Posts Tagged ‘Wineries’

Give Thanks to Oregon Wines

November 10th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

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.

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Oregon Bounty: Things to Do, See and Taste That Savor Oregon

September 16th, 2009 by Angie Marsh

or_bounty_orangeThis 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:
salmon-bowl1

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.

STAY A NIGHT OR TWO
Best Western is the Oregon Bounty preferred lodging partner, with two Washington County locations:  the Northwind Inn & Suites in Tigard and the University Inn & Suites in Forest Grove.

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.

bounty-bnr1

TAP INTO YOUR FESTIVAL SPIRIT

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.

pumpkin-regatta_tualatinOctober 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.

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Summertime and the Livins’ Easy at Garden Vineyards

June 18th, 2009 by Sunyi

Hi Washington County groupie,

Here is a little post from one of our stakeholders.  Summer eves + wine + outdoor lounge + movie??!!  I don’t drink much wine personally (I know, it’s a shame), but I’d go just for the outdoor lounge.  It’s gorgeous! 

garden-vineyards_patio-lit   Check out this week’s flyer.

Hi Friends,
Thanks to everybody who made it out last Friday.  It was a really nice evening of wine, garden time and one of our favorite movies, Cinema Paradiso.  This week we are going to be open on both Friday and Saturday.  Friday’s movie, ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’, is fun and represents a solid departure from most of our other selections.  For those who haven’t seen Saturday’s movie, ‘Jean de’Florette’, you should, it’s beautiful and a great story. 

We hope to see you,
Melinda and Stuart                                                        

Links – http://budurl.com/GrdnVyds  & GardenVineyards.com

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Memorial Day Wine Weekend

May 14th, 2009 by Sunyi

us_flagwine-glasses
Wild about wine? Want to be among one of the first of your friends to try the 2007 vintages of Oregon Pinot Noir? If so, don’t miss out on the Memorial Day festivities at the 19th annual “Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country.”

Spend a weekend in Washington County’s wine country, and taste why Oregon has earned a reputation as North America’s most revered handcrafted Pinot Noir.  This three-day weekend wine event offers 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.

Most wineries are open May 23-31 (correction – 5/23 – 25), from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).  Each winery may charge a tasting fee, and fees may vary. Participating wineries include:

Need directions to the wineries? Check out the new Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, a 50-mile driving tour of Washington County’s agricultural – and viticultural – bounty, which leads to many of Washington County’s 23 wineries. Download the tour route 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.)

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Our new tour route is GORGEOUS!

April 22nd, 2009 by Julia Adam

Mt. Hood from a hill.

Mt. Hood from a hill.

Mt. St. Helens (left) and Mt. Adams from the route.

Mt. St. Helens (left) and Mt. Adams from the route.

Yesterday, in the glorious sunshine, I had the chance to drive our new Vineyard and Valley scenic tour route. It’s a brilliant glimpse into Washington County’s past, present and future. Historical sites include the Old Scotch Church and the Joseph L. Meek land claim historical marker. The plethora of vineyards, nurseries and farms attest to the perseverance of early settlers and demonstrate just how much of a player Oregon has become in the agriculture industry. All of this bucolic splendor has been preserved for the future through fortuitous legislation limiting urban sprawl and ensuring that our open spaces are protected. In these last few days of sunshine, myriad trees and plants have burst into bloom, and it is truly a perfect time to explore the area; if you’re lucky, the mountains might come out for a photo op for you, too!

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Memorial Day Weekend Brunch at Ponzi Vineyards

April 14th, 2009 by Julia Adam

The tasting room and The Vineyard Home at Ponzi Vineyards

The tasting room and The Vineyard Home at Ponzi Vineyards

Looking for great ideas for your Memorial Day weekend celebrations? Here’s one! On Saturday and Sunday, May 23rd and 24th, Ponzi Vineyards is offering a special Memorial Day Weekend Brunch at The Vineyard Home (reservations required). This wine country brunch is the perfect start to any wine tasting tour. From 9am-11am guests will enjoy a gourmet buffet-style brunch prepared by Ponzi’s very own Private Winery Chef, Gavin Ledson, paired with their 2008 Ponzi Rosato. The cost is $45pp/$40pp for wine club members, which includes gratuity and wine. Yum!

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Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Debuts April 15, 2009

April 14th, 2009 by Sunyi

Basic CMYKThe 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.

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    Experience the North Gateway to Oregon Wine Country with Tastings, Food and One-of-a-Kind Activities

    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.

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    Savor Valentine’s Day with Tastings in Washington County’s Wine Country

    February 11th, 2009 by Rhiannon

    Valentine’s Day has never tasted as sweet as this weekend in Oregon’s wine country. Check out some of Washington County’s wineries and celebrate Valentine’s Day (as well as Oregon’s 150th birthday) with special wine, chocolate and food tastings.

    Participating wineries and wine shops include:

    February 13-15
    Urban Decanter
    2030 Main St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
    Phone: 503-359-7678  
    Website: http://urbandecanter.com/
    Wine and Chocolate Tastings

    February 14, 11am-5pm
    Árdíri Winery and Vineyards
    35040 SW Unger Rd., Cornelius, OR 97113
    Phone: (503) 628-6060
    Website:  http://www.ardiriwine.com/
    Árdíri Pinot Noir and Chocolates Tastings

    February 14, 1pm-2:30pm
    SakéOne
    820 Elm St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
    Phone:  (503) 357-7056
    Website: www.sakeone.com
    Chocolate 101 & Sake Pairings

    February 14-15, 12pm-5pm
    Cooper Mountain Vineyards
    9480 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton, OR 97007
    Phone: (503) 649-0027
    Website:  www.coopermountainwine.com
    Pinot Noir and Balsamic Vinegar Tastings

    February 14 – 15, 11am-5pm
    Montinore Estate
    3663 SW Dilley Rd., Forest Grove, OR 97116
    Phone: (503) 359-5012
    Website: www.montinore.com
    “Two to Tango in Wine Country” Music and Wine Tastings

    February 14 – 15, 11am-6pm
    Plum Hill Vineyards
    6505 SW Old Hwy. 47, Gaston, OR 97119
    Phone: (503) 359-4706
    Website: www.PlumHillWine.com
    Grand Opening Celebration

    February 14-15, 11am-5pm
    SakéOne
    820 Elm St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
    Phone:  (503) 357-7056
    Website:  www.sakeone.com
    “For the Love of Nigori” Sake Tastings
     

    Located just minutes from downtown Portland, Washington County is the gateway to Oregon’s wine country with 20 wineries and the world’s only American-owned and operated saké brewery. For more information about these and other events, visit the Washington County Visitors Association’s event calendar.

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    by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

     

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    Hidden Treasures of Washington County

    January 27th, 2009 by Rhiannon

    Last Friday, I gave a colleague who is new to the area a tour of Washington County, which I touted as a “Hidden Gems of Washington County” tour. The purpose of this tour was to show-off parts of the region that, for one reason or another, seem to be overlooked.

    What I didn’t expect was that I was going to be amazed by this tour. I discovered new things about the places I’ve been talking about for more than a year. Because I have a child-like enthusiasm for things, I will share these discoveries with you.

    Did you know that Tigard, Ore. based Stash Tea (yes, the same Stash Tea you find in your local supermarket) has more than 200 loose-leaf teas in its retail shop located near Bridgeport Village? There you can taste the three selected teas of the day. Also, the tea company has a personal relationship with the farmers from whom it gets the tea leaves, rather than purchasing the leaves in bulk from a wholesaler. In addition, Stash Tea doesn’t use any artificial ingredients in the teas, so I can sip my cup of “Double Bergamot Earl Grey” tea with a clear conscience.

    The “hidden gems” tour also included a stop at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary for migrating and indigenous birds, waterfowl and mammals is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I enjoyed the interpretive center, which opened nearly a year ago. The display gave a nice overview of the U.S. refuge system and the history of birds and mammals in the Portland area and how the development of the area by humans has affected many indigenous species. And, because I love to shop, I didn’t leave the gift shop without purchasing a couple of books about the birds of Oregon. 

    For lunch, we stopped in the Lavender Tea House in Sherwood, Ore. This quaint tea house, located in the heart of Old Town, is a renovated home and serves traditional “high tea” staples, such as scones, tea sandwiches, and, of course, tea. However, what makes this place unique is its new baker program.
     
    The concept allows entrepreneurial bakers to use the Lavender Tea House’s new industrial kitchen – for a fee – and showcase their creations at the tea house’s bakery. So far, a handful of stay-at-home mothers have signed up for the program. More information about this program is available on the Lavender Tea House website.

    The day of exploring ended with a wine tasting at the new Barron-Wahl winery, also in Sherwood. Owned by Gordon Barron and Bill Wahl, with the wine created by renowned Oregon winemaker Joe Dobbs, Barron-Wahl’s pinot noir is one to keep your eye on.

    Don’t just take my word for it, come explore for yourself. Or, better yet, tell us about your hidden treasures of Washington County.

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