PORT TOWNSEND — People who are equally versed in fine wines and geology are probably few and far between, but both groups will have a chance to share their knowledge with each other at a “scientific wine tasting” Saturday, May 8.
“We are taking a look at how different soil conditions affect the wine product,” said Michael Machette, a retired geologist living in Port Townsend and one of the organizers of the adult-only fundraiser for the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
“Terroir in the Pacific Northwest: A Scientific Wine Tasting with Dr. Scott Burns,” will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the USO Hall at Fort Worden State Park near Port Townsend.
The cost is $25 per person. Sponsors are asking that prospective attendees make reservations prior to Wednesday, in order to determine the correct quantity of wine for the event.
Comparing two regions
The discussion will focus on a comparison of the two most robust grape production areas, Washington’s Columbia River Valley and the Willamette River Valley in Oregon.
“Geology and geography have an impact on the soil, which in turn affects the taste and development of the grapes grown in that soil,” Machette said.
These differences originate literally at creation, since the Willamette Valley was created by flooding and the Columbia Valley has a volcanic origin.
Machette said that wine experts can differentiate the wines from the two areas, but may not be able to do so on a geological basis.
The Willamette-Columbia comparison has a local angle, since all the wines produced in the North Olympic Peninsula use grapes from one of the two regions, Machette said.
Like many aspects of wine, the soil conditions have a French name to put it in perspective.
In this case, it is “terroir” (pronounced tair-wah) — a term describing the geology, soils and climate of a region which influence a grape’s quality and contribute to the personality of the wine.
Burns, a geology professor at Portland State University, will talk about the geology of each region, then compare and contrast two wines from each of those areas.
Taste the result
The discussion then will take a different path than what would happen in the average lecture hall, since all the wines will be on hand — supplied by the Wine Seller in downtown Port Townsend — and available for tasting.
“For many years, our geology study group has explored a variety of topics and this is one that will fascinate both scientists and wine aficionados alike,” said Anne Murphy, executive director of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
“We’re pleased to welcome Scott Burns to Port Townsend.”
Reservations can be made by phoning JoAnne Heron, 360-385-5582, ext. 101.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
