Upcoming Events at the Balch
Doing interesting things makes life richer
Check back often: we're always adding new experiences to excite & inspire you.
January
Robert Sarazin Blake Concert January 19, 7 p.m.
Winter Wonder [& Wine] Weekend January 25 - 27
February
Sisterhood Supper February 7 6:30 pm
Wine in Wheatland Weekend February 8-10
Jam Night with Josiah February 21, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Robert Sarazin Blake Concert
Bellingham Ballads at the Balch
Back by Popular Demand!
Robert Sarazin Blake is a roving storyteller with a guitar. His songs are influenced by Bob Dylan, John Prine, Shel Silverstein, Christy Moore, Lou Reed, and Joni Mitchell. His engaging stage banter and storytelling is reminiscent of Arlo Guthrie, Garrison Keillor and Spalding Gray.
With influences as far-flung as Amy Goodman, Noam Chomsky, Naomi Kline, Jim Page, as well as James Baldwin, Henry Miller, John Steinbeck, and Philip Roth continue to influence and inspire.
Blake started his own record label SameRoomRecords from his home in Bellingham, WA. "Recordings of songs and musicians in the same room and the same time" An oddly unique idea in an era of digitally manipulated sounds -- he's sold over 10,000 albums from his suitcase. (Talk about heavy lifting!)
This reflects Blake’s pure dedication to the moment, the connection within live performance. There is always a time in a Blake show where the room pulls together and the space between the singer, the song, and the listener disappears. Pure magic.
*DINNER SPECIAL: Steak with Winter Salad, (with handmade dressing), Grilled Seasonal Veggies, & Baked Potato. $30 (plus gratuity)
*RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: 541.467.2277 OR EMAIL Info@BalchHotel.com
January 19, 7 - 9:30 pm
Cover Charge: $10-20
![Winter Wonder [& Wine] Weekend](https://d30gaxb68tytkb.cloudfront.net/c_thumb,g_custom,h_400,q_auto,w_400/v1/properties/1119/rzofp0mp0e282tlt4lsm)
Winter Wonder [& Wine] Weekend
January 25 - 27
Start your new year with a wintertime escape to the sunny and breathtaking east Gorge. Learn all about bald eagles that call this place home, enjoy scenic, lesser-traveled vantage points, delve into the rich cultural history of the area, all while enjoying a two-night stay in the luxury of a restored, century-old inn.
Over the weekend of wildlife talks, winter meandering, wine tasting, and eagle viewing, local experts and Friends of the Columbia Gorge staff will about these majestic birds “wintering” in the Gorge. Celebrate wonders unique to the Eastern Gorge, and discover efforts to maintain Gorge resilience.
Itinerary
Arrive Friday evening at The Balch Hotel in Dufur, OR and enjoy a wine & dessert reception. Meet and mingle with the innkeepers and other weekend guests. A short evening presentation by Kevin Gorman, executive director of Friends of the Columbia Gorge, introduces you to the weekend's fun.
Saturday enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking to view Bald Eagles. A local wildlife biologist will introduce us to resident and migrating eagles and spawning salmon in the Columbia. You'll get an up-close view of these special raptors.
Continuing the excursion of winter wonder, we’ll caravan through scenic terrain to the Gorge’s own “Stonehenge." Learn unique history ensconced in jaw-dropping beauty before continuing to Maryhill Winery. We'll settle in for an education-enriched Premium Flight wine tasting and picnic lunch in this expansive location as the day's adventure continues.
Returning to the Balch in late afternoon, there’s time to enjoy the historic lobby, browse the local art on the walls, play a game or have a drink in the library.
Dinner is an artisan Northwest Feast** served with local wine pairings. If the weather cooperates and skies are clear, we’ll end our day star-gazing to point out constellations in the night sky.
On Sunday, after a leisurely gourmet breakfast, we'll caravan to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center down the hill in The Dalles. The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, and we’ll learn about the significance of this area to their journeys through the Gorge over 200 years ago. Experience a Birds of Prey presentation with resident raptors with have time to explore the museum exhibits before concluding our weekend together.
Package Includes:
- Two nights at The Historic Balch Hotel in Dufur, OR (at group discount)
- Exclusive outings led by Friends staff and Gorge experts
- Evening presentations or activities
- Friday night wine-and-dessert reception
- Gourmet Buffet breakfasts and Saturday picnic lunch
- Saturday wine tasting
- Saturday artisan PNW dinner**
- Sunday museum admission
Package Rates:
Signature room with private bath en suite ($518 value): $479.00 double occupancy | $367.00 single occupancy
Traditional room with shared bath ($442 value): $415.00 double occupancy | $302.00 single occupancy
Taxes not included (1.8%)
How to Book:
Call the Historic Balch Hotel at 541-467-2277 to book your weekend or
Choose the room you'd like for the weekend and then add the package to your reservation.
Be aware that this is a winter event and travel conditions can vary. Winter travel conditions and snow zones will be encountered, event will only be cancelled in the event of road closure issued by ODOT.
** Saturday Dinner Menu
Roasted Pork Loin with braised apples, roasted root veggies, winter salad, and dessert. (subject to change)
** Please let us know upon registration if you have vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or other dietary restrictions.
Questions?
Contact Outdoor Programs Coordinator Kate Lindberg at katel@gorgefriends.org or 971-634-1265.
To make special dietary preferences and meal substitutions, please contact info@BalchHotel.com or 541.467.2277
Cancellation Policy
Prior to January 18 | 75% refund.
January 18 – January 22 | 50% refund.
After January 22 | No refund unless there is a road closure issued by ODOT. A portion of your payment will be donated for Gorge protection.
Sisterhood Supper
Women’s Dinner Party
Do you crave more time out with a few girlfriends?
Join a gathering space to connect, laugh and have inspiring conversations that matter. Feel safe and supported in a circle of sisterhood, where you belong and your voice is heard.
Join our big table for a curated conversation led by Balch owner, spa/retreat director and art therapist Claire Sierra. Savor sweet synchronistic connections over food, wine and dessert for a sweet time with new and old friends. Bring a friend or come alone.
Feminine energy is a powerful positive force that's needed right now--let's cultivate it together with our Gorge neighbors.
Dinner is available from our local/organic Light Fare menu (plus specials), along with locally sourced wine, beer, teas and coffee.
February 7
6:30-9 pm (please, arrive/leave as your schedule allows)
FREE (Dinner and drinks not included.)
RSVP, PLEASE! (So we have tables and food ready for you!)
CALL 541.467.2277 or Email your RSVP: info@BalchHotel.com ir Claire@BlissBreakthrough.com
Wine in Wheatland Weekend
February 8-10
Wine lovers, get off the beaten path for an inside glimpse into where and how wine is made. Enjoy a weekend of wine in the rural countryside on the edge of the jaw dropping Columbia River Gorge. The elegant, award-winning Balch Hotel is your comfortable base of exploration.
You’ll taste wines at the hotel and the 5th generation farm where 15 Mile Winery is located. See how and where wines are made, with a relaxing and awe-inspiring drive in the country.
You’ll have a luscious 5 course meal by a popular guest chef specializing in farm to table experiences. (see menu below) All meals, events and travel is included once you arrive.
Here’s what you’ll experience at Wine in Wheatland Weekend:
Friday: Arriving in the evening, for wine tasting of some new releases and meet other wine fans.
Saturday: After a delightful leisurely breakfast, you’ll have some time to relax or explore Dufur. Midday you’ll travel by shuttle to visit a 5th generation farm, home of 15 Mile Winery.
You’ll have a rare opportunity to barrel-taste in 15 Mile Winery’s production facility and see what wine-making really looks like. (this is not your fancy Napa winery experience! Dress warmly.)
Then return by shuttle to the Balch to have lunch, sipping soup around the firepit outside, enjoy the cozy parlor or take a walk.
Saturday evening enjoy a five course winemaker’s dinner, with food expertly paired by guest chef, Kristen Lillvik of Rooted Table Events. (see menu below). Winemaker Colter Bolton will narrate the process of each wine as you sip and nibble throughout the meal.
Sunday enjoy a leisurely gourmet buffet breakfast (with 15 Mile sparkling Rose of Pinot Noir mimosas!) chatting with new friends before embarking on your day.
Opportunities for wine tasting at other nearby wineries can be arranged as you head home.
Your Hosts for the Weekend:
15 Mile Winery is located in Dufur Valley on land homesteaded by Absolom Bolton in the late 1800’s. With estate grown grapes grown by 4th generation Dan Bolton, wines are made by 5th generation owner, winemaker Colter Bolton. His wines exhibit great flavor, depth and complexity. Colter’s seasoned, yet no-nonsense approach to wine-making is evident in wines that are enjoyed by wine novices and aficionados alike.
For years wine lovers visiting his tasting room in The Dalles have been begging Colter to offer an event at his winery. This event is a rare opportunity to visit a boutique winemaking operation that is a production facility, not your typical tourist destination. http://www.15milewinery.com/
The Balch Hotel was recently rated #1 Fan-Favorite Travel Destination in the Columbia Gorge, and #10 in Oregon—according to online customer reviews! Perched where the Columbia River Gorge meets Oregon’s High Desert, the Balch is known for world-class hospitality. Ease and simplicity await your arrival at this boutique inn. Each of our 20 cozy rooms are uniquely styled with antiques, original art and comfy beds that guests rave about.
The casual vintage elegance of this historic rural hotel, encircled by a golden expanse of open fields and big sky, invites a clarity of mind that settles the heart and soul. With 300 days of sunshine, on-site dining and spa services, sunny patio, garden grounds and majestic Mount Hood views inspire getaways for rejuvenation and re-connection. Centrally located in the Pacific Northwest, after a short drive, you’ll feel like you’re a world away. www.BalchHotel.com.
Enjoy a weekend of exploration in wines, with this exclusive inside peek into a winery that is generally not open to the public. Dufur Valley has a long history of farming dryland wheat and fruit orchards. Discover just what makes this climate perfect for making exceptional wines with a winemaker whose expertise and history here spans generations.
Meals, lodging, transportation (during the event) and wine tasting is provided.
Package Pricing:
All this for only $449 for two in a Traditional Room with shared bath
$519 for two in Signature Room with private bath.
Single rate packages are available. Call or reserve on-line.
To reserve your spot online: Select a room for February 8 for two nights HERE.
Next: When you have reserved your room ADD the Special Package that pops up to add to your reservation.
Having trouble? No worries, you can do this with us: Call 541.467.2277 and we'll get you all set up!
WINE IN WHEAT COUNTRY 5 COURSE MENU
(*Check back for updates as we develop ideas.)
Wandering Appetizer: La Panzanella cracker or crostini with triple brie cheese and Oregon Growers marionberry jam
Wine Pairing: 2016 Sparkling Rose
Salad Course: Spring greens with balsamic vinaigrette, local pears, and Cascadia Creamery Glacier Blue cheese
Wine Pairing: 2017 Gewurzttraminer
Risotto Course: Risotto ala Fungi (local mushrooms)
Wine Pairing: 2016 Pinot Noir
Main: Coq Au Vin with carrots, onion, mushroom, bacon and roasted fingerling or new potatoes
Vegan/Vegetarian Main: Portobello Mushroom Au Vin, sans bacon with more veggies
Wine Pairing: 2015 Primitivo
Dessert: Coeur de Chevre Cheesecake - whipped goat cheese cheesecake with thin, tempered dark chocolate base with raspberry coulis.
Wine Pairing: Port- Style Dessert
(*Subject to change, check here for updates)
Weekend Package:
$449 for two in a Traditional Room with shared bath
$519 for two in Signature Room with private bath.
To Reserve your spot online: Select a room for February 8 &9 HERE.
Next: When you have reserved your room ADD the Special Package that pops up to add to your reservation in the box on right.
Having trouble? No worries, you can do this with us: Call 541.467.2277 and we'll get you all set up!
Jam Night with Josiah
February 21, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Join us for a casual open acoustic jam in the parlor of the Balch with proprietor (& drummer) Josiah Dean and other local musicians. Bring your favorite instruments and share tunes. Fun, supportive environment.
Or just drop in to listen as you enjoy dinner, a beer, wine or dessert.
FREE! Handcrafted food and local beverages available for purchase.
Temple Sophia - Women's Circle
March 23 - Spring Equinox
Are you yearning for deeper connection to your feminine power and magic?
Looking for a sacred space to access higher guidance & express your authentic self?
Sisterhood is huge—our strength as women is together. Gather for an evening women’s temple and explore your Sacred Feminine through an embodied spiritual connection with your inner priestess.
This Red Tent circle is a place to access your dreams, find your voice, and gain confidence and courage to go for your soul desires.
Enjoy deep-dive connection, soulful exploration, delicious conversation, and creative ritual that spans religious traditions, guided by Claire Sierra, MA (Art Therapist, retreat leader, Balch Hotel owner/spa director and author of The Magdalene Path.)
- Relax and recharge in a supportive circle of sisters.
- Express your own authentic truth and sovereignty. (Be seen and loved for who you really are!)
- Explore and express your soul yearnings.
- Access deeper spiritual connection and sense of belonging with other like-minded women.
- Feel supported to be more on-track with your purpose.
- Maybe even do a little art & meditation, as you enjoy tea & treats...
Come early to have dinner, then relax in the parlor as we delve into the mysteries for Spring Equinox:
Saturday March 23 6:30-9 pm
$22 in advance $33 at door
Bring a sister and get half off her ticket!
Questions? Claire@MagdalenePath.com (Inquire about barter or scholarship opportunities.)
Details: www.MagdalenePath.com