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They WON! Salem Block Team Named Oregon Grape Stomp Champions!

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Bentley’s Grill Girls —Kristi Reed and Soraida Cross Win 2011 Grape Stomp at Willamette Valley Vineyards!

Kristi Reed Ready to Compete! Photo Credit: Jen Skoy

We reported earlier this month that our very own Soraida Cross from Bentley’s Grill and Kristi Reed from The Grand Hotel in Salem would represent the Salem Block at the 21st Annual Oregon Grape Stomp Competition at Willamette Valley Vineyards last Friday for the special “Business Day”…..But little did we know of the hidden talents Soraida and Kristi have as a grape stomper and swabber!

The pair performed so well during Friday’s business competition, they were invited back by Jim Bernau, founder and president of Willamette Valley Vineyards, to participate in the actual competion September 23-24…and THEY WON!

Yes, you read it correctly- Soraida Cross and Kristi Reed are the 2011 Oregon Grape Stomp Champions and will be moving on to compete in the Sonoma County Harvest Fair World Championship Grape Stomp in Santa Rosa, California this weekend!

Teams of two (one stomper & one swabby) compete in the hope of being named the world’s greatest grape stomp team. The Stomper (Kristi) stands in a barrel full of grapes, and squishes out the juice using only feet. The Swabby (Soraida) stands below the barrel and keeps the juice flowing into the jug, pulling grape skins away from the screen, and pushing juice toward the pipe.

Read all about it! Grape stomp champs: Bentley’s Grill Girls

Soraida Cross at the 2011 Oregon Grape Stomp Photo Credit: Jen Skoy


Willamette Valley Vineyards 2011 Grape Stomp- Photo Credit: WVV


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Posted in Events, News

Oregon Wine Notes: Drinking Reds Can Be Cool Too!

Monday, August 29th, 2011

I recently saw a great post from Jim Bernau, Founder/Winegrower at Willamette Valley Vineyards where he reminds us that drinking chilled red wine, especially a Pinot, can be as delightful and refreshing on a warm summer day as the traditional chilled wines like Pinot Gris, Dry Rosé, and Riesling. The key, he says, is to understand which red wines lend themselves to being chilled.

In a recent CNN.com article, Chilling with red wine, Ray Isle asks, “Why don’t people drink red wine cold?”  and recommends trying the 2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir chilled:

Some Pinots don’t chill well—more robust versions, for instance a good percentage of what California produces. But find a delicate, lighter style, and Pinot tastes great chilled down. Oregon’s a good place to look; among the best choices there is the floral 2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir …

What about you?  Do you think red wine can be chilled and refreshing?  Have you tried it yourself?  Let us know!

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Posted in Wine and Food

Bentley’s Grill Employee Spotlight: Meet Mark Jacklich!

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Big News!  Bentley’s Grill has a new Wine Steward, and we could not be more excited to introduce him to you! Who better to profile in our “Employee Spotlight” where we introduce you to members of the Bentley’s Grill & “SalemBlock” family.

Mark has worked for Bentley’s since the Spring of 2006. Mark started as a server assistant and worked his way to banquet server and room service attendant.

For the past two years Mark has gotten experience behind the bar and in the dining room as a server. Mark has started his work on the Master Sommelier program, a big undertaking! He plans to spend a lot of time working with Jim Bernau’s team at Willamette Valley Vineyards. We are pleased to announce his promotion to Wine Steward at Bentleys’s Grill. Please come in and meet Mark! We recently asked Mark a series of fun questions just to get to know him a little bit better and here is what he had to say:

  • I was born in California and moved to Oregon age of 10. I graduated from Cottage Grove HS in 2003.
  • I started as busser at Bentley’s Grill in 2006; left briefly after a few years and came back to fill this great position;
  • When I not at Bentley’s Grill, I am at home with my beautiful family reading Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia and materials from my Sommelier prep course I am currently taking;
  • My favorite Dish at Bentley’s is the Crab and Arthcichoke Calzone;
  • I am terrified of rollers coasters;
  • A typical Breakfast for me: 2 eggs over medium with sauteed spinach & mushroons and a dash of green tabasco sauce;
  • I am addicted to BBQing
  • My Guilty pleasure is Cold Stone Creamery Cake Batter Ice Cream with Heath Bar mixed in;
  • I am passionate about gardening;
  • My favorite local spot to hang out is Busick Court in Salem for Breakfast with friends/family on weekends

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Posted in Employee Spotlight, Events

New “A Bottle Among Friends” Wine Specials for Thursday April 14!

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Find Great Deals on Select Bottles of Wine Each Thursday Night at Bentley’s Grill

Each Thursday we introduce new wines to our guests at a discounted price on the Bentley’s Grill A Bottle Among Friends Wine List. Guests also enjoy a complimentary appetizer from our Happy Hour Menu with your Bottle Among Friends wine purchase.

This special wine list includes 6 different bottles of wine that have been chosen by our Wine Steward, Brian Kemmerle. When you select one of these undiscovered favorites to try, Bentley’s Grill is offering a significant discount on those bottles. These wines represent some of the “hidden gems” on our wine list and help our guests discover new favorites.

This Thursday,  April 14 we are featuring….

Solena Pinot Gris Apricot and green apple with hints of almonds, silky and balanced
Regular Price $35.00
ABAF Price $24.50

L’Ecole Semillon Citrus blossom and tangerine with apple, pear and honeysuckle
Regular Price $29.00
ABAF Price $20.30

Novelty Hill Stillwater Creek Chardonnay Smooth and polished, pear and spice flavors, lingers nicely
Regular Price $38.00
ABAF Price $26.60

Cooper Mountain LIFE Pinot Noir Raspberries and black cherries with moderate structure, No-sulfites added
Regular Price $46.00
ABAF Price $32.20

Justin Syrah Soft and plump; with blueberry, plum, caramel and butterscotch
Regular Price $47.00
ABAF Price $32.90

Basel Claret Bordeaux Blend Merlot blend; floral with raspberries, black cherries and black tea
Regular Price $40.00
ABAF Price $28.00

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Posted in Events

Bentley’s Grill “A Bottle Among Friends” Wine Specials for January 13, 2011

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

We are still ringing in 2011 at Bentleys Grill and hope you will join us for A Bottle Among Friends this week. We bring elegant seasonal dishes coupled with outstanding wines in a relaxing atmosphere to Downtown Salem, Oregon.

Each Thursday we introduce new wines to our guests at a discounted price on the Bentley’s Grill A Bottle Among Friends Wine List. Guests also enjoy a complimentary appetizer from our Happy Hour Menu with your Bottle Among Friends wine purchase.

This special wine list includes 6 different bottles of wine that have been chosen by our Wine Steward, Brian Kemmerle. When you select one of these undiscovered favorites to try, Bentley’s Grill is offering a significant discount on those bottles. These wines represent some of the “hidden gems” on our wine list and help our guests discover new favorites.

This week, we are featuring:

Anne Amie Pinot Gris Tropical with ripe guava, orchid flowers, pineapple and coconut
Regular Price $35.00
ABAF Price $24.00

Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay Landmark California wine with citrus, honeydew, green apple and pear
Regular Price $66.00
ABAF Price $48.00

Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Riesling Mosel in style with peach, nectarine, apricot and floral notes, off dry
Regular Price $38.00
ABAF Price $29.00

Zenith Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir Bright with red berry and cherries, elegant and food friendly
Regular Price $46.00
ABAF Price $34.00

Gordon Brothers Merlot Black cherry and berry fruit, chocolate and spice on the finish
Regular Price $42.00
ABAF Price $29.00

Saviah “The Jack” Red Blend Black cherry, raspberry, plum and spice with a touch of oak
Regular Price $34.00
ABAF Price $23.00

Click Here to Download A Bottle Among Friends Wine Specials for January 13, 2011

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Posted in Weekly Events, Wine and Food

A Bottle Among Friends Wine Specials for December 30th

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

Spend New Years Eve “Eve” (December 30) with us at Bentley’s Grill in Downtown Salem, Oregon and enjoy elegant seasonal dishes coupled with outstanding wines in a relaxing atmosphere.

Each Thursday we introduce new wines to our guests at a discounted price on the Bentley’s Grill A Bottle Among Friends wine list. Guests also enjoy a complimentary appetizer from our Happy Hour Menu with your Bottle Among Friends wine purchase.

 This special wine list includes 6 different bottles of wine that have been chosen by our Wine Steward, Brian Kemmerle. When you select one of these undiscovered favorites to try, Bentley’s Grill is offering a significant discount on those bottles. These wines represent some of the “hidden gems” on our wine list and help our guests discover new favorites.

This week, we are featuring:

RoxyAnn Viognier Tropical with ripe guava, orchid flowers, pineapple and coconut
Regular Price $42.00
ABAF Price $28.00

Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay Landmark California wine with citrus, honeydew, green apple and pear
Regular Price $66.00
ABAF Price $48.00

Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Riesling Mosel in style with peach, nectarine, apricot and floral notes, off dry
Regular Price $38.00
ABAF Price $29.00

Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir Bright with red berry and cherries, one of the best of the vintage
Regular Price $50.00
ABAF Price $35.00

Gordon Brothers Merlot Black cherry and berry fruit, chocolate and spice on the finish
Regular Price $42.00
ABAF Price $29.00

Bergevin Lane Syrah Super rich and full bodied, with dark fruits and black pepper
Regular Price $44.00
ABAF Price $31.00

Click Here to Download A Bottle Among Friends Wine Specials for 12.30.10


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Posted in Events

Find Great Deals on Select Wines on Thursdays with “A Bottle Among Friends”

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Each Thursday we introduce new wines to our guests at a discounted price on the Bentley’s Grill A Bottle Among Friends wine list.

This special wine list includes 6 different bottles of wine that have been chosen by our Wine Steward, Brian Kemmerle. When you select one of these undiscovered favorites to try, Bentley’s Grill is offering a significant discount on those bottles.

Click Here to See the 10/7 A Bottle Among Friends Wine List

These wines represent some of the “hidden gems” on our wine list and help our guests discover new favorites.

Chef Derek Ridgway will also be preparing a special appetizer platter each Thursday to compliment the unique qualities of the wines. We are certain our guests will enjoy and appreciate a chance to experience new and undiscovered wines!

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Posted in Weekly Events, Wine and Food

Try New Wines on Thursday 9/16 With Our “A Bottle Among Friends” Special!

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

We are at it again!   Bentley’s Grill is hosting a special wine promotion each Thursday titled A Bottle Among Friends. This special wine list includes 6 different bottles of wine that have been chosen by our Wine Steward, Brian Kemmerle.

These wines represent some of the “hidden gems” on our wine list and help our guests discover new favorites.

When you select one of our featured wines from the A Bottle Among Friends List, you will receive a significant discount on your selection. Chef Derek Ridgway will also be preparing a special appetizer platter each Thursday to compliment the unique qualities of the wines. We are certain our guests will enjoy and appreciate a chance to experience new and undiscovered wines!

Click Here to See the Thursday 9/16 Bottle Among Friends Wine List

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Posted in Wine and Food

How to Make Your Salad More “Wine Friendly”- Wine and Food Pairing Tips From Brian Kemmerle

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Weekly Wine Notes From Brian Kemmerle

Bentley’s Wine Steward, Brian Kemmerle regularly offers his insight and experience to help select the perfect wine to accompany Chef Derek Ridgway’s dishes.  Here is Brian’s recommended food and wine pairing for this week!

This week’s featured pairing comes from a rare place on the dinner menu, the  Salad Course. Salads are notoriously hard to pair with wine due to the fact that the dressings can overpower or often combine to create “odd” flavors in wine.

There are two things you can do to make your salads more “wine friendly”:

First, you can use a citrus fruit, instead of vinegar for your acid. Secondly, add some cheese. Most cheeses, a grating of Parmesan, a quenelle of fresh goat or a wedge of Gruyere will do nicely to cut some of the sharpness off a salad dressing that can create those “odd” flavors in your wine.

All that being said, this week’s salad is Baby Spinach, Oranges, Dried Cranberries and Feta Cheese tossed with a Lemon Dressing. I’ve paired it with the 2008 Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling. The wine is semi-sweet with apricot, tangerine, pineapple fruits, a touch of a stone/slate mineral quality and a healthy dose of acidity to balance the sweetness. Off-dry or semi-sweet wines like this one are my top choices for pairing with “wine friendly” salads. Cheers!

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Posted in Wine and Food

Featured Food & Wine Pairing of the Week: King Salmon and 2008 Pudding River Barrel Fermented Chardonnay

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Weekly Wine Notes From Brian Kemmerle

Bentley’s Wine Steward, Brian Kemmerle regularly offers his insight and experience to help select the perfect wine to accompany Chef Derek Ridgway’s dishes.  Here is Brian’s recommended food and wine pairing for this week!

This week’s featured pairing involves our very own Columbia River: King Salmon. The chefs roast it on a cedar plank and baste it with a sauce of Dijon mustard, honey and tarragon. The salmon is then served with a Yukon Gold potato salad finished with prosciutto and fennel.

Usually I like to pair a red wine with Salmon, especially an Oregon Pinot Noir, however the sauce the fish is paired with lends itself more to a white wine. If we were in Alsace, France I would match this up with a Grand Cru Gewürztraminer or Riesling, a local version would work just fine BTW, but since we are in Oregon I thought a barrel fermented Chardonnay would match nicely.

The wine is the 2008 Pudding River Barrel Fermented Chardonnay. Made here in Salem, Oregon with the early ripening Dijon clone of Chardonnay, this wine displays plenty of richness without excessive weight or low acidity. The wine has aromas of pineapple and tangerine with a touch of macadamia nut on the finish. The oak is very well integrated in this wine you barely notice it but you would miss it if it was gone. Cheers!

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Posted in Wine and Food

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