The wine team of The Allison Inn & Spa and JORY share their passion for wine and provide our guests with enriching experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate world of winemaking. Through their knowledge and genuine enthusiasm, they continue to elevate wine culture, creating memorable moments for visitors in the Willamette Valley.
meet our sommelier team
elaine heide - wine director
ryan clifford - sommelier
Ryan Clifford, JORY sommelier, is originally from the Midwest. He moved to Oregon in 2009 and started studying wine in 2015. He loves connecting with fellow Willamette Valley and German wine enthusiasts over an elegant glass of Pinot Noir or a mineral-driven glass of Riesling.
tim holst - sommelier
Tim Holst, JORY sommelier, found a love for wine on the central coast of California, where he studied winemaking and viticulture. After a few years of traveling and making wine, Tim settled in Oregon into a winemaking role, producing Pinot Noir with Alexana Winery for a few years before moving to hospitality at The Allison.
Tim loves to sell wine made by friends and tell their stories to visitors to the Willamette Valley, where they can experience fantastic local wine.
Elaine asked Ryan and Tim what topics they enjoy discussing with JORY guests,
revealing the depth of knowledge both sommeliers possess.
Ryan Clifford: "I enjoy it when a guest asks me why a wine smells and tastes like it does. Explaining the vineyard site and winemaking practices of a specific producer or wine helps them connect the dots to make informed wine decisions in the future."
Tim Holst: "I love when people ask about the winemakers and teams behind the wines. It gives me a unique opportunity to tell them stories about our Willamette Valley community. I also love questions about the chemistry of wine, where I can get nerdy about chemical components and the growing conditions that affect them. It's always fun for me."
asking for a new and interesting thing they’ve each learned in recent studies.
Ryan Clifford: "With climate change on everyone's mind nowadays, I'm learning about new grape varieties being planted in the Willamette Valley and how producers are adapting their farming practices to cope."
Tim Holst: "I have been fascinated learning about the sweet wines of the world, the different grapes, and how they are farmed to encourage flavor development for sweet wines."
We’re proud to have Elaine, Ryan, and Tim on our team! You can find them answering guests’ questions about wines of the region, JORY’s 500+ wine list, and suggesting wine pairings that will enhance every culinary experience.
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