Wine on the Snake River through Hells Canyon – 5 Days
If you love adventure, wine, and delicious food in an unforgettable setting, then Wine on the Snake River through Hells Canyon is your perfect vacation. Between the Snake’s exciting Class III-IV waters, spectacular landscapes, and indulgent wine and food-filled evenings at camp, you’ll wish you never had to leave.
Featuring
Vintner: Browne Family Vineyards, WA
Chef: Keenan McGrew, Ashland, OR
Inspired by the greatness of one man— owner Andrew Browne’s grandfather, William Bitner Browne—integrity and excellence are the standards upon which Browne wines are created. As a curator of the brightest talent, best vineyards, and the divining rod of winning concepts at Precept Wine, where Andrew serves as its CEO, his groundbreaking feats across the wine industry carry through to his own family legacy in wine, Browne Family. This is premium Washington wine, made with the utmost quality and enjoyment in mind. Browne Family Vineyards was 15 years in the making before its first vintage ever debuted. Vineyards, winemakers, and cellar masters committed to world-class wine production were carefully and deliberately selected to represent the best of the Columbia Valley AVA. To date, Browne has received more than 30 scores of 90 points or higher from critical reviews.
Kennan grew up in southern Oregon, working his way up in local restaurants, until further pursuing his career and receiving formal training at Western Culinary in Portland. From there, he landed an internship with Daniel Boulud and spent time cooking in New York. Later, he returned to Portland to work under Vitaly Paley–a James Beard award winner–at his flagship restaurant. His family brought him back to southern Oregon, and he now enjoys working in smaller settings. He has found that he’s closer to the farmers and food than he’s ever been, and cultivating close relationships with local farms and vineyards has been an invaluable learning experience; it’s changed how he looks at food. He splits his time fly-fishing on the Rogue River for Steelhead, foraging for mushrooms and wild edibles that are in abundance in the local area, gardening at home, and cooking at a local restaurant. His position allows him the flexibility and balance of life and the perfect place to express his creativity and love of food. Cooking food to knock your Chacos off is the only thing he’s found that he can do both personally and professionally, and he still loves it.
About This Trip
Spend your days on the Snake River marveling at incomparable scenery as you make your way through fun and exciting whitewater, with plenty of time to stop and enjoy all the beauty and history Hells Canyon has to offer. Perhaps you’ll get to view Native American pictographs or a turn-of-the-century homestead. A stop at Kirkwood Historic Ranch and Museum provides an opportunity for cultural exploration and a look at the early life of Hells Canyon’s denizens. You may even hike Deep Creek and learn all about its dark past. With so many options for exploration, your days on the river will leave you wanting more but also ready for a hearty meal, good wine, and some relaxing downtime on the shores of the Snake.
After pulling into camp for the day, everyone will unload the rafts, and you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent for the night. Once you’re all settled, the real fun begins as you gather around for an enlightening wine tasting with a representative from Browne Family Vineyards, perfectly paired with delectable h’ordeuvres by Chef Keenan. As educational as it is fun, you’re sure to gain a deeper appreciation for wine and the passionate people who produce it while you learn about what makes every bottle unique.
While you continue wine tasting or relaxing in camp, Chef Keenan will be working with hearty ingredients as he creates masterful dishes you wouldn’t even think possible to prepare in the backcountry. You’ll sit at linen-draped, candlelit tables with your fellow rafters and break bread. The conversation will be flowing, the food and wine will be abundant, and laughter will fill the air. As you head to bed with a satisfied stomach and happy heart, you’ll ponder the memories made that day as the mellifluous river lulls you to sleep.
