Blog

Wine Game Changer – Coravin Technology

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Through the Grapevine

Meet the newest addition to Columbia Edgewater’s wine program: Coravin Model Eleven!

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For those not familiar with the Coravin system, allow me to give you a run-down. When wine is exposed to oxygen, it starts to degrade and lose its character and complexity. If a bottle of wine has been open too long, it will become flat and flavorless. The Coravin system uses a thin needle to pierce the cork of a bottle and pour wine without exposing the wine inside the bottle to oxygen at all. Once the Coravin is removed, the opening seals back up and the wine still inside the bottle remains unharmed.

The Model Eleven is the first fully-automated version of the Coravin and we are the only restaurant in Portland using it in our wine program!

This system allows us to offer some truly amazing wines by the glass without having to worry about throwing out any wine that has gone stale. Stop by the Grill and check out our rotating Coravin menu the next time you are at the club!

We are currently pouring wines from Penfold’s, Beaulieu Vineyards, and Clos des Papes. Cheers!

– Kevin Klinicke, CECC Hospitality Manager & your friendly, neighborhood wine guy

2019 New Golf Rules: What’s The Gist?

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I spent a few weekends ago attending a USGA / PGA Workshop on the New Rules of Golf.  I’ve always modestly considered myself to be fairly abreast of the Rules of Golf, learning about bi-annual Rules changes and knowing how to circumnavigate the Rules book to find answers when I don’t know them by heart.

I’ve got some bad news to share – the recent changes to the Rules of Golf are not as user friendly and easy to understand as I would have hoped.  Over 93 “Notable Changes” occurred in the Rules, with another 50 changes to definitions in the Rule Book.  Some are simple and easy to remember; others are not.  The Tours are having numerous infractions occur, and these are from Professionals with full time caddies that ought to know the new Rules.  If you plan to play in some competition this year, I would HIGHLY ADVISE you to attend a Rules Seminar this spring before the season begins.  It will save you strokes on the course and headaches among your peers.

Now for the good news – we are ready to educate you and get you ready for the upcoming season. Our first scheduled Rules Night is Saturday of Masters Week, April 13th, from 4pm to 6pm.  Our Head Professional Adrian Burtner, CECC member and USGA Rules Official Cliff Shahbaz, and myself will put on a complimentary Rules Education night at the club.  RSVP to reservations@cecc.com to reserve your spot.  Free Rules Books will be handed out.  Stay for dinner if you like and join us for replay coverage of the Masters.

From PGA Director of Golf, Bryan Tunstill

Check out our video below that covers some 2019 Rule changes!

Life is too short to drink bad wine!

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“Wine is the only artwork which can be drunk.” – Luis Fernando Olaverri

On January 24th, we are lucky enough to host one of only 274 Master Sommeliers in the world for a wine education event centered on Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Thomas Price is based out of Seattle and works as a wine educator for Jackson Family Wine and the Court of Master Sommeliers. Thomas will lead our members through three flights of wine designed to exhibit the versatility of this grape. From valley floor vineyards, to high-elevation mountain vineyards, Cabernet thrives in varying environments.

I’m a firm believer that wine education will lead to a greater appreciation of all wines, and that is goal of these events. Our education series is designed to get some great wines in your glass while also teaching you what makes them so special. A deeper understanding of what goes into growing the grapes and the wine making process will open the door to appreciating wine in so many more dimensions. Once you take a step through that door, you’ll never want to look back!

The wine program at Columbia Edgewater is a wonderful membership perk as there are unbeatable deals and knowledgeable staff available to help you find the perfect wine to your liking. We are looking forward to next Thursday night. Cheers!

– Kevin Klinicke, CECC Interim Hospitality Manager & your friendly, neighborhood wine guy

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Don’t Have Time? Play Nine.

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The 9 Hole Ladies (Niners) at Columbia Edgewater Country Club (CECC) live by these words.

“If you don’t have the time, just play nine.”

Time is money.

A typical round of 18 holes can be daunting for a newcomer. By cutting the round in half it’s an easier sell and proves to be more inviting.

A study by Sports & Leisure Research Group revealed that 60 percent of golfers believe a nine-hole round is an outstanding way to introduce a non-golfer to the game.

Here at CECC, we have a 9 Hole Mason Par 3 course on property that is excellent for beginners. You can more comfortably develop your game to learn the rules and etiquette with golfers of similar skill levels. The concept of the course is that you play a shot from the yardage you choose, ranging anywhere from 55 to 135 yards depending on the hole.

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More Information on the Mason Par 3 Course 

The Women of Columbia (WOC) consist of various golfers of all skill sets and ages and the playing nine mentality has bolstered female involvement. Karen Johnson, who started golfing in 2008, has worked on growing the female presence at CECC and her efforts have paid off.

The Niners group achieved a record high number of participants this year. It all began with a group of 12 women and now there are over 60 ladies that consist of new players, intermediate and advanced golfers. The focus is on fun and camaraderie.

For those that opt to skip the course, there are tons of social events throughout the year to get involved in. Some ladies just join the group for the social aspect! The Niners also coordinate various outings off-site like local dinner gatherings, holiday parties and wine tasting events.

For anyone curious how to get their female peers involved? It all starts with a simple invitation… #InviteHER

Karen Johnson, the Co-Captain of the CECC Niners & Parking Lot Recruiter has mastered that. A personal invitation goes a long way.

More Information on the WOC

3 Festive Drink Recipes

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Semi-annually we treat first year members to a happy hour or get together of some fashion. It’s a great opportunity for staff and other members to mingle with the newcomers.

For the winter get together, we hosted a Mixology Class last night to spark some new festive drink ideas. We know it’s a busy time of year with various parties and gatherings so it’s the perfect time to show off a new libation!

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For those not able to take advantage in person, the instructions and ingredients are below for three different drinks.

The first drink we will start with is the Glenmorangie Highball.  It is beautifully simple, and one of the best ways to enjoy Glenmorangie.

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Glenmorangie Highball

 

  • 1.5 oz. Glenmorangie 10 year
  • 4-6 oz. club soda (glass size will let you know how much soda)
  • Place ice in glass, pour Glenmorangie then soda over ice, quick stir… boom
  • Garnish with lemon twist/wedge

 

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London Fog

 

  • 2 oz. Belvedere Unfiltered Vodka
  • 1.5 oz. Earl Gray simple syrup
  • 1/4 cream
  • Add all ingredients over ice, stir for 15 seconds
  • Strain into a Martini Glass
  •  Top it off with 1 dash of freshly ground cinnamon

 

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Vieux Carre

 

  • 3/4 oz. Woodinville Rye
  • 3/4 Hennessy VSOP
  • 3/4 Sweet vermouth
  • 1/4 Benedictine
  • 3 dashes angostora bitters
  • 3 dashes petchauds bitters
  • Stir all ingredients and serve up with lemon twist

We hope you enjoy these! Now you can show off your drink making skills to friends and family.

Also, if you feel so inclined please comment your favorite drink recipes below.