T’was The Night Before Christmas in the Willamette Valley

Snowy Vineyards at King Estate in the Willamette Valley | photo: King Estate

T’was the night before Christmas, in the famed Willamette Valley,
The corks were a popping, from Pfeiffer’s Villa to King Estate’s galley.
The Oregon Pinots were lined up with care,
With aromas and flavors that friends would soon share.

The fires were stoked and the chimneys blew smoke,
When all of a sudden the winemaker spoke.
“Look here,” he said, with a glimmer in his eye,

“This bottle of red will be perfect with Turkey Pot Pie.”
But before he could tap what was under that cap,
He realized it would be better after a long winters nap.
So he headed to the cellar to find his best sellers,
and thought an older vintage would for sure be stellar.

On his way to the cellar he heard some commotion,
And ran into the vineyard to see what was in motion.
There he was, it was Santa,
He had just come from Atlanta.
He was tired and stressed, his white beard was a mess.

“Come in from the cold,” said the winemaker, “Sit by the fire and unfold,
The reindeer can rest, while you get back your zest.”
So the winemaker and Santa escaped from the snow,
And come to find out, Santa loves Pinot Noir don’t you know!

So the two sat and talked while enjoying some wine
It was surreal, incredible, and simply divine.
Santa was at ease and suddenly had back his shine
Just before the guests would arrive to wine and dine.

He picked up his hat and with his glass did a clink,
Santa thanked him profusely and gave him a wink.
The winemaker didn’t have much time to think,
Santa turned on his heel before he could blink.

“This wine was so pleasing, it’s simply delicious,
I feel pretty good and rather quite ambitious.”
“I’d like to take with me some bottles to share,
But hurry up, it’s getting late, I must get back out there!”

The winemaker grabbed several bottles for Santa,
He even threw one in for Santa’s elf, Anna Banta.
He followed him out and then heard Santa say,

“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!”
“On Comet! On Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen!”
“Let’s hurry, let’s go, we’ve got goodies to deliver,
Including this here Pinot that needs to go up the McKenzie River!”

And just before he disappeared and was out of sight,
he looked down at the vineyard with great delight,
“Merry Christmas to you, here’s a joyous good cheer,
I’ll see you again the same time next year!”