Posts Tagged ‘washington county’
November 10th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Apolloni Vineyards
Spend a weekend in Oregon wine country, and taste why Oregon has earned a reputation as North America’s most revered handcrafted Pinot Noir. Vintners and wineries of northern Willamette Valley in Washington County, Ore., open their doors for tastings, hors d’oeuvres and conversation during the annual Wine Country Thanksgiving.
The weekend marks the release of new vintages at many of Washington County’s wineries, giving oenophiles a chance to be among the first to taste new wine releases, as well as a chance to visit wineries that are not regularly open to the public.
Participating wineries include:
- A Blooming Hill Vineyard & Winery
5195 SW Hergert Rd., Cornelius; (503) 992-1196
www.abloominghillvineyard.com
Fri-Sun, 12-5pm
$5 tasting fee (applied toward purchase of one bottle)
New release: Pinot Noir
Douglas Fir Noble Christmas trees available for purchase
Fee includes: Chocolate cake tastings
- Alloro Vineyards
22075 SW Lebeau Rd., Sherwood; (503) 625-1978
www.allorovineyard.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-4:30pm
$10 tasting fee
New releases: 2008 Estate Pinot Noir, Riesling & Chardonnay, 2007 Pinot Noir & late-harvest dessert wine
- Anam Cara Cellars
22222 SW Nicholas View Drive Sherwood; (503)537-9150
www.anamcaracellars.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10 tasting fee
Fee includes: Selection of Oregon cheeses
Purchase two bottles of wine, get the third bottle for $1 (must be same varietal/vintage)
- Apolloni Vineyards
14135 NW Timmerman Rd., Forest Grove, (503) 359-3606
www.apolloni.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee (refundable with wine purchase)
New releases: 2007 Sangiovese and 2007 Merlot (available in tasting room only)
- Árdíri Winery and Cellars
35040 SW Unger Rd., Cornelius; (503) 628-6060
www.ardiriwine.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10 tasting fee
New releases: 2007 Pinot Noir
Special tastings: 2008 Pinot Noir, barrel tastings
Fee includes: Logo glass, light food and chocolates made with Árdíri’s Pinot Noir
- Barron-Wahl Vineyards
27015 SW Ladd Hill Rd., Sherwood; (503) 625-7938
www.barronwahl.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-4pm
Light hors d’oeuvres
- Beran Vineyards
30088 SW Egger Road, Hillsboro; (503) 628-1298
www.beranvineyards.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee (proceeds to benefit Community Action programs)
Holiday discount, 20% off per case
Cooper Mountain Vineyards
9480 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton; (503) 649-0027
www.coopermountainwine.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10-20 tasting fee
Fee includes: Logo glass, live music, cheese and wine pairings
Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard Treks at 11am, 2pm and 4pm
25% off purchases of cases- David Hill Vineyard & Winery
46350 NW David Hill Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 992-8545
www.davidhillwinery.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Fee includes: Logo glass and light food
- Elk Cove Vineyards
27751 NW Olson Rd., Gaston; (503) 985-7760; 1-877-ELK-COVE
www.elkcove.com
Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
New release: 2008 Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris
- Freja Cellars
16691 SW McFee Place, Hillsboro; (503) 628-7843
www.frejacellars.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10 tasting fee (applied toward wine purchase of half-case or larger)
New release: 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir
Fee includes: Logo glass, assortment of fruit, cheeses, chocolates & bread
- Garden Vineyards
12960 NW Dick Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 547-9046
www.gardenvineyards.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10 tasting fee (applied toward wine purchase)
Fee includes: Light snacks
- Helvetia Vineyards
23269 NW Yungen Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 647-7596
www.helvetiawinery.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$2 tasting fee (refundable with purchase)
New releases: 2007 Chardonnay, 2008 Gewürztraminer Barrel tastings
Indian-caught smoked salmon
Gifts and Christmas trees available for purchase
- J. Albin Winery
19495 Vista Hill Dr., Hillsboro; (503) 628-2986
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Handcrafted Pinot Noir, Saignee Rosé, sparkling wines, dessert wine and Pinot Gris
- Montinore Estate
3663 SW Dilley Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 359-5012
www.montinore.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$10-15 tasting fee
$10 fee includes: Logo glass
$15 fee includes: Culinary pairing classes, logo glass
- Oak Knoll Winery
29700 SW Burkhalter Rd., Hillsboro; (503) 648-8198
www.oakknollwinery.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Fee includes: Live music and light food
Special case discounts (20-50% off), pick an ornament from the holiday tree and open it to reveal percentage-off discount on purchase of a case
- Patton Valley Vineyard
9449 SW Old Highway 47, Gaston; (503) 985-3445
www.pattonvalley.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$15 tasting fee
New releases: 2007 Lorna-Marie Reserve Pinot Noir, 2007 Syrah
Fee includes: Glass, food
- Plum Hill Vineyards
6505 SW Old Hwy. 47, Gaston; (503) 359-4706
www.PlumHillWine.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Fee includes: Glass, music, snacks
- Ponzi Vineyards
14665 SW Winery Ln., Beaverton; (503) 628-1227
www.ponziwines.com
Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
$15 tasting fee
“The Ponzi Vineyards Cookbook” book signing with author/founder Nancy Ponzi (Sunday only)
New release: 2008 Tavola Pinot Noir
Fee includes: Riedel Pinot Noir Glass
- Purple Cow Vineyards
52720 NW Wilson School Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 330-0991; www.purplecowvineyards.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
New releases: 2006 Tempranillo Reserve, 2007 Gabriela
- Quailhurst Vineyard Estate
15031 SW Pleasant Hill Rd., Sherwood; (509) 427-5132
www.QuailhurstWines.com
Saturday, November 28, 9am-5pm
$20 tasting fee
Fee includes: Logo glass, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, entertainment
Specials on selected wines
- Shafer Vineyard Cellars
6200 NW Gales Creek Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 357-6604
www.shafervineyardcellars.com
Fri-Mon, 11am-5pm
$5 tasting fee
Fee includes: Hors d’oeuvres, hot apple cider and coffee
36th Anniversary Special: Purchase one case, get the second case free (excludes Pinot Noir)
- SakéOne
820 Elm St., Forest Grove; (503) 357-7056
www.sakeone.com
Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm (Tours: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm)
$10 tasting fee
“Rice Exposed Tour“: tastings of fresh Oregon koji rice and kasu, rice cake pressed from fermented saké which is commonly used as a pickling agent in Japanese cuisine
Fee includes: Tour, saké pairings, chocolate-dipped fortune cookies
Saké and sakétini holiday gift sets 20% off
- Tualatin Estate Vineyard
10850 NW Seavey Rd., Forest Grove; (503) 357-5005
www.tualatinestate.com
Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
Complimentary tastings
Most wineries are open Nov. 27-29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Each winery may charge a tasting fee, and fees may vary. Event information, fees and participating wineries are subject to change. For additional information about the Thanksgiving holiday weekend tastings, visit the North Willamette Vintners Association’s website.
Tags: North Willamette Valley, North Willamette Vintners, sake, washington county, Washington County wineries, Willamette Valley, wine events, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Events, Holiday, Wineries | No Comments »
October 5th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Autumn is by far my favorite season: the crisp, cool air; rust-colored leaves falling from the trees; the bright orange and green hues of the pumpkin patches. Indeed, ’tis the season to get out and explore fall in Washington County, Oregon. On Saturday, my family and I hopped into the car and did just that.
First stop was the Beaverton Farmers’ Market, a cornucopia of fall vegetables, colorful gourds, scrumptious apples and pears, and hearty potatoes and onions, all awaiting shoppers who ventured out on the brisk Saturday morning. Free coffee and fruit samples provided us the energy – and warmth – needed to navigate the market.
With our newly acquired produce in hand, we ventured off to our next stop, the Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro. Each year, I make the pilgrimage to the Smith Berry Barn to stock up on apples, and this year is no exception. I loaded up my basket with freshly picked Macintosh apples, perfect for making caramel apple treats.
On a whim, we decided to head over to Baggenstos Farms in Sherwood, to check out the corn maze. Growing up in the desert, corn mazes were something I had only seen on television, or in scary movies. In reality it was not scary at all. Granted, it was a bright and sunny mid-afternoon. (However, my ever-adventurous daughter suggested we return and try the maze at night.) About a half hour after we entered, we mastered the maze, which, visible from the sky, is carved to look like Abraham Lincoln.
Before we left, we decided to try our hand at pumpkin bowling. This was a blast. We each had three tries to knock down the pins while throwing a ripe, orange pumpkin down the makeshift lane. On my second round, I threw a spare!
After our day in rural Washington County, we were exhausted; but, it was worth it to spend a memorable and fun day with my family. (And, yes, we will be going back to the corn maze … at night.)
So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your own autumn memories this October. The Beaverton Farmers Market, as well as the pumpkin patches and corn mazes at farms throughout the county are open through October 31. And don’t miss this year’s Apple Fest at Smith Berry Barn, Oct. 18. For a list of other autumn-inspired events, check out our event calendar.
Tags: apples, Baggenstos Farms, beaverton, Beaverton farmers market, corn mazes, farmers market, farms, Hillsboro, pumpkin patch, pumpkin patches, pumpkins, Sherwood, Smith Berry Barn, washington county, washington county oregon
Posted in Family Fun, Seasonal Fun | No Comments »
September 1st, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, located in North Plains, Ore., has hosted various tournaments, including professional, amateur and charity games.
Washington County, Oregon, will be in the spotlight September 13-14, as stars from various cable television reality series join the Roloff Family, stars of the TLC series “Little People Big World,” for the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation’s first ever charity golf benefit and tournament.
Along with the Roloff family, special celebrity guests* scheduled to attend include:
- Crew from “Time Bandit” from the Discovery Channel’s series Deadliest Catch
- Cast of TLC’s “Orange County Choppers”
- JM Browning and other stars from the History Channel’s series “Ax Men”
- Alex Eusebio, a contestant from season five of “Top Chef,” which airs on Bravo
- AC Green, three-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion
- Michael Harper, former NBA player and Portland Trailblazer
*Celebrity appearances are subject to change
The event launches with a “tee-off” dinner and auction at Roloff Farms, followed by a golf scramble and dinner the following day at Pumpkin Ridge’s Ghost Creek golf course. All proceeds will benefit the Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA) and local organization Bridge Meadows.
The Roloff Family owns and operates the Roloff Family Farm, located in Helvetia, Ore. The series, “Little People, Big World” debuted March 2006 on Discovery Network’s TLC, and the fifth season is scheduled to premiere this fall. The farm, which has gained national attention since the reality series started airing, is open to the public each October for its annual pumpkin patch and harvest festivities.
For additional information about the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation’s charity golf benefit, visit www.amyroloffcharityfoundation.org.
Tags: Golf, Helvetia, North Plains, Pumpkin Ridge, Roloff Farms, washington county
Posted in Events, Golf | No Comments »
August 28th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
There are plenty of shopping options in Washington County to ensure you get what you need to send your kids to school in style.
First off, I have to admit that I love to shop. So, it is with excitement that it is, once again, time for back-to-school shopping. With only 11 days left until my daughter starts school – her freshman year of high school, at that – I am feeling the rush to finish up the back-to-school shopping.
If you’re anything like me, you’re feeling that rush too. Before you head out for your own last-minute shopping, why not make a quick visit to Washington County, Oregon? It’s a shopaholic’s dream, with its multitude of boutiques, brand-name fashion clothing stores, and top-of-the-line retailers. Need more convincing?
There’s no sales tax in Oregon! None. Zero. Zilch. Oregon has no sales tax, which makes back-to-school shopping a bargain (especially for those who are visiting from out of state).
Special offers and discounts are available to out-of-town shoppers! Bridgeport Village and Washington Square both offer discounts and incentives to out-of-town visitors, and Macy’s has a savings pass, specifically aimed at both domestic and international travelers. (Visit Washington Square’s website and Bridgeport Village’s site for more information and a list of participating partners and packages.)
Parking is FREE (and there’s lots of it)! Parking is a breeze at the major retail centers, such as Washington Square, Streets of Tanasbourne and Bridgeport Village, so you can spend more time shopping, instead of looking for a parking spot. Plus, you will have more dollars in your wallet for fun stuff, not parking tolls.
The art of shopping is always in fashion (and easy on the wallet) in Washington County. And with three major shopping and retail centers (each easily accessible from major highways) there is a large variety of stores to choose from, including many of the nation’s best-known shops, as well as local favorites.
Visit the shopping section of our website for a list of the myriad shopping experiences you can have all year round.
Tags: beaverton, bridgeport village, Hillsboro, mall, Shopping, shopping packages, streets of tanasbourne, tigard, Tualatin, washington county, Washington Square
Posted in Shopping | No Comments »
July 9th, 2009 by Sunyi
J O I N U S Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July 11 at Barnes & Noble to support Beaverton students participating in the Battle of the Books. Enjoy FREE in-store fun activities all day Friday and Saturday at the Tanasbourne location. Harry Potter Costume Party from 4pm – 6pm on Friday at Tanasbourne, including free wand making. Shop early during the Early Bird VIP Hour on Saturday from 8am – 9am. Meet local authors; Susan Fletcher – The Dragon Chronicles, Shadow Spinner Walk Across the Sea, Marianne Monson – Finding Fairies and Josie Seid, There’s a Frog in Swan Lake(authors scheduled Saturday from 1pm-2pm).…AND MUCH MORE!
Purchase/Donate a book off the Battle of the Books Wish List and receive a FREE gift, while supplies last!
Present this > bookfair code: 566901 prior to checkout at Barnes & Noble Tanasbourne or Barnes & Noble Washington Square and a percentage of the net sale will be donated to the Beaverton Education Foundation.*
*BOOKFAIR HOURS:
Barnes &Noble Booksellers (Tanasbourne)
Friday 9am – 11pm & Saturday 8am – 11pm; BEF VIP SHOPPING HOUR 8am -9am
Barnes & Noble Booksellers (Washington Square)
Friday & Saturday 9am – 9pm
Tags: beaverton, Events, Tanasbourne, washington county, washington square mall
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Shopping | No Comments »
June 23rd, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Hikers discover the natural beauty of Cooper Mountain. The site is now home to the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park.
Amid the musical trill of the White-Crowned sparrow was the shrill call of a cicada, a sound I haven’t heard since I left the desert of Southern Nevada for the cooler, greener pastures of Northwestern Oregon. These insects, as naturalist James Davis pointed out, are not common west of the Cascade Range. So these desert dwellers, much like myself, found their way to the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park, which opens to the public June 27.
Washington County’s newest nature spot, located in Beaverton, features three miles of trails with varying difficulty through three distinct habitats – forest, prairie and oak woodlands. Our hour-long walk did not take us through all three miles, but what we didn’t cover trail-wise, we sure earned in newly-acquired knowledge.
Along the trail James pointed out many of the native plants and invasive species that lined the gravel trail. We were educated about the Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine, which is being reintroduced to the area after virtually disappearing from years of logging and urban growth; spotted poison oak and learned how to identify it in the wild; saw a lone St. John’s Wort plant, which is used as an herbal treatment for depression; and discovered a couple of Bitter Cherry trees, which provide nourishment to various birds and wildlife.
Further evidence of wildlife living in the park included the discovery of mole holes and squirrel nests, while bird enthusiasts on the tour identified the songbirds behind the chorus of musical chirps.
For this desert girl, the guided walk through the park with a group of naturalists provided an eye-opening look into the wonders of nature. Although the loud sound of the cicadas made me a little homesick, the sweet singing of the birds made me realize that this is my home, and I wouldn’t trade it for, well , all the wine in the Willamette Valley.
For those who want to learn more about the wilds of Washington County, Cooper Mountain Nature Park will be hosting guided walks, star parties, garden demonstrations, wildlife talks and more throughout the summer. Check out our event calendar or visit the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District for more information
Tags: Cooper Mountain Nature Park, Tualatin, washington county, washington county oregon, Washington County parks, WCVA
Posted in Events, Nature, WCVA News | 2 Comments »
June 3rd, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA), awarded just under $200,000 in tourism grants to local organizations. The WCVA is a destination marketing organization charged with marketing the county as a tourism destination. Up to $200,000 are allocated to local organizations annually for tourism development.
Selected by the WCVA’s grant committee, which is comprised of members of its board of directors, the seven recipients will receive the funds beginning in July for projects designed to enhance Washington County’s tourism products.
Recipients of the WCVA’s 2009-10 tourism grants are:
Hornings Hideout
The sole purpose of the funds allocated is for the development or promotion of emerging events, activities and other tourism-related attractions in Washington County. To be considered for funding, projects must have the potential to attract and draw tourists from at least 50 miles outside of Washington County and the Portland Metro area, thereby increasing visitor spending in the local economy.
All grant recipients are required to demonstrate how the awarded funds increased visitor spending in Washington County from visitors who traveled from out of the Portland Metro area, as well as report a return on investment on these grants.
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!
Tags: Banks, Hornings Hideout, Hulaman Triathlon, LL Stub Stewart State Park, North Willamette Vintners, theater, tourism, Tualatin Riverkeepers, washington county, washington county oregon
Posted in WCVA News | 2 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 »
March 6th, 2009 by Rhiannon
If you’ve read my little bio, you may recall that my wife and I like to take off on what we call our “Mystery Trips.” Just heading out in the car and seeing where we end up. One such trip found us in some podunk burg in Washington state with nothing to offer but video poker and a local play, touted on flyers posted all over town. But we figured, why not?
Well, we ended up seeing a rousing rendition of Guys and Dolls that must have included every last guy and doll for 50 miles. Was it Broadway? No. Not even off-off Broadway. But was it great fun and very entertaining? Definitely.
Unlike that mom and pop operation, Washington County boasts a first-rate community theater company, and only mere minutes from Portland. The Theater in the Grove (in Forest Grove, naturally) is the longest running community theater company west of the Mississippi. And consistently wins rave reviews for their top-notch productions.
On the boards through March 15: Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.”
For more arts and culture in Washington County, or for a list of theatre productions, check out the event calendar.
By Greg Coyle
Tags: arts and culture, Forest Grove, Oregon, performing arts, theater, Theater in the Grove, theatre, washington county, washington county oregon
Posted in Arts & Culture | No Comments »
