May 4th, 2010 by Angie Marsh
This year marks the 20th annual “Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country” and Washington County has more than 20 wineries that will be welcoming visitors for tastings, entertainment and specials.
Visit Washington County’s wine country May 29, 30 and 31 and taste the revered Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris–and much more. This event offers tastings of new (aged) wine releases, as well as a chance to visit numerous wineries that are not regularly open to the public.
This weekend also marks the grand opening of the brand new tasting room at Árdíri Winery and Vineyards in Cornelius.
Most wineries are open these dates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some charge tasting fees. Participating wineries include:
Please check back for updates, and visit North Willamette Vintners Association for the full scoop on the weekend.
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.)
Here are some great lodging packages to help you enjoy the holiday weekend.
Tags: Apolloni Vineyards, Ardiri Winery, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Elk Cove Vineyards, Memorial Day Weekend wine tasting, Montinore, North Willamette Vintners, Oak Knoll Winery, Plum Hill, Ponzi Vineyards, SakeOne, washington county oregon, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Events, Food & Drink, Holiday, Wineries | 1 Comment »
November 25th, 2009 by Angie Marsh
I set out to sample just what some of the wines and spirits of Washington County taste like, and got sips galore.
One weekend ahead of the Thanksgiving crowd, I began my Saturday jaunt at SakéOne, which a road sign identifies as a “sakéry.” I knew it as the premiere saké brewer in this country, but had never been there. My group was welcomed warmly by several staff members, and soon the warmth of the saké itself seemed to be coursing through my veins. The Momokawa Ruby had the crisp mouthfeel I associate with quality saké, and the Premium Oregon Genshu, or “G Joy” as it’s termed, tasted so good to my group of six that we purchased two bottles. I was then told it is 18 percent alcohol by volume. Phew! That didn’t stop me from sampling a flight of “sakétinis”—the G Nut, Hot White and Blue Diamond—which combined the sake with delicious ingredients such as fresh blueberries and white chocolate syrup. I love my dessert in drink form.
At this point I was grateful for two things: a designated driver and maps plotting the next destinations.
From there we headed to nearby Montinore Estate—driving only briefly on the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, which I made a note to explore in its entirety through Washington County. Perched on a hill, Montinore has a regal feel with its estate gardens and views stretching across the valley. The tasting room was pleasant, and my group’s consensus was that the best, boldest wine we tried there was the 2007 Graham’s Block 7 Pinot Noir.
Next up was nearby Plum Hill Vineyards, which is new as of February 2009. We were greeted by a friendly dog, who escorted us to the tasting area, where his even friendlier owner gave us generous pours. Turns out that the planting and harvesting of grapes is full of trials and tribulations, and we learned about future plans to space the grapes further apart, which will yield different distinctions in the wines–particularly the aftertaste. We agreed that the Barrel Select Pinot Noir we sampled was just right.
Onward and upward–up a steep climb to Gaston’s nearby Patton Valley Vineyard. The quaint tasting room gave way to wines that are segmented based on their slope on the property—and are anything but quaint. Though the 2007 Patton Valley Pinot Noir is described as a nose of ‘damp forest floor’, it tasted exquisite to me, as did the black cherry-like 2007 West Block Pinot Noir. All hail Oregon Pinot.
Then it was on to our last stop, the bustling Elk Cove Vineyards in Gaston. Truth be told, I have no (legible) notes from Elk Cove. I did take a photo and was told the property is teeming with flowers in the warmer months. I was also able to discern the aroma and flavor of crisp green apple in the 2006 Estate Riesling—my favorite.
Sustainability was also a common theme in my jaunt: Montinore is producing Oregon Certified Sustainable Wine, Patton Valley’s operation was fully certified as sustainable in the 2006 vintage by the organization Low Input Viticulture and Eneology (LIVE), Plum Hill uses sustainable vineyard practices that emphasize flavor over production volume, and Elk Cove uses sustainable agricultural practices on all its vineyards such as hand-harvesting.
There are so many well-crafted sips to savor in the local wine country, I suggest always having a designated driver when you thirst for a wine adventure.
Thanksgiving Wine Weekend is Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 29, with these and participating wineries offering special hours and tastings.
Tags: Elk Cove Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Patton Valley Vineyard, Plum Hill, SakeOne, sustainable winery, Thanksgiving wine weekend, washington county oregon, wine tasting
Posted in Holiday, Wineries | No Comments »
June 4th, 2009 by Julia Adam
The North Willamette Vintners are kicking off their Vinology class series, featuring a Wine Lovers track and another for Professionals. The Wine Lovers series is the one for you whether you’re an avid wine lover or just discovering the lifestyle. This is an educational, entertaining and hands-on opportunity to advance your love of wine, with classes including:
- SWIRL, SNIFF, SIP, SPIT:
FUNDAMENTALS OF WINE TASTING; June 13, 2009, 1pm – 3pm at Oak Knoll Winery
- PRECISION VITICULTURE:
FARMING FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND QUALITY; July 18, 2009, 1pm- 3pm at Patton Valley Vineyard
- SPARKLING WINE 101:
EVERY DAY SHOULD BE A CELEBRATION; August 8, 2009. 1pm-3pm at J. Albin Winery
- BARREL MAKING 101:
THE CRAFT WITHIN THE CRAFT; September 12, 2009, 10am – 12pm at Elk Cove Vineyards
- SAKÉ 101: October 10, 2009, 10am – 12pm at SakéOne
For more details on these classes, complete details on the Professional series, and to purchase tickets, visit the North Willamette Vintners website.
Each class is only $30 in advance or $40 during the week of the class – don’t miss this opportunity to get the inside scoop on wine and saké from the pros!
Tags: barrel making, classes, Elk Cove Vineyards, Events, J. Albin Winery, North Willamette Vintners, Oak Knoll Winery, Patton Valley Vineyard, sake, SakeOne, sparkling wine, viticulture, Willamette Valley wineries, wine, wine education, wine tasting
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Food & Drink, Wineries | No Comments »
April 14th, 2009 by Sunyi
The Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route is a 50-mile driving route that leads visitors through Oregon’s lush Tualatin Valley. The route showcases 17 wineries tucked into the countryside west of Portland, plus a bounty of farms (some with stands offering seasonal fresh produce and/or u-pick), pioneer and historic sites, wildlife refuges and scenic viewpoints of the Cascade Mountains and snow-capped Mt. Hood.
Nearly all the wineries are independent, family-owned operations where visitors often taste wine with the winemaker or owner. Some wineries specialize in producing organic and biodynamic wines. One makes traditional and specialty saké (rice wine) andthe only American-owned and operated saké producer.
Download a printable PDF of the Scenic Tour Route Map
Participating Wineries:
The new Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route is part of the “Discover Oregon Scenic Byways” program. The Washington County Visitor Association spearheaded the development of the tour route, working with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and supported by a wide range of other organizations.
The ODOT-signed, two-way route runs between the town of Sherwood in the southern part of the Tualatin Valley and Swiss-settled Helvetia at the northern end. It is best enjoyed during a full day of discoveries along the way; from wineries to such attractions as the scenic Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. The route offers hospitality at historic country taverns and old-time general stores and easy access to Sherwood, Forest Grove, Gaston and other towns for dining and lodging.
Tags: Apolloni Vineyards, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, David Hill Vineyard and Winery, Elk Cove Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Oak Knoll Winery, Patton Valley, Ponzi Vineyards, SakeOne, Shafer Vineyards, washington county oregon, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Food & Drink, Shopping, Wineries | 3 Comments »
March 27th, 2009 by Rhiannon
Wine lovers are invited to journey to 14 landmark wineries along the North Willamette Wine Trail. Washington County’s wineries, in association with the North Willamette Vintners Association, will be opening their doors April 4-5, for a weekend of wine, food and activities. This first-ever event, the North Willamette Wine Trail, celebrates the diversity of wines found in the northern area of the fertile Willamette Valley.
For one low price, attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass and enjoy a variety of complementary tastings, culinary delights and one-of-a-kind educational activities at each participating winery along the route.
Many of the wineries will be offering new releases, reserve label or barrel tastings, and hands-on activities include “becoming a biodynamic farmer for a day,” dipping wine bottles in wax and demonstrations on how to pair local salmon with your favorite wines.
Participating wineries include:
Event Details:
What: 2009 North Willamette Wine Trail
When: Saturday, April 4 & Sunday, April 5 from 11am – 4pm
Cost: $35 in advance ($40 at the door); “Designated Driver” tickets are $10
For tickets and more information, visit www.NorthWillametteVintners.org.
Tags: Apolloni Vineyards, Beran Vineyards, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, David Hill Vineyard and Winery, Elk Cove Vineyards, Events, Helvetia Vineyards, J. Albin Winery, Montinore Estate, Oak Knoll Winery, Patton Valley, Plum Hill Vineyards, Ponzi Vineyards, sake, SakeOne, Tualatin Estate Vineyards, washington county, washington county oregon, Wineries
Posted in Events, Food & Drink, Wineries | No Comments »
