Wine Event Wonderland for 2012
March 26th, 2012 by Angie Marsh
Wine and weekends: These are the choice words for tastings in Oregon’s Washington County this year. Spring, summer and fall feature events that I, for one, am marking on my calendar now! What better way to spend a Saturday than touring wineries closest to Portland, where the vintners are typically on hand to offer tastes and talk terroir. And then doing it all over again on Sunday. And in some instances, Monday or Friday.
Here are the events planned so far for this year:
Tasting events abound in spring, summer and fall in Washington County. Photo by Melissa Hay.
The North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend
This event returns for a fourth year, on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The unique Wine Trail Weekend pairs Washington County wines and culinary delights with education and fun. This year, approximately 24 neighboring wineries are participating–each with special food pairing offerings such as cheese flights, tapas and truffles, as well as special events, including behind-the-scenes tours and demonstrations, art shows and select live music. Tickets are $45 for the weekend or $30 for Sunday only, and are available now.
Memorial Weekend in Wine Country
Rain or shine, the Memorial Weekend in Wine Country event has continued for more than 20 years, and the 2012 dates are Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28. Many of Washington County’s wineries, as well as hundreds of others throughout the Northwest, open for visitors during these three days to offer an array of wines, as well as activities and food that have included vineyard tours, salmon feeds and live music. Tasting fees range from $5 to $2, with a portion of proceeds going to a designated local nonprofit; this year’s being Ecotrust.
Red, White and Celebrate
Celebrate Independence Day with a class of red, white and rosé wine. Various wineries throughout Oregon’s Washington County will be participating in special tastings and pairings during this annual July 4th wine-tasting event. More information coming soon, and will be available on the North Willamette Vintners’ website.
Explore, Tour & Taste
Labor Day weekend is typically pleasant in Oregon, and heading out for wine tasting is the perfect activity to enjoy. During “Explore, Tour & Taste,” the Chehalem Mountains American viticulture area (a.k.a. “AVA”) highlights its rich winemaking tradition. Eight of Washington County’s wineries, located in the rich AVA, are included on the tour, which features pre-harvest vineyard presentations, vineyard walks, grape samples and wine tasting. Enjoy it this year Saturday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 3; more information available from Chehalem Mountains Winegrowers.
Fall: North Willamette Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting
North Willamette Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting offers a guided bus tour to three local wineries for complimentary tastings, hors d’oeuvres and harvest preparation activities at each. It’s typically held on the first Saturday in October. Walk the the vineyard, visit the crush pad and tour the winery to discover each step of the wine making process with the professionals. Learn more about the region from your experienced tour guide on the bus and enjoy lunch along the way, all included in your ticket. The day will conclude with a Grand Tasting event including tastings, appetizers, a complimentary wine glass and specials on wine from an assortment of wineries. Also, a limited number of Grand Tasting only tickets are available; check with North Willamette Vintners.
Thanksgiving Wine Weekend
Take part in this long-standing tradition of wine tasting day(s) following the holiday. This year’s event–Friday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 25–features the majority of Washington County’s wineries open for public tasting, including many of which do not usually These special tastings of new releases and barrel tastings are paired with entertainment and light food fare. Tasting fees vary. For details, visit Willamette Valley Wineries.
There will be other, smaller wine events in the County in 2012; be in the know by following us on Facebook or Twitter (@WCVA), or check our event calendar. There’s always the option to venture out and create your wine trail by using our list of wineries or our suggested wine itinerary. Tech-savvy touring can be accessed via the Willamette Valley Mobile Wine Tour. Cheers!
Tags: Chehalem Mountains Winegrowers, explore, Memorial Day Oregon Wine Weekend, North Willamette Harvest Trail & Grand Tasting, North Willamette Vintners, North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend, Oregon Thanksgiving Wine Weekend, Oregon wines; wineries near Portland; Portland wine country; oregon's washington county; 4th of July; Valentine's Day; Labor Day; harvest; crush, Tour & Taste Labor Day wine event, washington county oregon, Willamette Valley wineries, wine tasting, Wineries
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