An Evening at REDFISH in Port Orford

An Evening at REDFISH in Port Orford

On our recent trip to the Central Oregon coast, we decided to have dinner at Redfish in Port Orford.  Redfish specializes in fresh, local, modern seafood cuisine and has an extensive wine list, a very impressive list, I might add.  The decor is artsy and modern, the staff professional and attentive, without out being intrusive.  The restaurant affords you a beautiful view of the ocean.

While we settled in, our server, Charlie, asked if we would like to start with something to drink. Why, of course!  I had my eye on some Oregon Pinot gris' to pair with the impending seafood order.  I inquired which of the three he would recommend, as I was looking for something with nice acidity and brightness and light on sugar. He excused himself to ask his amazing wine stewart, Robbie Hayden.  Upon returning, I asked which one and his answer, to my surprise, was none of them.  The recommendation was a Four Graces Pinot gris from Dundee. Upon first taste, I thought it might be too rounded, almost like a Chardonnay. But as the food arrived, I began to understand why Robbie had recommended this brilliant wine. It paired beautifully with the various seafood courses, adding depth and complexity to the dishes.  I have since found out the 2012 Pinot gris won a Silver Medal from Sunset Magazine.  

There was a couple sitting across from us that obviously were vinophiles and where enjoying Robbie's recommendations greatly. As we awaited our appetizer, the gentleman approached our table and asked if he could ask a favor. Of course, what can we do for you, we replied and he explained that he was a Willamette Valley winemaker and he was personal friends of the Four Graces management.  He introduced himself as Robert Brittan and his wife Ellen Brittan of Brittan Vineyards

He wanted to take a picture of us with the bottle to share with his friends. He explained that he loved the wine and Redfish was one of his favorite restaurants on the coast.  He informed us that the four names encircling the foil capsule was the names of the winery owner's children - Alexis, Juliana, Vanessa and Christiana. He was most gracious and I look forward to the day that we can visit his winery and enjoy his outstanding wines as well.

We thoroughly enjoyed a delicious meal and as we sat sipping the last of the Pinot gris, Robbie asked what we thought of the wine. After platitudes and formal introductions, he invited Jill and I to inspect his wine cellar. It was, in actuality, a small room located just off the main dining area. Small in stature, but not in selection. Oh my!  He had some very nice wines from Oregon, California and an impressive assortment of what he called his Collector List. He had rare and highly desirable wines, it took my breath away. He proudly walked us through the wines and told us about his philosophy of great wines at a reasonable price, eschewing the traditional huge mark-up seen at many fine dining establishments..  He also explained that he had been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  Along with the great bottle and glass selection, Robbie had cultivated a very nice split program, which I always appreciate. 

Who would have thought to find such a fabulous wine selection and talented wine stewart in such a sleepy little fishing village such as Port Orford.  

All in all, we had a wonderful time, ate some great food, drank some very tasty wine, made some new friends and had a memorable experience.