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Memorial Weekend in Wine Country

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Memorial Weekend in Wine Country, a popular annual event in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, returns with many wineries throughout the Washington County participating in this treasured tradition.

Regardless of what the weather may be like here in late May, this winery weekend is sure to be inviting and fun–and no tickets or advance sign-up is needed. Participating wineries are generally open May 25, 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check individual wineries for extended hours at select spots.

Here’s our rundown of events and offerings, by city,  during this lively weekend:

Beaverton

Ponzi Tasting_John Valls

Photo Courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards; photo by John Valls

Cooper Mountain Vineyards celebrates Memorial Weekend with live music, new releases, tasty appetizers and fantastic views. (Tasting fees: $10-20, includes logo glass)

Ponzi Vineyards will release its 2011 Chardonnay at the Ponzi Historic Estate, and will pull two vintages–produced from Dijon clones–from the library. (Tasting fees: $10/$15)

Cornelius

At Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, one of “10 wineries where the view is as good as the Pinot,” sample wares from local food artisans, as well as its “Vino di Tavola,” back by popular demand.  (Tasting fees: $10)

A Blooming Hill Vineyard is offering wedding anniversary chocolate cake, plus tastings of  its 2012 new releases.  (Tasting fee: $7)

Forest Grove

Apolloni Vineyards is offering tours of its newly opened underground wine cave, complete with barrel tastings! Plus, enjoy handcrafted charcuterie and sandwiches from Olympic Provisions of Portland–available for sampling and purchasing–to enjoy on the patio. (Tasting fee: $5)

At David Hill Vineyard and Winery’s historic farmhouse tasting room, taste a variety of estate-grown wines served in a logo glass to keep and light hors d’oeuvres, paired with live music. (Tasting fee: $10, includes logo glass)

Popcorn from Masala Pop paired with wine marks the Saturday festivities at Montinore Estate. New releases and wine specials will be available all weekend long. (Tasting fee: $10)

Gaston

Elk Cove Vineyards  is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the planting of its highly acclaimed Roosevelt Vineyard with a pouring of the vineyard’s first vintage, a 1996 Pinot Noir.  Elk Cove is opening the vault to additional library tastings, and will have limited bottles available for purchase. (Tasting fees vary)

New wine releases and two generations of Oregon winemaking and hospitality will be celebrated at Kramer Vineyards. (Tasting fee: $10)

Patton Valley Vineyard is featuring a six-wine flight, which includes four newly-released 2011 Pinot Noirs and the anticipated 2012 rosé, paired with stunning views, tasty nibbles and lively conversation. (Tasting fee: $10)

Hillsboro

Freja Cellars is breaking out its 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir, as well as releasing the new 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, paired with breads, cheeses and chocolates. (Tasting fee: $10, including logo glass; tastings are free if you bring your own Freja logo glass)

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit J. Albin Winery, which opens to the public only during special events. Sample the winery’s Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, sparkling wines and small-lot production of Cabernet (a rare find in the north Willamette Valley), paired with delicious cheese from Quail Run Creamery. (Tasting fee: $10)

Newberg

Anam Cara Cellars is unveiling its first unoaked Chardonnay, along with spring releases of rosé, Riesling and its ever-popular Gewürztraminer. (Tasting fee: $10)

Enjoy releases of 2012 whites, 2011 Tempranillo and new releases of Pinot Noir paired with fine meats and cheeses at Raptor Ridge Winery. (Tasting fee: $15; open Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Sherwood

Alloro Winery Allison George WEB

Alloro Winery; photo by Allison George

Sample a three-vintage vertical tasting of  Alloro Vineyard’s  Estate Pinot Noir, along with newly released rosé, Riesling and Chardonnay, paired with charcuterie. Additional tastings of limited-production Pinot Noir will be available in the barrel room. (Tasting fee: $10; $25 for the library tastings)

Tour the vineyard, taste limited production wines and current releases, including a preview of Sophia’s 2011 Pinot Noir, paired with hors d’oeuvres at Beckham Estate Vineyard’s tasting room and ceramic galley. (Tasting fee: $5; open weekend long, with reduced hours on Monday, 12-4 p.m.)

Blakeslee Vineyard Estate celebrates the opening of its new tasting room! Sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and rosé in a souvenir glass and paired with nibbles. (Tasting fee: $15)

Hawks View Cellars is opening its doors to the public this Memorial Weekend and is releasing its White Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, paired with a “Grapevine Barbecue.” (Tasting fee: $15; $25 for wine and food; open Saturday and Sunday only, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Quailhurst Vineyard celebrates Memorial Weekend with a Saturday-only event featuring its acclaimed wines paired with hors d’oeuvres, as well as self-guided tours of the historic estate Japanese gardens and dressage demonstrations (weather permitting).  (Tasting/Event fee: $20; Saturday only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

NOTE: This is not a complete list of Memorial Weekend happenings in Oregon’s Washington County. Be sure to consult our website for a complete list of  all area wineries and wine shops  in Oregon’s Washington County, and visit our Event Calendar for up-to-the-minute events throughout the weekend.

Source: Willamette Valley Wineries Association

For more events and festivals happening in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our Event & Festivals Calendar.

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Mother’s Day Weekend in Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: May 3rd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

If you’re in the area visiting your mother, or are planning to take her away for a Mother’s Day getaway, several events throughout Oregon’s Washington County will leave your mom feeling like a queen (and you will be anointed as the “favorite child” …  at least for the weekend).

Weekend-Long Events

NEW ADDITION: Alloro Vineyard winery is hosting a special chocolate and wine tasting this Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sample exotic chocolates, paired with Alloro Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Local jewelry designer Jessica Moquin will be showing off her artisan wares at a special trunk show. Cost for the event is $15 per person.

The Barefoot Quilt Festival is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition.  The historic Jenkins Estate hosts this celebration of the art of quilting with displays, demonstrations and sales of quilt-related items, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, May 11-12.

Also an annual tradition, Smith Berry Barn celebrates “Mom”  during its Mother’s Day Open House, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 11-12, with samples of gourmet foods and fine teas.

Enjoy Mother’s Day weekend with wine tastings, food and music, hosted by Garden Vineyards (to be held at a special location: 23800 NW Meier Rd. Hillsboro), Friday, May 10, from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 12-10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, per evening.

Saturday, May 11

Oregon’s largest all-agricultural market, the Beaverton Farmer’s Market, opens for the season at 8 a.m. More than 200 vendors, including Oregon Craft Distillers “local liquids,” where visitors can taste artisan beer, wine and spirits, and an impressive selection of flower baskets and bouquets, delicious baked goods and more. (Open Saturdays through November 23, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

Apolloni Vineyards is unveiling its new Tuscan-inspired wine cave, from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy special tastings, featuring an exclusive selection of library wines, with vintages dating back to 2012. Italian-style appetizers, gourmet cheese and charcuteries will be served. Cost to attend the event is $20 per person.

Enjoy a mother-daughter run at this year’s Hippie Chick Half & Quarter Marathon, starting at 8 a.m. This ladies-only event takes runners through Oregon’s Washington County’s flat, tree-lined streets, ending at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex in Hillsboro.

Sunday, May 12

NEW ADDITION: Plum Hill Vineyards is hosting a Mother’s Day Wine Brunch, with delicious offerings, such as empanadas, quiche, stuffed endive leaves, Meyer lemon tarts and hibiscus caramel candies, paired with Plum Hill Wines. Bruch is $27 and may be purchased at the tasting room or by calling 503-359-4706.

NEW ADDITION: Celebrate Mom at the Mother’s Day Brunch at McMenamins Grand Lodge, in the Compass Room Theater. The menu will include sugar snap pea salad with mint and pine nuts, tortellini salad, breakfast breads and pastries, cottage-fried red potatoes, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy and a lot more. Brunch is $26 for adults; $15 for kids (5-12): free for kids 4 and under. Reservations are required, 503-992-9533; toll free, 877-992-9533.

The Holiday Inn in Wilsonville is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This traditional buffet features carved prime rib, whole round of pork, oven-roasted salmon, pan-seared chicken scallopini, omelet station, taco bar, a variety of salads, signature desserts, chocolate fondue bar and more. Guests will enjoy unlimited coffee, orange juice and punch, and champagne for the adults. Prices are $25 per adult, $22 for seniors, $13 for children under 12, and free for kids under 5. Reservations are required, 503-682-2211.

Apolloni Vineyards is partnering with Sundial Specialty Baking for a Mother’s Day Brunch at 10 a.m. This four-course brunch will feature artfully crafted dishes, such as truffled deviled eggs, smoked salmon crepes, and sangria basil mousse served in a poppy seed cookie bowl. Each course will be paired with delightful white and rosé Apolloni wines. All-inclusive cost is $29. Reservations are required, 503-359-3606.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Garden Vineyards (23800 NW Meier Rd., Hillsboro). Enjoy brunch and live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and take a stroll through the lush private gardens until 5 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Reservations are required, 503-547-9046.

For more events and festivals happening in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our Event & Festivals Calendar.

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

 

Farm-to-Table Dinners

Posted on: March 20th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Smith Berry Barn will be hosting two Plate & Pitchfork farm-to-table dinners this summer.

Plate & Pitchfork is one of the Greater Portland area’s most popular farm-to-table dinners. Many of the region’s hottest chefs, farmers and winemakers will be collaborating to bring the freshest, locally produced food directly from the farm to your table in a gastronomic celebration that has become a beloved tradition during the summer months.

The evening starts with a wine tasting reception with the guest winemaker, followed by a farmer-led tour of the host farm. The exquisite dinner consists of a family-style meal prepared by some of the Portland area’s hottest chefs, who artfully crafted the meal with ingredients picked fresh from the host farm.

This year, we’re excited that four of these signature dinners will be held in Washington County:

  • Chef Johanna Ware of Smallwares, an “inauthentic” restaurant in Northeast Portland, and Chef Anthony Cafeiro of the new modern tapas restaurant Racion will prepare an exciting meal paired with wine from Forest Grove’s Apolloni Vineyards at Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro (July 20, 5 p.m.; $125).
  • Also at Smith Berry Barn, Chef Matthew Busetto of Firehouse and Gretchen Glette of Woodlawn Coffee & Pastry will feature their delicious culinary concoctions paired with wines from Grochau Cellars (July 21, 5 p.m.; $125).
  • Chef Benjamin Bettinger of Imperial, Chef Vitaly Paley’s Southwest Portland restaurant; Chef Dustin Clark of  Wildwood, founded by James Beard Award winner, Corey Schreiber; and Chef Erik Van Kley, of Little Bird Bistro (the sister restaurant to multiple-award-winning French restaurant Le Pigeon) will be preparing an amazing meal, paired with Brooks Wines from Amity, Oregon, at Sun Gold Farm, a sustainable farm in Forest Grove (August 17, 5 p.m.; $135).
  • Also at Sun Gold Farm, Chef Chris DiMinno of the European-style tavern Clyde Common and Chef Gregory Gourdet of Departure, which specializes in modern Asian cuisine, will showcase their culinary talents with Love & Squalor Wines (August 18, 5 p.m.; $135).

Tickets are $125-$135 (all-inclusive), and go on sale today (March 20). Vegetarian meals are available. These events typically sell out quickly, so if you’re planning a visit to Oregon’s Washington County this summer, purchase your tickets early. For more information about these events or to purchase tickets, visit Plate & Pitchfork’s website.

Plan an Oregon’s Washington County “plate and pitchfork” farm-to-table getaway today!  Use our Trip Planner to create a personalized itinerary. Don’t forget to add to your planner a trip to a u-pick farm to pick your own berries, or take a trip to one of the regions many farmers’ markets to sample the fresh-picked produce of the season.

For more travel planning tips, view our digital visitor guide.

 

Wine Trail Weekend Coming April 13-14

Posted on: March 12th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend returns for a fifth year, April 13 and 14, 2013, pairing Oregon wines and small bites with demonstrations, tours and fun.

The scenery--and wine--are the big draws for the North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend

The scenery–and wine–are the big draws for the North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend

This year, more than 25 wineries are participating–each with special offerings. Wine tasting is standard; here’s just a sampling of their special Wine Trail events:

A Blooming Hill Vineyard:  Learn how Port is made during an interactive tasting panel.

Abbey Creek Vineyard: “Wine marries art” featuring artists of different mediums, as well as catered boxed lunches for purchase.

Apolloni Vineyard:  Tour the new barrel cave while enjoying a Sangiovese tasting. Paninis available for purchase.

Ardiri Winery and Vineyards: Learn what makes wine and chocolate such a decadent pairing.

David Hill Vineyard and Winery:  Meet cookbook author Ivy Manning and discover culinary samples from her book.

Helvetia Vineyards: Taste Columbia River spring chinook pairings and see alpaca knitting, felting and spinning demonstrations.

J. Albin Winery at Quail Run Creamery:  Enjoy farm creamery tours, which will include adorable baby goats.

Plum Hill Vineyards: Plant your own grape plant to take home, and enjoy a live cooking demonstration.

Provincial Vineyards at Smith Berry Barn:  Provincial’s “top 10” Wine Entertaining Tips with take-away help aids

SakeOne: Sample chocolate and saké pairings by Smitten Truffles.

The Tasting Room at 1910 Main: Discover the new tasting room and small independent producers including Gresser Vineyard and Provincial Vineyards

Tualatin Estate Vineyard: Meet furry friends from the Oregon Humane Society, and choose from a lunch option.

 

New this year is an “early bird” breakfast offering. Prior to heading out on the wine trail, start with one of these specials:

1910 Main: An American Bistro (Forest Grove)
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Enjoy the full restaurant menu with 50% off one breakfast entrée for all Wine Trail participants.

Claeys Catering at Abbey Creek Winery (North Plains)
9 – 11 a.m.  Enjoy a breakfast buffet that includes fresh fruit, muffins, savory crepes, chicken sausage and potatoes.  $10 per guest.

Maggie’s Buns (Forest Grove)
7 a.m. – 1  p.m.  Enjoy the full café menu–including the famous cinnamon rolls–with 10% off for all Wine Trail participants.

Each Wine Trail ticket holder will receive a commemorative wine glass from event coordinator, North Willamette Vintners. Tickets are $45 per person, which covers both days, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. A Sunday-only ticket is $30, and designated driver ticket is $10. Buy tickets. Note: Purchase full-weekend tickets by March 31st and receive $5 off using the promotional code NWVPartner.

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

A Closer Look at Our Cities: North Plains

Posted on: February 15th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Situated in northwestern Washington County, just off Highway 26, the main route between Portland and the Oregon Coast, the small city of North Plains packs quite a punch.  North Plains (population 1,700) is surrounded by lush farm land, and attracts throngs of sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers who flock to the area for its collection of activities, such as biking, golf, disc golf, and glider plane rides.

The North Plains Glider Port (Photo by Paul Loofburrow)

Play

Nestled in a picturesque wooded canyon is Horning’s Fishing and Picnic Hideout, a multi-activity attraction that offers fly fishing and cast and lure fishing, and also allows overnight tent and RV camping. Don’t let the name fool you, this pastoral “hideout” wears many hats, as it boasts three highly rated disc golf courses, is home to endurance sporting events, such as Warrior Dash, and holds several music festivals throughout the year – all of this, plus fishing, picnicking, hiking and more.

If golf is your game, tee up at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, the famed, championship golf facility that has hosted many well-known golfers. Framed by spectacular vistas, Pumpkin Ridge has ranked among the country’s best courses to play for more than 20 years.

Take to the skies in a glider plane with a guided flight piloted by the Willamette Valley Soaring Club, which offers rides at the North Plains Glider Port (11870 NW Dersham Rd., North Plains) May through October (weather permitting).  Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Tualatin and Willamette Valleys while soaring 3,000 feet in the air. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a standard ride is $120.

Shop

During summer months,  visit the North Plains Farmers Market for a taste of local produce and artisan good (Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 15-September 28). Year-round, browse the one-of-a-kind treasures at The Treasure Chest Antique Mall (open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Sip

Tantalize your tastebuds at one of Oregon’s Washington County’s newest wineries/tasting rooms: Abbey Creek Winery. This family run winery, which operates a vineyard estate not far from Washington County, produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and is open Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. (or by appointment).

Dine

Grab a burger and a brew at the Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery.  This unassuming restaurant, located in the city’s center, earns raves for its burgers and selection of microbrew beers. The joint is jumping on Friday nights with live music.  Or pop into the Old Hich-en Post for breakfast and lunch, or partake in their happy hour, which is daily from 3-7 p.m.

Mark Your Calendars

North Plains is home to several annual events, including the four-day bluegrass and Americana music fest, the Northwest String Summit (July 18-21, 2013) and the Warrior Dash endurance race (September 7, 2013).

Plan your North Plains and Oregon’s Washington County getaway today: Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Another Tasting Room Now Open

Posted on: January 29th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

If there’s one exciting topic of conversation in Oregon wine country in winter, it’s a new tasting room with Saturday hours!

This tasting room opened in recent months, and features regular Saturday hours. Photo courtesy of Abbey Creek Winery.

Abbey Creek Winery is the latest addition to the tasting room lineup in Oregon’s Washington County, offering its signature Pinots, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc at its location in the quaint town of North Plains. This family run business specializes in small production, offering a portfolio of handcrafted, premium estate wine grown in a local vineyard closer to Portland. The wines are known to sell out–all the more reason to visit this designated tasting room to sample all that Abbey Creek has to offer.

Bertony Faustin is Abbey Creek’s Manager/Partner, and former Tasting Room Supervisor at SakeOne in Forest Grove.

The tasting room is a short drive off Highway 26, and is now open Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. (and by appointment). Follow them on Facebook at ‘Abbey Creek Vineyard & Winery’ and on Twitter, @ACVineyard.

A Toast to Valentine’s Day: Wine Events

Posted on: January 23rd, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Valentine’s Day celebrations in Oregon’s Washington County in 2013 have a theme: wine. Starting February 9 and continuing through February 17, wine-centered events are plentiful–ripe for marking the holiday multiple times with highlights such as tasting a limited production 2010 Pinot Noir paired with local artisan goat cheese.

Enjoy special barrel tastings at Ardiri and other wineries as part of the “Valentine’s Wine Loop” weekend.

Bottle Up Your Love (February 9): Back by popular demand, Montinore Estate is celebrating the holiday with its annual Pinot blending event. Create a “love potion” with your own blend of the three best vineyard blocks at the estate. Once you’ve perfected your blend, your potion will be bottled with a customized label. ($50 per person, includes two wine flights)

Sinful Sip: Four Guilty Pleasures from SakeOne with Papa Hadyn (February 9-10): SakéOne will turn its Kura into a wonderland for friends and lovers alike. Join in an early Valentine’s Day celebration at the brewery in Forest Grove, and enjoy America’s premium saké paired with desserts from one of Portland’s culinary restaurant landmarks, Papa Hadyn. ($10 per person)

Wines of Love (February 10): Join Artistic Director Scott Palmer and many favorite Bag&Baggage actors for an intimate evening of wine, food and holiday-themed performances.  The evening includes wines selected for their romantic nature, light appetizers, and two hours of live entertainment.  Seating is limited; ages 21 and over. ($18 per ticket)

Valentine’s Special Date Night (February 14): Plum Hill Vineyards hosts a valentine-themed date night event with an optional dinner. (Wine tasting and snacks are complimentary; optional dinner, $25 per person, reservations required)

Valentine’s Wine Loop (February 16-17): Spend Valentine’s weekend in the Chehalem Mountain AVA of the Willamette Valley. Ardiri Winery and Vineyards,  Alloro Vineyard, Cooper Mountain Vineyards and Raptor Ridge Winery are all included in the second annual Valentines Wine Loop.  Enjoy a romantic weekend of fine wines, chocolates, artisan cheese and roaring fires. If you get a special “Valentines passport” stamped at all four locations, you could win the “wine lovers basket.”

Watch for our upcoming blog post detailing other Valentine’s Day events in the area. Also, read more about 10 overnight romance packages at area hotels.

2012 in Washington County: Highlights

Posted on: December 20th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The year 2012 contained many highlights in Washington County–particularly new offerings and features. Here’s our account of what you may have missed here, and in many cases, can plan for in 2013:

Photo by Chris Glawe

This new zipline at Tree to Tree Adventure Park was a big highlight of 2012!

Tree to Tree Adventure Park expanded its “playground in the trees” to include a new zipline tour, “Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage.” This features six extreme ziplines (including one that is 1,280′ long!), a bridge and a 40′ rappel. The original treetop aerial course has 12 ziplines among its 48 treetop elements and obstacles from platform to platform (tree to tree), including wobbly bridges, tight ropes, tarzan swings and more.

Also in the area’s great outdoors, we were home to more organized runs than ever. New this year was the Bald Peak Half Marathon in Hillsboro, as well as the 5K Foam Fest in Sherwood and the Terrain Mud Run in Sherwood. We heard positive feedback about each of these scenic and challenging races!

Kayaking the Tualatin River became simpler with a new “no reservations required” option. Just dropping by the Tualatin River on summer weekends meant a paddle trip was possible.

Local golf course The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha was the new setting for a three-day exhibition-style golf tournament in August, the Umpqua Bank Challenge. This top-notch golf tournament featured a pro-am and a a best-ball tournament featuring PGA TOUR and Champions Tour professionals.

The “Wheels to Wine“/Wheels in Motion to cure Cystic Fibrosis cycling event was in and around Forest Grove.

A new event soared: In May Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge offered guided workshops, field trips and seminars during the new three-day event, “Focus on Nature: A Weekend of Learning About Wildlife through Your Camera Lens,” which was part of the Tualatin River Bird Festival. Presenters included well-known nature photographers, optics specialists and local birding experts; options included nine fee-based classes and two free workshops.

The retail store House of Reptiles expanded  to open a “Venomous Reptile Museum” within its Tigard store, featuring 20 to 30 species on display, such as a 14-foot King Cobra, Mexican Bearded Lizard, the White-Lipped Pitviper, and the Banded Rock Rattlesnake, among others. The store itself specializes in reptiles, amphibians and quality products for their care.

The Joy Theater in Tigard underwent a facelift under the new owner, and became the Joy Cinema & Pub, specializing in out-of-the-ordinary movie offerings for a discounted admission price.

During Labor Day weekend, wineries in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA) of the Willamette Valley featured the annual Explore, Tour & Taste event, with lesser-known Washington County wineries open, including: Anam Cara Cellars, Beckham Estate Vineyard and Gresser Vineyard.

Likewise, a new winery opened in the Fall: Ruby Vineyard. Also in Hillsboro, Big Bottom Whiskey opened a tasting room with regular Saturday hours.

In addition to alcohol, gourmet, high-end farm-fresh dinners were featured here in the sunnier months. “Feast on the Farm” offered elaborate white tablecloth meals amid picturesque backdrops of farms in Hillsboro and Forest Grove, with the mantra, “Local food, prepared locally.”

We look forward to many more exciting developments in Oregon’s Washington County throughout 2013 — which we’ll be blogging about!

A Mid-Week Tour of Oregon’s Washington County Wine Country

Posted on: November 9th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Wine tasting isn’t just for weekends. Several wineries throughout Oregon’s Washington County–located in the northern end of the famed Willamette Valley–are open daily, year-round. On a beautiful autumn weekday, a wine blogger and I set out to experience wine country, and found some surprises along the way.

We started out quite early and arrived at our first stop, Elk Cove Vineyards, at 10:30 a.m. Elk Cove has been family owned and operated since 1977, and today, the second generation is running the winery, and earning applause with its Pinot Noir and other varietals. Our tasting flight included Elk Cove’s highly-rated Pinot Noir, and a selection of whites, such as a late-harvest Riesling. The crisp wines complemented the views of the fog-filled vineyard, which was lit up with the colors of fall: Brilliant yellow, golden orange, deep rust and dark green. (Elk Cove Vineyards is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed some holidays)

Miki's Christmas Shop has the 2nd largest collection of German Smokers (incense burners) for sale in the U.S.

After lunching at 1910 Main — An American Bistro– a cozy restaurant offering modern twists on American comfort foods–we set off for Shafer Vineyard Cellars (established in 1978) and home to Miki’s Christmas Shop.  We took in the breathtaking views of the foothills of Gales Creek Valley, as well as the vineyard, which was ablaze with yellow grape leaves, before entering the quaint tasting room. We were greeted by Miki Shafer, the owner and winemaker, who poured us tastes of her Pinot Noir, Riesling, and special holiday wine, the aptly named Holiday Magic (which, when combined with Shafer’s sparkling wine, makes a spicy, festive drink). Between sips, we ventured into the Christmas Shop, and perused the holiday decor from around the world, including what is the second largest collection of German Smokers in the U.S. (pictured, right). (Shafer Vineyard Cellars is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on major holidays*)

The next stop was the quaint farmhouse tasting room at David Hill Vineyards & Winery, which boasts some of the oldest vines in the Willamette Valley. With sweeping views of Oregon’s Coast Range, David Hill remains one of the most picturesque wineries in the Willamette Valley, as well as one with one of the most diverse selection of varietals found in the northern valley. In addition to Pinot Noir (including the palate-pleasing BlackJack Pinot Noir, crafted with grapes from the estate’s oldest vines) and slate of whites, such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling, David Hill offers Merlot, Tempranillo, Port and more. (David Hill Vineyards & Winery is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on major holidays)

Visit the "wild west" at the L-Bar-T Bison Ranch Gift Shop

With a little time to kill, we journeyed to the gift shop at L-Bar-T Bison Ranch to pick up some bison jerky.  We were entertained with the signs warning passersby not to “tease” the wild bison that roam the fenced-off ranch in Forest Grove. As one of the most acclaimed ranches of its kind, it has an old, wild west feel to it, as does its gift shop (pictured, left).

Our final winery stop for the day was Oak Knoll Winery, one of the pioneering wineries in Oregon. Founded in 1970, Oak Knoll started with an “experimental” batch of blackberry wine; today, Oak Knoll produces a diverse variety of wines that appeal to all palates. I started with the 2009 Pinot Gris, which was named one of the “Top 100 Best Buys of 2012″ by Wine Spectator, and followed with the 2010 Rose of Pinot Noir. Oak Knoll’s tasting menu offers an interesting slate of blends and sweet reds not often seen in the northern Willamette Valley: “Toasted Cow Red Vintners Blend,” a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah; “Toasted Cow White Vintners Blend,” a sweet blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Müller Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris; “DEVIANT,” a sweet red billed as a “sweet red revolution”; and “Concord”, made from Concord grapes. (Oak Knoll Winery is open daily at 11 a.m.; closed on major holidays).

If you can’t make it to Washington County wine country during the weekend, plan a weekday to enjoy the warm and these warm and inviting wineries.  Additional wineries that are open daily year-round include:

  • Cooper Mountain Vineyards, the first certified organic, biodynamic winery in the Pacific Northwest (open daily, 12-5 p.m.)
  • Kramer Vineyards, a winery that offers a variety of red and white wines, as well as on-site roasted coffee (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Montinore Estate, a family-owned, certified organic and biodynamic winery  (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Plum Hill Vineyards, a small, family-owned winery built on a historical dairy farm (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; opens at noon on Sundays; closed major holidays)
  • Ponzi Vineyards, one of the pioneering Oregon wineries offering a diverse range of varietals (open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • SakéOne, an American owned and operated, premium saké brewery (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

 *Most wineries are closed on the following major holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter.

Introducing Ruby Vineyard & Winery

Posted on: November 6th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

While Beran Vineyards in Hillsboro is no longer, Ruby Vineyards is now in its place. This new family-owned operation is named for the precious red gem, which is fitting for its 7.25-acre space planted with Pinot grapes.

Old vines, new winery: Ruby Vineyard & Winery

The family purchased the property in late August, and while their first harvest ages in barrels, Ruby is pouring a selection of Montebruno Pinot Noirs from their winemaker, Joe Pedicini, who draws on his Italian immigrant roots and experience making wine with his father and grandparents using traditional methods.

Ruby is only open for tasting by appointment, but for Thanksgiving Wine Weekend is open Saturday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visitors. Otherwise explore their website to learn more about their slogan, “New wines from old vines,” see a picture of Stanley the dog in the vineyard–and to make an appointment to visit!

 

The iconic barn at Ruby