I’ve been to a lot of wineries… many more than I could ever capture on this blog or on Instagram. Some have stunning views, some have impressive architecture and some are authentic in a no frills kind of way. One that falls within the description of the latter is Big Table Farm, a working farm and winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The wine is great, for one, but the people and the place leave a lasting impression, too.
Earlier this summer, we paid a visit to Oregon Wine Country for a long overdue wine tasting trip. I think it had been about 6 or 7 years since we were last there. We flew in late Thursday into Portland, and after a quick overnight, made our way toward McMinnville. Eager to taste some vino (who can blame us?), we planned ahead and made appointments to stop and taste along the way. Our first stop was at Big Table Farm, a winery I had been following on Instagram for some time. I’d heard nothing but good things, so I was excited to be able to check it out for myself.
Big Table Farm is located off the beaten path outside of the tiny town of Gaston, which I noticed has a population of less than 700. It’s a beautiful property tucked behind green forests about 5 miles from town. While you won’t find any cell service, you will find plenty of cows, goats, horses and pigs. Like I said, it’s a working farm!
THE STORY
Big Table Farm is a 70-acre farm owned by husband and wife Brian Marcy and Clare Carver. The two previously lived in Napa where Brian was a brewmaster turned winemaker (for such respected names as Turley and Marcassin, among others) and Clare a graphic designer and artist. With dreams of owning their own place, making their own wine and eventually growing their own grapes, they made the move to Oregon and started Big Table Farm in 2006. The name pays tribute to the couple’s goal of providing a welcoming table, where handcrafted food and wine can be enjoyed together with friends.
THE FARM & TASTING ROOM
When we parked, we were immediately welcomed by two friendly dogs (and an indifferent goat). As if knowing why we were there, the welcome committee dogs led us to the yellow farmhouse, which serves as the tasting room. Inside, we were greeted by Clare, who has a witty sense of humor and cool, down-to-earth vibe.
The space is understated and charming, just what you’d expect from a working farmhouse: there’s a dog bed situated in front of a wood burning stove, cowboy hats hanging along a wall, the smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen… On the walls hung many framed drawings of the wine labels (drawn by Clare, as a matter of fact).
THE WINE
We started our hour-long tasting with the 2017 Laughing Pig Rosé, which is probably one of the better rosés I’ve had all year. Made of 100% Pinot Noir, this unfined and unfiltered rosé had tart fruit notes and creamy, complex layers, with bright acidity and a lengthy finish. Utterly quaffable.
We also tasted the expressive 2016 Chardonnay, which displayed notes of pear, stone fruit and beeswax. It had tense acidity and a beautiful floral character to it. Then, the Pinots… We tasted several and they were all delicious. Brian is making wines that are elegant and balanced, with expressive personality and rich flavors that are easy to enjoy. For it being our first stop in the Willamette, I’d say we chose to start the trip off right!
For the labels, Clare draws inspiration from the farm — the animals, bee hives, the equipment, etc. The labels change each vintage, but keep a consistent theme (the Chardonnay, for example, will always have a bee theme).
Though they source fruit from vineyards throughout the area, they just recently broke ground on planting their own estate vineyard. Cows, dogs, horses, pigs, bees, chickens, gardens, grapes… I think they’ve got their hands full!
While we could have easily spent more time at the farm, enjoying the wine and conversation while laughing at the many tricks the dogs showed us (playing dead and closing the front door were two of the more impressive tricks), I’m glad we finally got to experience a piece of their Oregon farm life. Definitely keep Big Table Farm on your radar — and go there in person if you get a chance!
Big Table Farm – Website
