Wine Made By A Flemington Native Set For Tasting

FLEMINGTON -- Spindrift Cellars of Philomath, Ore. but owned by a former Flemington man, will hold a free wine tasting at Central Liquors, Central Avenue, on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spindrift Cellars is owned and operated by Matthew and Tabitha Compton of Philomath. Mr. Compton is a Flemington native and 1992 graduate of Hunterdon Central High School.

He moved to Oregon in 1995 and became interested in growing grapes and winemaking. He and his wife started commercial wine production in 2003 with fruit from vineyards they managed. Spindrift Cellars brand was created in 2005 and produces more than 2,500 cases of wine yearly.

Wine Enthusiast magazine in November rated Spindrift's 2007 Pinot Blanc a 91 and an "Editor's Choice." Its 2007 Pinot Gris was rated 90 and a "Best Buy" for the second year in a row.
On Saturday Mr. Compton will pour samples and answer questions. Spindrift was one of Oregon's first wineries to offer all of their wines in screw-cap closures.