Who doesn’t know Harry & David?! When I was growing up I remember our family frequently getting boxes of Harry & David fruit at Christmas–crisp apples, tender pears, and juicy citrus. A few weeks ago I got to visit the place where all that succulent fruit comes from! I was part of a Harry & David blogger trip in Medford, Oregon.
It’s a given that Harry & David know their fruit, but I also discovered they know hospitality too. Our trip started with dinner–not at a restaurant, not at their offices, but at the home of fellow blogger, Sandy Coughlin of the Reluctant Entertainer. Sandy makes having people over easy, doable, and downright fun.
She welcomed us immediately with wine, appetizers, and a beautiful outdoor, fireside meal that included a delicious Harry & David Wild Mushroom and Leek Soup that she ‘beefed’ up for our crowd. In my hungry haste to get to Sandy’s, I forgot my camera, but I did manage to nab our group shot from Sandy! (That’s me on the end with the glass of wine!)
The next morning Harry & David‘s wonderful Orchard Director of 13 years, Matt Borman, gave us a grove tour. He explained how much care and attention these trees take. (They don’t just shake the trees and hope for the best, they handpick each pear!) No GMO seeds either. Instead they use old-fashioned grafting, taking the roots of smaller trees (in this case quince) and graft them to their beautiful Royal Riviera pear trees. This way they get pears they want, but on smaller, more manageable-sized trees. Pretty brilliant, right? The result is row after row of perfect little pear trees.
Naturally we enjoyed many of Harry & David‘s signature Royal Riviera pears during our trip. I remember the gold foil-wrapped pear in the boxes we used to get… and there it was! These pears are just as sweet, succulent, and juicy as they are beautiful–hand picked, carefully washed, and gingerly wrapped, before shipping off.
Along with other tasty treats, Harry & David‘s Chef Tim Keller served this gorgeous appetizer–endive spears filled with stunning Rogue Creamery blue cheese and diced pear, at once light and full-flavored. The pear and blue cheese flavor combo was so good it inspired my pear galette with blue cheese crust for the upcoming Pie Party Live in New York City.
Around this portable picnic table (the same ones used by the field workers) we enjoyed hot apple cider tea and nibbles while learning about planting and pruning, harvesting and shipping. During peak harvest season, Matt says Harry & David serves over 1,000 meals–three hearty meals for their 300+ strong harvesting team–each day.
We also got a sneak-peak at some of their new holiday additions. There were the classic fruit baskets, but there were some new things too…
…from cakes and truffles to gorgeous cookies and a perfect Bouche de Noel! It may only be October, but I’m ready for the holidays!
After seeing all these sweets, treats, and gifts, I was in the mood for shopping. Thankfully we were given some time at the Harry & David Country Village store in Medford, Oregon. I loaded up on tons of goodies including local beer, Rogue Creamery cheese, Royal Riviera pears, and Harry & David’s famous Moose Munch.
In the spirit of giving gifts you’d actually like yourself, I took a moment send gift boxes to my family. I carefully picked each item, and then shipped packages to Sharon and Tony, Mom and Dad, Granny and Papa, and of course, Andy, who was missing me very much by that point. As I left the store, I was giddy with excitement: I could not wait for my family to receive their gifts! I wrote on each one, “A little taste of Oregon from me to you!”
The guiding principle of Harry & David is bringing joy to people, and it works! My grandparents were so touched by the gift of Moose Munch. (Granny pretended she didn’t like her dinner so she could go back to her room and eat the Moose Crunch instead!). And as my sister was eating one of the pears she texted, “Hands down, this is the best pear I have EVER had. No contest. It’s so ripe and creamy inside!” Mom, who had just finished running a half-marathon, came home to a cold ale, ripe pears, and local cheese. She called with a heartfelt ‘thank you’. This was just what she needed. Knowing what your gift means to someone makes you want to just keep doing it!
Before we left, this incredible group of bloggers had to have a photo in front of Max the Moose! Some were already dear friends, others were people I had just met, but by the end of our three days together, we were all a lot closer. It just happens when there’s good food, good wine, good people, and good hosts.
The final night, there was a surprise. As soon as we arrived at dinner we smelled it–Harry & David’s 2013 brand new line of wines! The collection includes four whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Gewürztraminer) and five reds (Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo and a blend–Royal Crest Red). Each is spectacular– I tried them all (part of the job!) but my favorites were the Tempranillo, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Finally, Harry & David has offered a gift box giveaway to our readers! I chose the one with the items I loved most – six of their perfect Royal Riviera pears and four of Rogue Creamery’s finest cheeses. Since I so enjoyed giving my Harry & David gift boxes, I thought it might be fun for our winner to send the box to someone who needs a boost. But if you need a pick me up, we’d love to send you it to you too!
To enter, answer the following question in the comments below:
Who you would send this gift box to and why? (You can say yourself!) – WINNER ANNOUNCED: JENNY C
Giveaway ends Sunday, October 28 at 6 PM EST.
A big thank you to Harry & David and their entire team (including Sandy Coughlin) who made this trip so memorable. Harry & David paid for my transportation, accommodation, and meals, but the opinions expressed in this post are my own.
I would send it to my wife. She is the strongest person I have met. I am in the service (Army) and in the last nine years I have been gone for 5 of those years. Not only is she raising our two kid snubs you they are teens do I need to say more. But she is also holding the home front down. She just has a full hysterectomy because they found cancer in her overias. She carries the B1 genes so she was totals there is a high percentage of a chance you will also get breast cancer. When she found out all this she came home and made 63 crock pot meals for us ( she know I do not cook) so we had meals while she is down so I feel my wife needs a pick me up!
I would send it to my wonderful neighbor who has been so helpful in so many ways! And I know we would end up sitting in the yard enjoying the Fall and the gift box with our families.
I’d send it to myself but to share with my parents who live nearby. We have loved the combination of pears and bleu cheese for many years so this would indeed be a treat!
I would send this gift package to my parents as they love pears and cheese. It would be a real treat for them.
I would send it to myself…I love pears & blue cheese and I would serve this for dessert during a dinner party with friends.
I would send the box to my mom. I think she’d really enjoy it and she’s really been there for me when I really needed her support these past few months.
I would send it to my grandparents in charleston because they send my parents one every year and i know they would be delighted to receive one!
My Gram!
I hope I would not be sounding selfish if I said myself. My husband has been laid off quite a bit these last months. It would be lovely to enjoy suc h a wonderful gift basket. We grew up loving Harry & David goodies through the years. Such a nice selection you have chose for this give away. 🙂 Pears and Rogue Creamery’s wonderful cheeses…can’t get any better then that!! 🙂 🙂
I would send it to my boyfriend and my Dad. My boyfriend would swoon over the cheeses, and my Dad is addicted to pears.
I would send the gift box to Ralph, who has eaten 2 pears every day for the past year. He’ll share the cheese with me, for sure.
I would send it to my department chair because she listens to me (and the rest of the science teachers) whine and complain, and tries to solve our problems and run interference with administration
I would send that to my mom and dad who live in the midwest. The fruit in their grocery stores can not compare to Harry & David’s! I love getting one of their tower gifts – each box contains another wonderful prize!
I would send it to my sister who is caring for her husband in hospice care. A basket of goodies would be most appreciated.
I would send this to the nurses @ FATHER MURRAY NURSING CENTER.The love really shows in the care they give my grandmother.Just my way of saying Thank you !
My mom! She always used to send Harry & David pears to friends, and she has had a really rough year, so she deserves a nice gift like this 🙂
To a new mom who can use all the extra fuel she can get!
I would send the gift box to my son, dil and granddaughter. They moved across the country and really miss the fresh fruit from the Pacific NW.
This would make a great gift for my husbands boss
I would send it to my mom. What a better way to say I love you and thank you for every wonderful mommy thing you’ve ever done for me!!!
My sister because I miss and love her!
I would send it to my husband. He’s been working really hard on a new project and could really use a little boost right now.
I would give the box… to me! My mom always got them when we were younger and now that she recently passed away , I think it would be a nicereminder for the first holidays without her
I would send this to my sister , who is my best friend. She is an amazing mother to two beautiful girls. She makes family a priority and loves to entertain friends and family. She would loves surprises and she would love this surprise.
I would send the box to my mom – she just turned 83 and says she is old, old, old but I think she is in great shape; independent and fiesty.
I’d send it to my wonderful husband at work so he could share!
Things have been pretty tight for almost four years for us so this would be such an appreciated splurge. My folks and in-laws live nearby, and I would definitely share with them. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
I would send it to my friend who lost her husband last night. I think this would brighten her day.
I would send it to myself! I LOVE Harry and David. When I was growing up my dad would often recieve Harry and David boxes from business colleagues at Christmas time, and my whole family and I would go crazy for the fabulous fruits! Dad would keep the specialty cheeses and salami for himself, but I always managed to get away with the Moose Munch! 🙂
I would send it to my husband who has been putting in many extra hours at work in order to care/support our seriously challenged special needs daughter. She requires full-time care, so I am home with her everyday. Pears are his absolute favorite fruit so this would be an extra-special treat for him!
I’ve never had the H & D experience so I’m sending this to me!
I would send it to my parents. They are so wonderful and don’t normally treat themselves:) What a fun way to say “I love you!”
Probably my husband (though I might sneak a bite) because he is currently unemployed. While he is doing a great job taking care of our three kids, he really wants to find a good job in his field, but it’s tough when he moved here for my job and there aren’t as many opportunities for him here.
I would give it to my daughter and husband. Luckily I live with them, so by default, I would get some too 🙂
Always enjoy the blog and all the wonderful recipes. Thank you for the contest. I would give the gift box to my parents. It looks delicious!
I would send this to my sister who is going through a very trying divorce. Thanks!!
To my mom. She’s quite forgetful, but she gets a big thrill out of presents.
I would give it to my wonderful husband who is always working so hard, even at home to make us all happy. He takes such good care of us and it would be nice do something unexpected for him.
I would send this to my mom…… not only is she the greatest mom in the world, she is the best friend a girl could have and all around the most amazing person I know. Oh – and it’s her birthday : )
Would give it to my parents. Would be a nice gift.
myself… but i would share it with my family.
Well, my daughter’s birthday is coming up…
I would give it to my mom. She really remembers way back when getting fruit for Christmas was a special treat!
I would send to my sister in Maryland because she is not coming home for Thanksgiving.
Looks like an awesome trip and great to be hands on almost! I would send it to my mother in law and earn some major points 🙂
i would have it sent to my husband. he LOVES harry and david pears. and i would help him eat the cheeses…
I would share it with my daughter who is on a no meat/no dairy diet. And I am just reincorporating fruit into my low carb diet.
my mom – she’d love it!
I would have to say myself…. I know that sounds selfish but we rarely get decent fruit up here and H&D really does have the most amazing pears!!
Oh dear! I’d want it for myself. The best pears I’ve ever had came from Harry & David. I am so jealous of your trip!