Gail Oberst

Oregon

Freelance Writer at Capital Press

Writer, editor, girlfriend, wife, Q. Mum, Oma, cosmic traveler

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Articles

Planning for the Double-Density Orchard

2 months ago | wcngg.com | Gail Oberst

Is planting double-density hazelnut trees, the technique of overplanting a young orchard, a money-making tactic for your orchard? The answer is maybe yes, and maybe no, according to two Willamette Valley farms operated by Dan and JoAnn Keeley, and Jason Perrott and his family. The decision to double or not varies with each farm’s situation.
Cork and Comfort

2 months ago | oregonwinepress.com | Gail Oberst

January 31, 2025Be inspired by these food and wine pairings from the Umpqua Valley By Gail Oberst Maybe it’s been raining for two weeks straight, and you’re stir-crazy. Maybe your Valentine just dumped you, and the media’s background roar of perfect love is drowning out your natural default to self-love. Maybe the kids are driving you crazy.
2024 OWP Person of the Year: Eugenia Keegan

Jan 17, 2025 | oregonwinepress.com | Gail Oberst

January 1, 2025Jackson Family Wines & Keegan Cellars Story by Gail Oberst Eugenia Keegan, who recently completed her 50th harvest season, has been chosen the 2024 Oregon Wine Press Person of the Year. “Eugenia has been incredibly successful at promoting Oregon, our wines and sustainable farming practices around the world.
Plaisance Ranch: Beef and wine share terroir

Dec 5, 2024 | capitalpress.com | Gail Oberst

WILLIAMS, Ore. — It took a long time for Joe and Suzi Ginet, owners of the Plaisance Ranch, to fulfill their family’s dream. Now, with three generations behind them, the Ginets operate a 210-acre ranch with 250 Angus cross cattle, as well as a unique winery and affiliated vineyard and nursery. kAm|2?J @7 E96 G:?6D E92E AC@5F46 !=2:D2?46 H:?6D — E96 uC6?49 ?2>6 >62?D “A=62DFC23=6” — 2C6 7C@> y@6’D 2?46DEC2= H:?6\8C@H:?8 G:==286 :?
Hazelnut Growers Gather in Oregon for Summer Tour

Oct 19, 2024 | wcngg.com | Gail Oberst

“People think I’m crazy,” said Matt Miller, whose family has farmed Miller Hazelnut Farms for five generations. The current president of the Nut Growers Society which promotes promoting nuts grown in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Miller said his innovative practices have changed the landscape of the farm’s 185 acres since his great-great grandfather staked a claim on the floor of the Willamette Valley.
McMenamin’s: Brewer switches to making wine

Sep 5, 2024 | capitalpress.com | Gail Oberst

TROUTDALE, Ore. — The former 1911 Multnomah County Poor Farm is now the center of McMenamins’ bustling wine production at Edgefield. It is an apt place for winemaker Davis Palmer — not because he was destitute when he arrived at McMenamins Edgefield in 1995, but because he arrived with a passion for beer, and found an unexpected refuge in winemaking. Palmer had been a homebrewer with intentions to work for a brewery when he took a job as a line cook at Edgefield.
Naked Grazing: Flocking to the vineyards

Sep 5, 2024 | capitalpress.com | Gail Oberst

MONMOUTH, Ore. — Last summer Jared Lloyd, a multi-generational sheep rancher whose flocks graze Northwest vineyards, was part of a panel for the renowned International Pinot Noir Celebration in nearby McMinnville. The annual weekend wine festival’s $1,746 price tag was not in his budget, but his unique practices earned him entry. kAm“xE’D ?@E E96 4C@H5 x FDF2==J CF? H:E9[” ;@<65 E96 @H?6C @7 }2<65 vC2K:?8[ H9@D6 9@>6 32D6 :D :?
McMenamins: Brewer switches to making wine

Sep 5, 2024 | capitalpress.com | Gail Oberst

TROUTDALE, Ore. — The former 1911 Multnomah County Poor Farm is now the center of McMenamins’ bustling wine production at Edgefield. It is an apt place for winemaker Davis Palmer — not because he was destitute when he arrived at McMenamins Edgefield in 1995, but because he arrived with a passion for beer, and found an unexpected refuge in winemaking. Palmer had been a homebrewer with intentions to work for a brewery when he took a job as a line cook at Edgefield.
Counter Culture

Jul 1, 2024 | oregonwinepress.com | Gail Oberst

FOODJuly 1, 2024Willamette Valley Vineyards’ new chef’s counter dining experience By Gail Oberst Although definitely not your grandpa’s lunch counter, the warm personal service in front of the grill feels similar. The Chef’s Counter at Willamette Valley Vineyards’ Estate tasting room kicks up the lunch experience about 10 notches. It includes four small plates, each paired with a different wine, while watching chef Jarred Henry create dishes that resemble art, yet taste like home.
Santiam Dairy: Experience is the key

Jun 6, 2024 | capitalpress.com | Gail Oberst

TURNER, Ore. — Drew Johnson has lately become a bit of a dairy star. The part-owner of Santiam Dairy with his wife, Jennifer, and in-laws, the DeVries, pops up in a series of YouTube videos touting Western Oregon dairying, sponsored by Darigold, the co-op to which they belong. kAmt2C?6DE 2?5 6?6C86E:4 @? D4C66?[ y@9?D@? 56D4C:36D 9:D 324<8C@F?5 2?5 42C66C[ 2? 2AE 52:CJ :?7=F6?46C]k^AmkAm{2DE J62C[ 96 H2D 2AA@:?E65 E@ ~C68@?’D s2:CJ !C@5F4ED r@>>:DD:@? q@2C5[ E96 8@G6C?:?8 2C> @7 E96 ~C68@?