— What’s the Word?In Washington County, Oregon —

Posts Tagged ‘wine events’

Mother’s Day Weekend in Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: May 3rd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

If you’re in the area visiting your mother, or are planning to take her away for a Mother’s Day getaway, several events throughout Oregon’s Washington County will leave your mom feeling like a queen (and you will be anointed as the “favorite child” …  at least for the weekend).

Weekend-Long Events

NEW ADDITION: Alloro Vineyard winery is hosting a special chocolate and wine tasting this Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sample exotic chocolates, paired with Alloro Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Local jewelry designer Jessica Moquin will be showing off her artisan wares at a special trunk show. Cost for the event is $15 per person.

The Barefoot Quilt Festival is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition.  The historic Jenkins Estate hosts this celebration of the art of quilting with displays, demonstrations and sales of quilt-related items, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, May 11-12.

Also an annual tradition, Smith Berry Barn celebrates “Mom”  during its Mother’s Day Open House, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 11-12, with samples of gourmet foods and fine teas.

Enjoy Mother’s Day weekend with wine tastings, food and music, hosted by Garden Vineyards (to be held at a special location: 23800 NW Meier Rd. Hillsboro), Friday, May 10, from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 12-10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, per evening.

Saturday, May 11

Oregon’s largest all-agricultural market, the Beaverton Farmer’s Market, opens for the season at 8 a.m. More than 200 vendors, including Oregon Craft Distillers “local liquids,” where visitors can taste artisan beer, wine and spirits, and an impressive selection of flower baskets and bouquets, delicious baked goods and more. (Open Saturdays through November 23, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

Apolloni Vineyards is unveiling its new Tuscan-inspired wine cave, from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy special tastings, featuring an exclusive selection of library wines, with vintages dating back to 2012. Italian-style appetizers, gourmet cheese and charcuteries will be served. Cost to attend the event is $20 per person.

Enjoy a mother-daughter run at this year’s Hippie Chick Half & Quarter Marathon, starting at 8 a.m. This ladies-only event takes runners through Oregon’s Washington County’s flat, tree-lined streets, ending at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex in Hillsboro.

Sunday, May 12

NEW ADDITION: Plum Hill Vineyards is hosting a Mother’s Day Wine Brunch, with delicious offerings, such as empanadas, quiche, stuffed endive leaves, Meyer lemon tarts and hibiscus caramel candies, paired with Plum Hill Wines. Bruch is $27 and may be purchased at the tasting room or by calling 503-359-4706.

NEW ADDITION: Celebrate Mom at the Mother’s Day Brunch at McMenamins Grand Lodge, in the Compass Room Theater. The menu will include sugar snap pea salad with mint and pine nuts, tortellini salad, breakfast breads and pastries, cottage-fried red potatoes, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy and a lot more. Brunch is $26 for adults; $15 for kids (5-12): free for kids 4 and under. Reservations are required, 503-992-9533; toll free, 877-992-9533.

The Holiday Inn in Wilsonville is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This traditional buffet features carved prime rib, whole round of pork, oven-roasted salmon, pan-seared chicken scallopini, omelet station, taco bar, a variety of salads, signature desserts, chocolate fondue bar and more. Guests will enjoy unlimited coffee, orange juice and punch, and champagne for the adults. Prices are $25 per adult, $22 for seniors, $13 for children under 12, and free for kids under 5. Reservations are required, 503-682-2211.

Apolloni Vineyards is partnering with Sundial Specialty Baking for a Mother’s Day Brunch at 10 a.m. This four-course brunch will feature artfully crafted dishes, such as truffled deviled eggs, smoked salmon crepes, and sangria basil mousse served in a poppy seed cookie bowl. Each course will be paired with delightful white and rosé Apolloni wines. All-inclusive cost is $29. Reservations are required, 503-359-3606.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Garden Vineyards (23800 NW Meier Rd., Hillsboro). Enjoy brunch and live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and take a stroll through the lush private gardens until 5 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Reservations are required, 503-547-9046.

For more events and festivals happening in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our Event & Festivals Calendar.

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

 

Celebrate Independence Day in Oregon’s Washington County!

Posted on: June 29th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Warm temperatures, fun activities and awe-inspiring fireworks mark a day of festivities this Fourth of July. So, if you’re planning to be in the Greater Portland region this Independence Day, or you are interested in visiting Oregon’s Washington County for the holiday, here is a sampling of what to expect:

Parade

Hillsboro 4th of July Parade
Parade starts at 10am at corner of Second and Main Streets

Berry picking is just one of several activities planned for the annual 4th of July Berry Festival at Smith Berry Barn.

Activities

Smith Berry Barn’s 4th of July Berry Festival, featuring berry picking, family activities, food and live entertainment (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location:  Smith Berry Barn – 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro

Firecracker 100 Race, DAA Extreme Late Models vs. Dirt Car Super Late Models (6-10 p.m.); fireworks display immediately following race
Location: Sunset Speedway Park – 485 South Main Street, Banks, Oregon

Red, White and Celebrate, wine tastings, live music, new-release tastings, barrel samplings, and more (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location: Wineries countywide

Fireworks Displays

Forest Grove’s 4th of July Celebration, with live music (8:30 p.m.) and fireworks show (10 p.m.)
Location:  Tom McCall School – 1341 Pacific Avenue

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration (Tigard, Ore.) with kids’ activities, clowns, live music, concession stands selling light snacks. Gates open at 6pm; fireworks at dusk.
Location:  Tigard High School – 9000 SW Durham Rd.

Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

Raise Your Glass to Oregon Wine Month

Posted on: May 4th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan 1 Comment

Oregon Governor, John Kitzhaber, recently declared May 2012 Oregon Wine Month, in celebration of the state’s ever-growing wine industry.  With 420 wineries and 850 vineyards, wine is part of Oregon’s identity, and is a delicious accompaniment to a Washington County getaway. Celebrate Oregon Wine Month this May by visiting the nearly 30 wineries in Oregon’s Washington County and taste a flight of locally crafted wine, from Pinot Noir to Pinot Gris, and a number of surprising varietals in between. Or celebrate at one of these fun wine events throughout the May (Mother’s Day weekend events are listed here):

Oregon Wine Month winds down during the annual Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country (countywide, hours and prices vary per winery).  Various wineries throughout Oregon’s Washington County (as well as around the state) are open their doors to the public for a festive open house featuring nibbles, entertainment and tastes of new wine releases.

For more information about Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country and a listing of participating wineries, visit these industry partners:

Need more inspiration to get into the wine-tasting mood? Check out this video, taken at Ponzi Vineyards, or this video, taken at SakeOne.

FUN FACT:  Did you know that Oregon is the  4th largest wine-producing state in the U.S. (behind Washington, New York and California, the largest producer in the U.S.) ?

Making Mother’s Day 2012 Memorable (NEW WINE EVENTS ADDED!)

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012 by Angie Marsh 1 Comment

Mother’s Day weekend is approaching—but don’t let the mention of May 12 and 13 turn to panic. Special events and gift-buying opportunities to mark the occasion are happening locally, and any one of these is sure to impress. Take it from me, a mom who is dropping hints about this holiday, your weekend will be happier with a little planning ahead.

Mother’s Day Wine Events

The following wineries are offering special Mother’s Day events and tastings:

Enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch at Garden Vineyards in Hillsboro on May 13. Beverages include wine, sangria, bellinis and mimosas, all of which will be for sale. The brunch buffet will feature goods that are baked, grilled, cured and roasted–and much of the food is grown on the premises. This buffet is $30 per person.

Taste fine chocolates and wines at three Washington County wineries during Mother’s Day weekend:

  • Artisan Fine Chocolates Tasting at Alloro Vineyard, May 12-13 ($15 per person)
  • Mother’s Day Weekend Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting at Kramer Vineyards, May 12-13 ($10)

Mother’s Day Special Events

Tea is offered at two locations in the county during Mother's Day weekend 2012. Photo by Ann Toffler, flickr.

Beaverton Civic Theatre’s final performance of “The Miracle Worker” is on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, at 2 p.m. This moving play brings to life the story of Helen Keller.

A special prime rib Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch is May 13 at Holiday Inn Portland South – Wilsonville. Choose from a carving station, custom omeletes, gourmet buffet items such as smoked bacon, dessert station and beverages. Brunch runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; reservations are encouraged.

Lavender Tea House in Sherwood is presenting a “Celebration of Mothers” tea on Saturday, May 12, featuring scones, tea sandwiches, fruit, teas and sparkling cider. Seatings are at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.; call for reservations, $35 per person.

Jenkins Estate in Beaverton presents its Barefoot Quilt Festival on both Saturday and Sunday, May 12 & 13. Enjoy quilting displays and demonstrations, as well as quilted items for sale at this free event.
- On Saturday, May 12, this event features “Tea to Remember” at 12:30 p.m., paid event; reservations required.
- On Sunday, May 13, a dessert cafe will be available at the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; no reservation required.

Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton welcomes a naturalist to lead a hike, “Mother’s Day Birds and Blooms” on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn more about wildflowers and songbirds while enjoying the Tualatin River. Cost is $10.

Mother’s Day Gift-Buying Opportunities

So many local farmers’ markets are open Saturday, May 12th, that you’ll have fresh choices ranging from hanging flower baskets at Beaverton Farmers Market to seasonal bouquets and herb pots at Sherwood, Hillsboro or Cedar Mill Saturday Market. The Tigard Farmers’ Market kicks off the very day of–Sunday, May 13–so stop by between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for gifts ranging from plants to bakery goods.

The Quilt Festival at Jenkins Estate on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13, also incorporates both an artisan craft fair and a plant sale from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Create Your Own Love Potion on Valentine’s Weekend

Posted on: January 21st, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
Montinore Estate

Montinore Estate

Crafting the perfect love potion is right at your fingertips. Put your blending skills to the test Valentine’s Day weekend at Montinore Estate, where guests can create their own wine “love potion”—a special Pinot Noir blend made from grapes from the three best Pinot blocks on the estate—to bottle and take home.

You don’t have to be a chemistry expert, or even a master winemaker, to make your own one-of-a-kind love potion. The steps are simple and follow the basic wine-tasting techniques. Simply swirl your glass, study the color of the wine, take in the aroma and sip the wine, drawing in air as you sip to taste the complex flavors. As you blend your wine, just a bit at a time, continue the process of using your four senses to create your perfect bottle of wine. The best part of all is that much like wine tasting, creating your own blend is a matter of personal taste.

Don’t miss out on your chance to take part in this hands-on experience, February 12-13, at Montinore Estate (3663 SW Dilley Road; Forest Grove, Oregon). Cost is only $45, and includes a bottle of your “love potion” and a tasting of two wine flights.

Montinore has additional information about this great event, as well as other fun happenings in its tasting room that weekend on its website.

For a list of all wineries in Washington County, visit our site, and don’t forget tickets to this year’s Wine Trail Weekend (April 9-11) go on sale Valentine’s Day weekend.  Tickets will be available via the North Willamette Vintners.

Give Thanks to Oregon Wines

Posted on: November 10th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
Apolloni Vineyards

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-mtn_corksCooper 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.