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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.

Last-Minute Labor Day Weekend Getaway

Posted on: August 24th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Squeeze out the last days of summer with a weekend getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. Temperatures are cooling down with an average high of 80 degrees, but the fun is just heating up.

All Trails Lead to Nature

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

With cooler temperatures, why spend a day indoors when Washington County has myriad outdoor activities that are perfect for a summer day. Rent a bike (or bring your own) and ride along the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail (it’s 42 miles if you make it a round-trip ride). This gorgeous trail, along an abandoned railway, takes riders, hikers and equestrians down a relatively easy path through lush forests and along trestles and through L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park.

Head for the tranquil waters of the Tualatin River with a leisurely kayak or canoe ride. Rent a kayak or canoe or take part in a group paddle and the enjoy the natural surroundings, birds and wildlife.

For high-flying adventures, head over to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course and zip-line park. Explore the challenging aerial obstacle course, which features a total of 48  tree-top elements and 12 zip lines, or check out the new Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage Zip Line Tour, featuring six “extreme” zip-lines, a bridge and a rappel.  Adult prices start at $45 for the aerial ropes course; $75 for the Zip Line Tour.

Back by popular demand is the Zip, Sip & Stay passport, which includes a one-night stay in a deluxe suite, gourmet lunch, passes to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, wine tasting and a $29 wine voucher, and dining specials at local restaurants. Passports for two start at $245; family and combo passports also are available.

Sip Your Way Through Oregon’s Washington County

During Labor Day weekend, wineries in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in the Willamette Valley, will open their doors for the annual Explore, Tour & Taste event (September 1-3).  Several Washington County wineries will be hosting open houses, featuring special tastings, pre-harvest presentations and much more. Participating wineries include:  Alloro Vineyard, Anam Cara Cellars, Beckham Estate Vineyard, A Blooming Hill Vineyard and Winery, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Freja Cellars, Gresser Vineyards and Ponzi Vineyards, and Raptor Ridge.  Tasting fees, times and details vary.

Or you can explore Washington County’s wine country with a self-guided tour. Visit our website for a list of wineries in the area and to plan your own excursion.

Shop ‘Til You Drop, Then Shop Some More

Shopping in Oregon’s Washington County is always a treat because it’s TAX FREE! Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to save even more with sales at popular local retail centers, such as Washington Square, Bridgeport Village and The Streets of Tanasbourne. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping at Sleighbells Farm & Gift, a year-round holiday store specializing in Christmas and holiday decor and collectibles, or Miki’s Christmas Shop, an Old-World inspired shop featuring a large variety of German holiday collectibles.

Plan Your Last-Minute Labor Day Getaway Today

Visit our website and plan your itinerary, or peruse our digital visitor guide for inspiration.

Unique Happenings on Memorial Wine Weekend

Posted on: May 17th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Barrels like this one at Ardiri Winery & Vineyards are being opened at wineries this weekend--along with special events.

As plans are being made for the upcoming extended weekend, we’ve been asked: What sort of unique events are planned for Memorial Wine Weekend?
The short answer: Plenty!

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 26, 27 and 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.–check individual websites listed below for extended hours at select spots.
Here’s our rundown of events and offerings that certainly don’t happen every year in Washington County during this lively weekend!

Specialty Food

Helvetia Vineyards & Winery is featuring a salmon bake/dinner cooked in the traditional manner by tribal members. This smoked goodness will be offered Sunday and Monday from noon to 5 p.m., and the $15 per person contribution will fund summer field trips for Warm Springs youth. Live bluegrass and country music is also on the agenda. All this and wine, too!

At Ardiri Winery and Vineyards in Cornelius, the current releases will be paired with cheeses from Quail Run Creamery in Gaston plus a variety of local artisan food purveyors offering samples of their craft. Experience live landscape painting by nationally recognized Oregon artist Jen Vranes, whose work appears on several Ardiri labels.

Apolloni Vineyards in Forest Grove is offering handcrafted charcuterie from Olympic Provisions of Portland. Meats and sandwiches will be available for purchase, along with other picnic treats to enjoy on the patio–and pair with barrel tastings.

During this holiday weekend SakeOne hosts three local wineries (Abbey Creek Vineyard, Dion Vineyard & Gresser Vineyard), who will be pouring diverse offerings from their 2006-2011 vintages alongside select sake. Boxed lunches will also be available for purchase from Sundial Baking.

Enjoy charcuterie alongside Estate Riesling at Alloro Vineyard in Sherwood.

Your Own Glass…and More

At David Hill Vineyard and Winery in Forest Grove, the $10 tasting fee goes toward seven wines, light hors d’oeuvres and a logo glass.

For a $15 fee at Elk Cove Vineyards, enjoy an Oregon Pinot Noir glass, 2009 high-rated Pinot as well as bread and cheese.

At Freja Cellars in Hillsboro, the $10 tasting fee includes: a logo glass, fruits, cheeses, bread and chocolate–as well as estate wine samples poured by the winemaker.

A $10 fee at Patton Valley Vineyards includes a monogrammed Pinot glass, 5-wine flight and “tasty nibbles.”

Music

Cooper Mountain Vineyards in Beaverton is offering live music each day, new releases and “nibbles.”

Provinical Vineyards is offering its first-ever vineyard event, with live music on both Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3:30 p.m.–along with small bites and newly released signature wines.

A Blooming Hill Vineyard is offering music all three days: acoustic guitar music Saturday from 1:30 p.m. on, Sunday music nearly all day, and Monday music from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Plum Hill Vineyards is offering live music from 1 to 4 p.m., and pairing this with new release tastings.

Garden Vineyards is offering live music in the gardens on Saturday, May 26, and picnic and a la carte grill and salad items for purchase. Snacks are complimentary on Sunday.

At Montinore Estate on Monday, there will be live music by Eric John Kaiser, who performs modern pop-rock in both English and French.

Enjoy live music and samplings of food and wine–with special discounts all weekend at Oak Knoll Winery.

Alpacas

Alpacas of Oregon in Sherwood welcomes visitors Saturday and Sunday to watch shearing and meet some of the crias (baby alpacas). While this is not a wine event, it is a chance to learn about alpacas, and the barn store will be open as well.

Be sure to consult our list of all area wineries and things to do in Oregon’s Washington County.

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Sherwood

Posted on: March 6th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
Lavender Teahouse

The Lavender Tea House transports visitors to a bygone era.

Located in the southern part of Oregon’s Washington County, minutes from the college town of Newberg, is the small city of Sherwood.  With a population of more than 16,000, this city is steeped in tradition, and the historic “Old Town” is the community’s center. Antique and specialty shops, a tea house and historic buildings all serve as reminders of Americana and small-town living from another era.

Dine
For breakfast, lunch or dinner, visit  Fat Milo’s Family Kitchen, which prepares its entrees with seasonal ingredients. Or enjoy a spot of tea, scone and finger sandwich in a 126-year-old Queen Anne Victorian cottage at the Lavender Tea House (pictured). (For a complete list of restaurants in the area, visit our “Dining” section.)

Shop
Located in the rural landscape of Sherwood is Sleighbells Gift Shop, a year-round Christmas and all-season holiday gift shop featuring collectibles, decorations, gourmet food and fudge. Antique shops in Sherwood include the Railroad Street Antique Mall, set in the heart of Sherwood’s Old Town.

Sip
Sherwood is making a splash in with its award-winning and celebrated wineries. With six wineries (and counting), this burgeoning wine destination is worthy of exploration.

Alloro Vineyard

Alloro Vineyards, in Sherwood, Oregon, is one of several wineries in Washington County offering special Valentine's weekend tastings.

If you’re more into suds than grapes, visit Two Kilts Brewing Company, Sherwood’s only brewery tasting room.

Explore
Rich, fertile soils–perfect for growing various produce, plants, flowers, and, yes, wine grapes–give way to several “U-pick” farms featuring berries, flowers, gourds and more, depending on the season.  Check out these agriculture-related attractions to explore in Sherwood.

Oregon’s Washington County’s only national wildlife refuge, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, also resides here. This national refuge features restored habitats, walking trails and is home to more than 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.

Play
Each year, Sherwood plays host to various events that showcase the fun, quirky spirit of this small town.

  • Tualatin River Bird Festival (May 18-20) is a three-day event featuring speakers, hands-on activities and photo opportunities for all ages.
  • Robin Hood Festival (July 20-21, 2012) is a two-day event featuring a parade, games, medieval court, archery competitions, contests, crowning of a Maid Marian and more.
  • Dressage at Devonwood (July 20-22), of one the most prestigious horse competitions in the state, is held annually at the DevonWood Equestrian Centre.
  • The Great Onion Festival returns to Sherwood this October, and features activities centered around onions, such as cooking contests, and eating contests (keep the tissues handy).

There are plenty of reasons to visit Sherwood while in Oregon, and dozens of reasons to come back! Use our Trip Planner tool to plan your Oregon’s Washington County and Sherwood getaway today.

Plotting the Perfect Wine Itinerary

Posted on: September 7th, 2011 by Angie Marsh No Comments

When wine country close to Portland calls, it’s best to answer with a plan. If you’re like me, you enjoy exploring the northern Willamette Valley with an itinerary in mind as you criscross the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route and arrive for tasting room hours, or appointments, at each winery.

The word is out about Washington County's wineries

Enjoy award-winning Oregon Pinot as well as the other draws of wine tasting in Oregon’s Washington County: free parking, no sales tax and wineries in close proximity to one another. We recommend wine tasting in March through December, when the majority of area wineries offer tasting room and/or appointment hours.

Our “day one” itinerary starts in Forest Grove, which in itself is a quaint town with a classic Main Street; dining before wine tasting is a great plan add-on here, with options such as 1910 Main or Maggie’s Buns to offer local flavor. Start the wine tasting by heading to the outskits of Forest Grove with a stop at Apolloni Vineyards, followed by nearby Purple Cow Vineyards. South of these spots is Tualatin Estate Vineyard, where you can drink in the view. Next up is David Hill Vineyard and Winery and its farmhouse tasting room. Be sure to see the only American-owned sake brewery in the U.S., SakéOne in Forest Grove. Just a short drive from there is Montinore Estate, which is open daily, year round.

The “day two” (or any other weekend day; we understand if these days aren’t back-to-back!) itinerary is equally as impressive; rich in views and robust wine. This plan starts north of Highway 26 at the Helvetia Vineyards tasting room. Make your way to nearby Garden Vineyards (just be sure to call ahead for an appointment). Next up, head through Hillsboro to Oak Knoll Winery. Further south you’ll find both Beran Vineyards. It’s not far to Sherwood, where the acclaimed tasting room at Alloro Vineyard is worth a stop. Cap off your day by visiting Ponzi Vineyards and Cooper Mountain Vineyards–both in Beaverton.

We wish you well on your journey through Oregon’s Washington County wine country, where you can always shape a unique, Oregon-grown wine experience.

 

Counting Down the Days Until Memorial Day Wine Weekend

Posted on: April 15th, 2011 by WCVA 2 Comments

This year marks the 21st annual “Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country,” when wineries throughout the Willamette Valley open their doors for a weekend of fun, food and entertainment. With more than 20 wineries welcoming visitors for tastings, entertainment and specials, Washington County will be one of the hottest spots in the valley to sip new and library releases of pinot noir and other varietals. Plus, during Memorial Day weekend, many visitors are offered a chance to visit numerous wineries that are not regularly open to the public.

Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country
May 28-30, 2011
Various locations throughout Washington County
Many wineries will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hours may vary)
Tasting fees vary

Participating wineries in Washington County may include:

Photo by Scott Spiker

Photo by Scott Spiker

For a complete list of participating wineries throughout the region, visit North Willamette Vintners Association, Chehalem Mountain Winegrowers Association and Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

Want to map your route to the wineries? Start with the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, a 50-mile driving tour of Washington County’s agricultural and viticultural bounty. Download the map and set out for a wine weekend adventure. (Note: Because portions include narrow county roads, low bridge overpasses and winding roads, the route is not recommended for tour buses or bicyclists.)