WCVA CEO Ruthie Reinert holds the prizewinning photo while congratulating winner Christopher Pokorny during the event.
WCVA staff, stakeholders and partners convened in late January at The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge to network while discovering the natural wonders of the Refuge at sunset.
In addition, the grand prize winner of WCVA’s Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route photo contest was recognized and awarded his prize money.
Taking top honors as the grand prize winner was Christopher Pokorny of Portland, Ore., for the photograph titled, “Tiller Curves,” which showcases a tractor tiller.
Pokorny took a moment to address attendees, expressing his thanks and enjoyment of driving the 50-mile Scenic Tour Route–which he has done seven times.
Pokorny also won the “History” category of the contest with his photograph titled, “Grossen.” This stunning photo is named after the family who owns the land along the Tour Route, where Pokorny had permission to enter their property to compose the perfect shot.
Overall, four photographers were selected as the winners of contest, and all were invited to attend this event. Winners, whose images best represent Washington County’s agricultural- and wine-focused scenic drive, will share a total of $3,000 in prize money.
Attendees were also treated to a raffle of prints of the award-winning photographs from Pokorny.
WCVA Board Members Norm Penner, Jonae Armsrong, Terry Goldman and Teri Koerner and CEO Ruthie Reinert congratulate contest winner Christopher Pokorny at the Refuge.
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge provides a variety of recreational and educational activities and an ever-changing panorama of wildlife viewing. Located on the “Pacific Flyway,” the Refuge is an important stopover where migrating waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds stop to rest, refuel, and raise their young. The Refuge is open daily, offering new exhibits, a non-profit nature store, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
WCVA’s Westside Spotlight is a program where stakeholders partner with the WCVA to host an open house at their businesses/venues to create industry-wide promotional and networking events. Westside Spotlight showcases Washington County’s diversity of unique attractions and venues, and is designed to familiarize partners in the area to increase the number of both leisure and business visitors to Washington County.
Thanks to It’s Party Time Catering for providing light refreshments at this Westside Spotlight event.
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge building.
With so many breathtaking and expertly crafted photos, our panel of judges had a tough job of reviewing, critiquing and selecting winners, which were judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit.
After careful review by the judges (thank you, Citrus), the Grand Prize of $1,000 goes to (insert drumroll here):
“Tiller Curves” by Christopher Pokorny
Additional contest winners in each of the categories are:
* Wine: Including, but not limited to, vineyards, wineries, winemakers and tasting rooms. $500 prizewinner:
“Tualatin Estate” by Cailyn Andreasen
* Agriculture: Including, but not limited to, crops, nurseries, barns, farms, farmstands and livestock. $500 prizewinner:
“Here’s Looking at You” by Sandy Pokorny
* Nature: Including, but not limited to, protected wildlife areas, flora, fauna and vistas. $500 prizewinner:
“Washington County” by Joel Zak
* History: Including, but not limited to, towns, buildings, cemeteries and interpretive markers. $500 prizewinner:
“Grossen” by Christopher Pokorny
All photo entries are housed here on the WCVA website. Photos will also be featured in print and electronic marketing materials produced by Washington County Visitors Association to promote area tourism. Read the contest press release.
Thanks to all who entered photos; you made this a high-caliber photo competition.
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 atSakéOne, 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.
On a recent crisp fall day, I made a date with Stub. That is, a picturesque cabin at a new (circa 2007) Oregon park in Washington County–L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.
Cabins with a view in the "Mountain Dale Cabin Village"
The online booking process allowed me to view available options for my specified overnight stay, so cabin #1 it was–and just 10 days in advance. I paid online as well, which meant I didn’t have to check in and was e-mailed the code for unlocking my cute lil’ cabin.
I was en route to the Coast, and this proved to be the perfect stopover for the night; a welcome respite from Friday rush-hour traffic on Highway 26, which is just 4 miles from this site. Signage to the park off Highway 47 made for an easy drive to what felt like a remote area, but now boasts 78 camping sites, 23 hike-in primitive campsites, 12 walk-in tent sites, 16 horse camp sites and 15 cabins in the Park.
With shining wood floor, heat and insulated windows, I commented, “This is my kind of cabin!”
The tidy fire pit and nearby water spigot made “roughing it” that much easier as well. The restrooms & showers are centralized, as is the parking–a design that means any of the 15 cabins are great options.
Choosing from the myriad trail options
Hiking paths snake in all directions from the Park, and many are specified for bikes and/or horses. The new Banks-Vernonia State Trail–once a railroad and now a paved, multi-use path–is nearby as well, offering 21 miles of smooth and scenic exploration.
No need for our flashlights when the full moon rose over the Douglas Fir stand adjacent to our cabin, and my daughter (age 3) instructed me to “tiptoe down the moon path.”
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.
The Beaverton Farmers’ Market hosts a one-day celebration of a time when all markets were open-air markets. So put on your medieval garb and join in the fun, including artisans demonstrating medieval crafts, children’s activities, music, cooking demos and sword tournaments.
This event is held in conjunction with the Washington County Chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism – The shire of Dragon’s Mist, and is from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest at McMenamins Grand Lodge
Join in a free gathering at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, complete with bands, beer, bratwurst and more in celebration of Oktoberfest!
Live music performances begin at 2 p.m.:
o CHERVONA (party troupe) 2 p.m.
o TRANSCENDENTAL BRASS BAND (marching jam band) 4 p.m.
o GYPSY CARAVAN (belly dancers) 5 p.m.
o DEER TICK (rock) 7 p.m.
o JACK McMAHON (folk/blues) 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, Sept. 27:
Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival
Enjoy the unique bluegrass and gospel sounds of the Misty Mamas band at this new annual event in Tualatin’s Browns Ferry Park.
Paddle your boat to the festival or borrow a boat on site from Tualatin Riverkeepers, the beneficiaries of the event.
A special Tualatin River Oktoberfest beer, brewed by Fanno Creek Brew Pub, will be available, along with Oregon pinots, sausages, veggie dogs and dessert.
Cost is $20 for adults; kids are free. The event is from 3 to 7 p.m.
Both SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Festival Japan
Uwajimaya at 10500 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway in Beaverton, again hosts its annual free two-day festival, which includes Japanese food, music and art for all ages! It ranges from taiko drumming to martial arts. The fest is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From scaly reptiles to furry alpacas, there are all kinds of creatures to see this weekend–September 26 and 27–in Washington County!
Unique Animal Expo & Pet Fair
See and buy live birds, reptiles and mammals at the oldest and largest combined Animal Expo in the Pacific Northwest. This expo is open to the public and to trade buyers on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All types of animal-related merchandise will be available for purchase. You’ll also be able to meet and talk to the breeders of all types of livestock.
The event is at the Washington County Fair Complex – 873 NE 34th Avenue in Hillsboro, and admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 5 to 12.
National Alpaca Farm Days
Five alpaca farms in the Washington County area are participating in the third annual National Alpaca Farm Days on Saturday and Sunday—a free event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alpaca farming is an up-and-coming industry in the United States, and this is a day for the public to come to local farms and learn about alpacas.
See alpacas up close; tour the farms; learn about alpaca farming; and see the beautiful products made from alpaca fleece.
As summer sunshine extends into fall, this coming weekend offers perfect conditions for fair-weather hiking, biking and tracking in Washington County.
Saturday, Sept. 26:
* Stub Stewart State Park hosts its final guided Saturday hike of the year at 10 a.m., and all are welcome.
Explore the area’s natural and cultural history in this free hike. A park ranger leads participants on a trail in the Stub Stewart State Park forest.
* Join author and walking guru Laura Foster for a Fanno Creek Greenway Trail walking tour. Participants in this free event, sponsored by Metro, will stride along the paved multi-use trail bordering Portland Golf Club, ponds and marshes. To join in, meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Garden Home Recreation Center’s main entrance. Foster is the author of several guidebooks, including “Portland City Walks: Twenty Explorations In and Around Town.”
Sunday, Sept. 27:
* Enjoy a two-wheeled outing in the Second Annual Hillsboro Tour de Parks, where all are invited to tour a sampling of Hillsboro’s parks by bike. This family-friendly ride offers 3 route choices: 15 miles, seven miles or three miles. To participate, meet at Civic Center Plaza, where there will be tire pressure checks, brief riding rules discussion and final route maps. Start times are between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. based on which route riders are taking.
The event emphasizes the rules of the road for cyclists, and offers leisurely stops at the city’s parks, such as Shadywood and Shute. At the finish line all will receive ribbons and enjoy festivities.
* Join Metro naturalist and animal tracker Deb Scrivens at Cooper Mountain Nature Park for a workshop to learn the basics of animal signs, track identification and interpreting animal movement. Learn the stealth skills needed to watch wildlife at close range then make plaster casts of tracks to bring home. Practice your skills the following Sunday during a special tour of the park. Meet at the Nature House. Suitable for ages 10 and older.
Registration and payment required in advance; call 503-629-6350. Hosted by Metro and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
This fall, as the leaves are turning, the grapes are gathered and farmers’ fields yield to the harvest, it’s time to discover Oregon Bounty. Come meet vintners, chefs, and farmers; travel down roads you’ve never driven; sample what these artisans make, grow and catch; and spend a night or two so you can discover more. There are myriad ways to get a taste of Oregon Bounty in Washington County:
VISIT A WINERY
Tour Washington County wineries— more than 20 in all—many of which are conveniently located along the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route. Follow the signs on this driving journey that winds through quaint towns in the county known for their ideal grape growing conditions and outstanding finished products: wines!
SEE WHAT CHEFS DO
Taste the autumn bounty that’s abundant in Pacific Northwest flavor palates. Visit our site for details about the restaurants in the county that specialize in regional cuisine.
BE TOUCHED BY SPRITS SakéOne, the world’s only American-owned saké brewery, produces Momokawa brand premium saké and Moonstone brand fruit-infused saké. These high quality Ginjo sakés are intended to be enjoyed cold on their own and with your favorite foods. Sakétini Saturday happens on the third Saturday of each month; the tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 10:Great Onion Festival, Sherwood. This classic community event pays homage to the onion farmers of Sherwood, with a barbecue and assorted activities. Visit sherwoodchamber.org.
October 10:Oregon Heritage Farms hosts its annual Apple Fest. Enjoy the harvest of apple season with this festival–complete with country music, face painting, pony rides and hay rides. Plus, all proceeds benefit local students.
October 18:Heirloom Apple Festival, Hillsboro. Sample more than 20 varieties of heirloom and modern apples and pears fresh from the orchard. Enjoy freshly dipped caramel apples, hot apple cider and homemade apple pie made from an assortment of different apple varieties, all while enjoying live music. Kids’ activities will include a straw maze, face painting, petting goats and pumpkin gathering. Visit www.smithberrybarn.com.
October 31:West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, Tualatin. Come cheer on 1,000 lb. pumpkin boats as people paddle across the lake at Tualatin Commons in races that are often wet and always entertaining. Visit ci.tualatin.or.us.
For a comprehensive culinary planning resource, visit TravelOregon.com/bounty, where you’ll find all that there is to see, do and taste. Oregon Bounty is produced by the Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, in partnership with Oregon’s many destination marketing organizations and industry guilds. Discover Oregon’s Bounty with special fly/stay/drive packages from Horizon Air.
Saturday, Sept. 12: A demonstration of “Artisan Cheese of the Pacific Northwest: A Discovery Guide” by Tami Parr. Parr’s Pacific Northwest Cheese Project blog has become the preeminent source for local cheese news, producer profiles, and cheese reviews. Her guide, Artisan Cheese of the Pacific Northwest, was released this spring, and she will be signing copies.
Saturday, Sept. 19: The 52nd Annual Beaverton Celebration parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and can be viewed from the west end of the market.
Saturday, Sept. 26: The market transforms for “Medieval Market Day.” Enjoy medieval activities, games and demonstrations.
Saturday, Oct. 3: A demonstration of “Deep, Dark Chocolate” by Sara Perry, a food columnist for The Oregonian and author of 12 cookbooks, including the latest about chocolate–what she calls “one of the most important food groups.”
Join in a free gathering at 
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October 31: 