Happy Galentine's Day!

Chemistry Wine is the first collaborative project between Stoller Family Estate and Chehalem Winery. Recently, we asked three of our winemakers, Melissa Burr and Kate Payne-Brown (Stoller), and Katie Santora (Chehalem) to sit down and share how they bond and celebrate “the best day of the year,” Galentine’s Day!

What is Galentine's Day?

Amy Poehler's Parks and Rec character, Leslie Knope, created Galentine's Day, which occurs every year on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day. In season two, episode 16 of the show, she explains, "Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It's like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas."

Who would you send a Galentine to? Is there a women in present day or history that inspires you?

Right this moment I would send a Galentine to Tara Westover whose memoir “Educated” I read recently. Her story of pushing herself out of her family’s radical lifestyle into the education system, and her vulnerability to share her story in a memoir, is truly inspiring and reflects the potential of tenacity humans can have. Melissa Burr

Do you have a group of women you reach out to in times of need or just to have some fun?

Absolutely!! I have a few different groups of gals depending on what feeds the soul. I have a great group of girlfriends that I have known since high school who still live in Utah. Whenever I go home, it’s an absolute that we are hiking, going to dinner, and catching up. They know me better than anyone and their friendships are priceless. They really are family to me.

I also have amazing group of women in the wine industry that have become good friends and are extremely helpful in times of work stress or just life/work balance life.

I have found a community of supportive women important in balance in my life. I cherish all of the women in my various groups. Katie Santora

When you were little, what did you want to be?

Melissa: When I was little I wanted to be a teacher, then a nurse, then an artist…it has changed so many times.

Kate: A professional ice skater.

Katie: A singer on Broadway. I used to dress up from our costume closet, pump up the Broadway hits from “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Misérables,” and sing and dance my little kid heart out.

Who are your favorite female BFF's in movie or TV history, and why?

The women in the movie 9 to 5—Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. They were each other’s partners in crime (literally)… each one of them brought something different to the table of their friendship and they clearly had each other’s back. Kate Payne-Brown

What would you pair with your Chemistry wine for your Galentine’s Day brunch?

Melissa: I would pair the Pinot Noir with lots of appetizers; cured meats, cheeses, pickled veggies, smoked salmon, crackers, nuts, a dip of some kind like spinach artichoke, deviled eggs, and maybe some caviar. All depending on what I have in the fridge! The good thing is Pinot Noir goes with just about anything.

Kate: For the 2018 Rosé, I’d go simple with a charcuterie and cheese platter as I would want to spend more time drinking rosé with my ladies than cooking.

Katie: I would pair the 2017 Pinot Gris with fried chicken and waffles with a siracha infused syrup!

“A big part of friendship is just showing up, in good times and bad. I think we all realize how important our friendships are and we work hard to make sure we take the time meet somewhere for a girl’s weekend or even just to grab dinner to catch up over wine.” Kate Payne-Brown #bondwithus