Hood River Hotel Insider

Some of the art on display as of March 7 at The Pines 1852 tasting room, part of its preview show for the Gorge Artists Open Studios tour in April. This piece is by artist Judy Harvey.

When people think of The Pines 1852 — its wines, and tasting room — the word “old” frequently sips over their lips. That’s because the winery builds at least some of its wine from grapes growing at one of the oldest vineyards in Oregon.

The “old-vine” zinfandel juice first found its way to the public palate through the talents of Peter Rosback, who later founded the Sineann label, and later still, agreed to oversee winemaking for The Pines 1852.

Lonnie Wright, owner and viticulturist of The Pines 1852 winery.

Lonnie Wright bought and began managing the old-vine zinfandel vineyard near The Dalles in the early 1980s. By best estimate, he figures the vines were planted in the late 1800s (not 1852).

Since buying the vineyard, Wright has expanded acreage under cultivation, and added varietals such as merlot and syrah.

About six years ago, Wright and his family — wife Linda and daughter Sierra leading the way — opened their tasting room in downtown Hood River, two blocks from the Hood River Hotel, at the corner of 2nd and State streets. It’s become a go-to destination for social events, wine tasting — and art.

Two years ago, The Pines added an extensive display of contemporary art, curated by longtime arts educator and gallerist, Marty Rudolph. When Rudolph moved on to new ventures in the summer of 2011, the Wrights engaged John Roz to curate selections for The Pines gallery.

For several years, Roz operated his own popular gallery across the Columbia River in the town of White Salmon, Wash., until a disastrous fire a few years back. He still loves matching collectors up with artists.

“Matching the client with the art that they enjoy is the most enjoyable part of the job,” he says.

Roz loves to feature local artists, but he believes strongly that small towns deserve to see quality art, whatever the source.

“I always thought it was important to bring fine art to the local community, not just folk art,” he says. “I try to bring in national, known artists, not just emerging artists.”

He’ll be doing that in coming months. Beginning on April 6, the gallery will show work by Joanne Shellan, whose work has been chosen to hang in the Washington governor’s mansion. In May, Roz brings in work by Brad Caplis, who had his work on the mansion’s walls two years ago.

For artists, The Pines 1852 gallery and tasting room is a great venue — especially when a major event settles in. Sierra Wright, who handles sales and marketing for The Pines, says the room can hold up to 300 people. At the bar, guests will find a choice of five or six wines. Tasting runs $5, with the cost applied to the first bottle purchase.

Sierra notes that tasting room staff try to avoid guiding expectations of tasters.

“We want you to be the judge, not have us tell  you what to think,” she says. “It’s such a personal thing.”

Young — or old.

Tags: Brad Caplis, Joanne Shellan