days later at the IPNC, I pitched Alexandrine about joining our team to make wine with us this (2007) vintage. Famously, during Saturday’s Salmon BBQ, Alexandrine accepted my offer by querying in a beautiful French accent, “soo is thees a proposition?”
“Why, why yes!” I sputtered and grinned over the prospects.
“Alexandrine has been with the Phelps Creek team ever since 2007. Typically she flies out to the winery 3-4 times each year. From 2007 through 2011 her primary task was to make Cuvée Alexandrine, a reserve level Pinot Noir, Fleur de Roy, a Rose of Pinot Noir, and most recently Coeur de Roy, a gorgeous Pinot Noir Blanc.”
“In 2011 we moved our wine production across the valley from Bickford’s, to my own estate. Beginning in 2012, Alexandrine assumed duties as Director of Winemaking when Rich Cushman left to pursue other projects.”
If you like this story you might like:
Umpqua Valley Oregon
Umpqua Valley Wines
