Après, the after, the toast to an epic day. When we exert ourselves we are thankful and celebrate the PacNW playground that we call home. Winemakers are rooted in the visceral, the sensory. So much of their skill as a winemaker is to be conscious of what they sense, in nature and in life. Any activity is not just that activity. It’s the interaction of the activity with the surrounding atmosphere, and the celebration that follows.
The next time you are out slaying the outdoors, take a moment to acknowledge your senses – muscles burning, skin is electric from the cold air, etc. What’s the best way to refresh and celebrate? Here are Westmount’s 5 steps to the ultimate winter après moment.
- Epic activity selection. Here are key things to consider: a.) The interaction with nature – from a simple trail run to a multi-day trek, nature has the unique ability to build perspective and ground your mind. b.) The potential to raise that heart rate. You must earn your way, so get out and move that body.
- Great apres gear: Comfort and relaxation is the name of the game, trucker hat to cover up the helmet hair, and a quality cooler for all your apres needs.
- The appropriate apres beverage. We may be a little biased, but we love a glass of Willamette Valley Pinot Gris. We also have to admit that it takes a lot of beer to make wine, so luckily in the PacNW we are spoiled with a plethora of micro-breweries. We suggest a hoppy Saison or IPA. Two breweries that we love and frequent are Pfriem Family Brewers in Hood River and Crux Fermentation Project in Bend.
- Creative food. Timeless classics that are as rib-sticking and muscle-quenching as they are good for you. We’re thinking pulled pork nachos over house made tortilla chips and fresh cabbage slaw or a lightly seared steelhead fillet over a bed of leafy greens. Combinations of simple clean aromas and flavors are always the key.
- Great company. Special people to share the moment with and reminisce on the epic day. Life is better with love and comradery. Adventures (and wine) are best shared with others.