Bells Up Winery Overview
The name of Bells Up Winery comes from winemaker Dave Specter’s days as a french horn player. In the music world, “Bells Up” is described as, “a dramatic moment in classical music where the composer instructs French horn players to lift the bells of their instruments up and project sound with maximum intensity.” To Dave and his wife Sara, making the leap to fulfill their dream of opening their own winery was their “Bells Up” moment.
Dave and Sara started making wine sort of by accident. After gifting Dave a home winemakers kit, he soon became obsessed and would be creating wine in all rooms of their home. Friends of the couple we’re happy to hear they were moving to Willamette Valley to pursue their dream, but we’re sad that the wine house was no more!
A visit to Bells Up Winery is by appointment only and for good reason! Our experience with David and Sara was one of the most personalized and educational tastings I’ve ever experienced. It is rare to be able to sit down with a winemaker in such an intimate setting and be able to discuss what went in to making each wine that we were tastings.
The Wine
Bells Up Winery sources their grapes from local micro-grown vineyards as theirs are still too young for a full harvest, but they are using their estate grapes to make a Pinot Noir rose!
We had the opportunity to sample the rose out of the barrel and it was delicious! Dave is also experimenting with Seyval Blanc which we also had the chance to taste which they are planning to release next year.
My picks:
2015 Titan Pinot Noir
2017 Firebird Syrah
Atmosphere
When you stop in for a visit at Bells Up Winery, you get the chance to taste right in the middle of where the wine is made. There is a small seated table off to the side for a tasting with Dave as well as a larger table on the patio that over looks their vineyards.
If you ever end up on a helicopter tour of Willamette Valley, you just may visit Bells Up as one of your stops!
Great For:
- Couples
- Excellent Views
- Fans of boutique wineries
- Personal Tasting With the Winemaker
Visit
27895 NE Bell Rd., Newberg, Oregon | (503) 537-1328 | Open by appointment only
Tasting Fee: $15 – 5 tastings
To schedule an appointment, email info@bellsupwinery.com or by phone.
