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Posts Tagged ‘Wineries’

Memorial Weekend in Wine Country

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Memorial Weekend in Wine Country, a popular annual event in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, returns with many wineries throughout the Washington County participating in this treasured tradition.

Regardless of what the weather may be like here in late May, this winery weekend is sure to be inviting and fun–and no tickets or advance sign-up is needed. Participating wineries are generally open May 25, 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check individual wineries for extended hours at select spots.

Here’s our rundown of events and offerings, by city,  during this lively weekend:

Beaverton

Ponzi Tasting_John Valls

Photo Courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards; photo by John Valls

Cooper Mountain Vineyards celebrates Memorial Weekend with live music, new releases, tasty appetizers and fantastic views. (Tasting fees: $10-20, includes logo glass)

Ponzi Vineyards will release its 2011 Chardonnay at the Ponzi Historic Estate, and will pull two vintages–produced from Dijon clones–from the library. (Tasting fees: $10/$15)

Cornelius

At Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, one of “10 wineries where the view is as good as the Pinot,” sample wares from local food artisans, as well as its “Vino di Tavola,” back by popular demand.  (Tasting fees: $10)

A Blooming Hill Vineyard is offering wedding anniversary chocolate cake, plus tastings of  its 2012 new releases.  (Tasting fee: $7)

Forest Grove

Apolloni Vineyards is offering tours of its newly opened underground wine cave, complete with barrel tastings! Plus, enjoy handcrafted charcuterie and sandwiches from Olympic Provisions of Portland–available for sampling and purchasing–to enjoy on the patio. (Tasting fee: $5)

At David Hill Vineyard and Winery’s historic farmhouse tasting room, taste a variety of estate-grown wines served in a logo glass to keep and light hors d’oeuvres, paired with live music. (Tasting fee: $10, includes logo glass)

Popcorn from Masala Pop paired with wine marks the Saturday festivities at Montinore Estate. New releases and wine specials will be available all weekend long. (Tasting fee: $10)

Gaston

Elk Cove Vineyards  is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the planting of its highly acclaimed Roosevelt Vineyard with a pouring of the vineyard’s first vintage, a 1996 Pinot Noir.  Elk Cove is opening the vault to additional library tastings, and will have limited bottles available for purchase. (Tasting fees vary)

New wine releases and two generations of Oregon winemaking and hospitality will be celebrated at Kramer Vineyards. (Tasting fee: $10)

Patton Valley Vineyard is featuring a six-wine flight, which includes four newly-released 2011 Pinot Noirs and the anticipated 2012 rosé, paired with stunning views, tasty nibbles and lively conversation. (Tasting fee: $10)

Hillsboro

Freja Cellars is breaking out its 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir, as well as releasing the new 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, paired with breads, cheeses and chocolates. (Tasting fee: $10, including logo glass; tastings are free if you bring your own Freja logo glass)

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit J. Albin Winery, which opens to the public only during special events. Sample the winery’s Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, sparkling wines and small-lot production of Cabernet (a rare find in the north Willamette Valley), paired with delicious cheese from Quail Run Creamery. (Tasting fee: $10)

Newberg

Anam Cara Cellars is unveiling its first unoaked Chardonnay, along with spring releases of rosé, Riesling and its ever-popular Gewürztraminer. (Tasting fee: $10)

Enjoy releases of 2012 whites, 2011 Tempranillo and new releases of Pinot Noir paired with fine meats and cheeses at Raptor Ridge Winery. (Tasting fee: $15; open Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Sherwood

Alloro Winery Allison George WEB

Alloro Winery; photo by Allison George

Sample a three-vintage vertical tasting of  Alloro Vineyard’s  Estate Pinot Noir, along with newly released rosé, Riesling and Chardonnay, paired with charcuterie. Additional tastings of limited-production Pinot Noir will be available in the barrel room. (Tasting fee: $10; $25 for the library tastings)

Tour the vineyard, taste limited production wines and current releases, including a preview of Sophia’s 2011 Pinot Noir, paired with hors d’oeuvres at Beckham Estate Vineyard’s tasting room and ceramic galley. (Tasting fee: $5; open weekend long, with reduced hours on Monday, 12-4 p.m.)

Blakeslee Vineyard Estate celebrates the opening of its new tasting room! Sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and rosé in a souvenir glass and paired with nibbles. (Tasting fee: $15)

Hawks View Cellars is opening its doors to the public this Memorial Weekend and is releasing its White Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, paired with a “Grapevine Barbecue.” (Tasting fee: $15; $25 for wine and food; open Saturday and Sunday only, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Quailhurst Vineyard celebrates Memorial Weekend with a Saturday-only event featuring its acclaimed wines paired with hors d’oeuvres, as well as self-guided tours of the historic estate Japanese gardens and dressage demonstrations (weather permitting).  (Tasting/Event fee: $20; Saturday only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

NOTE: This is not a complete list of Memorial Weekend happenings in Oregon’s Washington County. Be sure to consult our website for a complete list of  all area wineries and wine shops  in Oregon’s Washington County, and visit our Event Calendar for up-to-the-minute events throughout the weekend.

Source: Willamette Valley Wineries Association

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.

Nominations for Visitors’ Choice Awards Now Open!

Posted on: March 18th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

We love visitors and we love hearing from you, so for the first time, we are asking for nominations from our visitors for the best of the best attractions and restaurants in Oregon’s Washington County!

Until April 5th, nominate your favorite restaurant, attraction, outdoor recreation spot, winery, brewery, boutique, store, spa or other place of business in Washington County.

We will count the nominations, narrow it down to the top attractions and restaurants*, then ask you, our visitors, to vote for your favorite.

Can’t access the nomination form? Click or enter the following URL into your address bar:   http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D2JR6WN

*Attractions and restaurants must be located in Oregon’s Washington County in order to be eligible for the final round of voting.

 

A Closer Look at Our Cities: North Plains

Posted on: February 15th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Situated in northwestern Washington County, just off Highway 26, the main route between Portland and the Oregon Coast, the small city of North Plains packs quite a punch.  North Plains (population 1,700) is surrounded by lush farm land, and attracts throngs of sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers who flock to the area for its collection of activities, such as biking, golf, disc golf, and glider plane rides.

The North Plains Glider Port (Photo by Paul Loofburrow)

Play

Nestled in a picturesque wooded canyon is Horning’s Fishing and Picnic Hideout, a multi-activity attraction that offers fly fishing and cast and lure fishing, and also allows overnight tent and RV camping. Don’t let the name fool you, this pastoral “hideout” wears many hats, as it boasts three highly rated disc golf courses, is home to endurance sporting events, such as Warrior Dash, and holds several music festivals throughout the year – all of this, plus fishing, picnicking, hiking and more.

If golf is your game, tee up at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, the famed, championship golf facility that has hosted many well-known golfers. Framed by spectacular vistas, Pumpkin Ridge has ranked among the country’s best courses to play for more than 20 years.

Take to the skies in a glider plane with a guided flight piloted by the Willamette Valley Soaring Club, which offers rides at the North Plains Glider Port (11870 NW Dersham Rd., North Plains) May through October (weather permitting).  Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Tualatin and Willamette Valleys while soaring 3,000 feet in the air. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a standard ride is $120.

Shop

During summer months,  visit the North Plains Farmers Market for a taste of local produce and artisan good (Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 15-September 28). Year-round, browse the one-of-a-kind treasures at The Treasure Chest Antique Mall (open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Sip

Tantalize your tastebuds at one of Oregon’s Washington County’s newest wineries/tasting rooms: Abbey Creek Winery. This family run winery, which operates a vineyard estate not far from Washington County, produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and is open Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. (or by appointment).

Dine

Grab a burger and a brew at the Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery.  This unassuming restaurant, located in the city’s center, earns raves for its burgers and selection of microbrew beers. The joint is jumping on Friday nights with live music.  Or pop into the Old Hich-en Post for breakfast and lunch, or partake in their happy hour, which is daily from 3-7 p.m.

Mark Your Calendars

North Plains is home to several annual events, including the four-day bluegrass and Americana music fest, the Northwest String Summit (July 18-21, 2013) and the Warrior Dash endurance race (September 7, 2013).

Plan your North Plains and Oregon’s Washington County getaway today: Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Cure for the Wintertime Blues

Posted on: January 28th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

After the buzz of the holidays has worn off and the New Year’s resolutions are all but forgotten, there is still much to be excited about during these winter months. Located 90 minutes from Mt. Hood, a popular winter destination, and less than 30 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon’s Washington County is a hot cool-weather destination, with many things to do and see.

Elk Cove Vineyard in the winter (Photo: Janis Miglavs)

Sip Your Way Through North Willamette Wine Country
With more than 30 wineries open for business, enjoy flights of fancy with tastes of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and other varietals. Map out a self-guided wine tour of Oregon’s Washington County, and taste to your hearts content. Plus, if you visit in February, many wineries will be hosting Valentine’s Day-related events and special tastings!

Observe Birds of Prey at a Wildlife Preserve
The winter months are prime sightings for bald eagles, red tail hawks, turkey vultures and other birds of prey. Watch these birds in action at protected wildlife preserves, such as the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson Bottom Wetlands and Fernhill Wetlands.  Read more about birding in Oregon’s Washington County. Catch a glimpse of some of the birds that can be found in Washington County  (watch the video).

Indulge in Tax-free Shopping 
From antiques and boutiques to specialty holiday shops, unique wares at reasonable prices (and tax-free) are found here. Select Oregon treasures from Made in Oregon,  Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals gift shop, or Oregon Orchards/Hazelnut Growers of Oregon. Get a jump on this year’s holiday shopping at Sleighbells Gift Shop or Miki’s Christmas Shop. “One-stop” retail centers include Bridgeport Village,  The Streets of Tanasbourne and Washington Square.

Relax with Locally Roasted Coffee & Tea
The Pacific Northwest is known for its coffee, and Oregon’s Washington County has a great selection of local roasters and coffee shops. A handful of local favorites include Longbottom Coffee & Tea, one of the area’s oldest, organic coffee roasters, plus Insomnia Coffee Company, Ava Roasteria and BJ’s Coffee Co. Or enjoy a lavish or casual tea at one of the area’s two tea houses: Tea Thyme & Lavender Vintage Antiques and Tea House and Tea’s Me.

Escape in Works of Art, or Create Your Own
Explore local art at one of Washington County’s art galleries. Or try your hand at making your own work of art at Live Laugh Love Glass, the area’s newest glass-blowing studio, or create a masterpiece to pour into a glass with your own wine blend made at Tigard Wine Crafters.

From bird watching to wine tasting, and many things in between, come see why this is one of the best seasons to explore the region. This winter, plan your escape to Oregon’s Washington County!

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

A Mid-Week Tour of Oregon’s Washington County Wine Country

Posted on: November 9th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Wine tasting isn’t just for weekends. Several wineries throughout Oregon’s Washington County–located in the northern end of the famed Willamette Valley–are open daily, year-round. On a beautiful autumn weekday, a wine blogger and I set out to experience wine country, and found some surprises along the way.

We started out quite early and arrived at our first stop, Elk Cove Vineyards, at 10:30 a.m. Elk Cove has been family owned and operated since 1977, and today, the second generation is running the winery, and earning applause with its Pinot Noir and other varietals. Our tasting flight included Elk Cove’s highly-rated Pinot Noir, and a selection of whites, such as a late-harvest Riesling. The crisp wines complemented the views of the fog-filled vineyard, which was lit up with the colors of fall: Brilliant yellow, golden orange, deep rust and dark green. (Elk Cove Vineyards is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed some holidays)

Miki's Christmas Shop has the 2nd largest collection of German Smokers (incense burners) for sale in the U.S.

After lunching at 1910 Main — An American Bistro– a cozy restaurant offering modern twists on American comfort foods–we set off for Shafer Vineyard Cellars (established in 1978) and home to Miki’s Christmas Shop.  We took in the breathtaking views of the foothills of Gales Creek Valley, as well as the vineyard, which was ablaze with yellow grape leaves, before entering the quaint tasting room. We were greeted by Miki Shafer, the owner and winemaker, who poured us tastes of her Pinot Noir, Riesling, and special holiday wine, the aptly named Holiday Magic (which, when combined with Shafer’s sparkling wine, makes a spicy, festive drink). Between sips, we ventured into the Christmas Shop, and perused the holiday decor from around the world, including what is the second largest collection of German Smokers in the U.S. (pictured, right). (Shafer Vineyard Cellars is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on major holidays*)

The next stop was the quaint farmhouse tasting room at David Hill Vineyards & Winery, which boasts some of the oldest vines in the Willamette Valley. With sweeping views of Oregon’s Coast Range, David Hill remains one of the most picturesque wineries in the Willamette Valley, as well as one with one of the most diverse selection of varietals found in the northern valley. In addition to Pinot Noir (including the palate-pleasing BlackJack Pinot Noir, crafted with grapes from the estate’s oldest vines) and slate of whites, such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling, David Hill offers Merlot, Tempranillo, Port and more. (David Hill Vineyards & Winery is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on major holidays)

Visit the "wild west" at the L-Bar-T Bison Ranch Gift Shop

With a little time to kill, we journeyed to the gift shop at L-Bar-T Bison Ranch to pick up some bison jerky.  We were entertained with the signs warning passersby not to “tease” the wild bison that roam the fenced-off ranch in Forest Grove. As one of the most acclaimed ranches of its kind, it has an old, wild west feel to it, as does its gift shop (pictured, left).

Our final winery stop for the day was Oak Knoll Winery, one of the pioneering wineries in Oregon. Founded in 1970, Oak Knoll started with an “experimental” batch of blackberry wine; today, Oak Knoll produces a diverse variety of wines that appeal to all palates. I started with the 2009 Pinot Gris, which was named one of the “Top 100 Best Buys of 2012″ by Wine Spectator, and followed with the 2010 Rose of Pinot Noir. Oak Knoll’s tasting menu offers an interesting slate of blends and sweet reds not often seen in the northern Willamette Valley: “Toasted Cow Red Vintners Blend,” a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah; “Toasted Cow White Vintners Blend,” a sweet blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Müller Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris; “DEVIANT,” a sweet red billed as a “sweet red revolution”; and “Concord”, made from Concord grapes. (Oak Knoll Winery is open daily at 11 a.m.; closed on major holidays).

If you can’t make it to Washington County wine country during the weekend, plan a weekday to enjoy the warm and these warm and inviting wineries.  Additional wineries that are open daily year-round include:

  • Cooper Mountain Vineyards, the first certified organic, biodynamic winery in the Pacific Northwest (open daily, 12-5 p.m.)
  • Kramer Vineyards, a winery that offers a variety of red and white wines, as well as on-site roasted coffee (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Montinore Estate, a family-owned, certified organic and biodynamic winery  (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Plum Hill Vineyards, a small, family-owned winery built on a historical dairy farm (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; opens at noon on Sundays; closed major holidays)
  • Ponzi Vineyards, one of the pioneering Oregon wineries offering a diverse range of varietals (open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • SakéOne, an American owned and operated, premium saké brewery (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

 *Most wineries are closed on the following major holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Washington County Wine Country

Posted on: November 2nd, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan 1 Comment

Explore Oregon's Washington County Wine Country this Thanksgiving Weekend

After the turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie have been eaten, and the early-morning Black Friday sales have been conquered, what’s left of a Thanksgiving weekend being spent in the Pacific Northwest? Add a new tradition to your destination Thanksgiving: wine tasting!

Each year during Thanksgiving weekend, wineries open their doors for wine tastings, good conversation and fun. The following are this year’s participating wineries for the 30th Annual Oregon Wine Country Thanksgiving, November 23-25 (most wineries open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.):

A Blooming Hill Vineyard & Winery (Tasting fee: $7): Current release wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music; free, hourly hayrides to pick a $20 Noble Christmas tree (with bottle purchase)

Alloro Vineyard (Tasting fee:$10/$25): Current release wine tasting, charcuteries ($10 per person); pre-release reserve Pinot tasting ($25 per person)

Anam Cara Cellars (Tasting fee: $10): New release wine tasting, chocolate by Vanessa Walden of Smitten Truffles, local art viewing, Oregon cheeses

Apolloni Vineyards (Tasting fee: $5): New and current release wine tasting, sparkling wine tasting, barrel tastings, truffles by by Vanessa Walden of Smitten Truffles

Blakeslee Vineyard Estate (Tasting fee: $15): Wine tasting and gourmet treats

Cooper Mountain Vineyards: New and current release wine tasting, appetizers, live music

David Hill Vineyards & Winery (Tasting fee: $10, includes logo glass): New and current release wine tasting

Elk Cove Vineyards (Tasting fees vary): Current and limited release wine tasting

Freja Cellars (Tasting fee:$10, includes logo glass): Wine tasting, breads, cheeses chocolates and fruits

J. Albin Winery (Tasting fee: $10): Wine tasting, sparkling wine tasting, tasty morsels

Kramer Vineyards (Tasting fee: $10/$20): New release tasting, sparkling wine tasting

Montinore Estate (Tasting fee: $5): Wine tasting, toffee tasting by Mimi’s French Market, holiday specials

Patton Valley Vineyard (Tasting fee: $10, includes logo glass): New release and reserve tasting, tasty nibbles

Plum Hill Vineyards (Tasting fee: $5, includes logo glass): Wine tasting, snacks, gift shop, crafts by local artisans

Ponzi Vineyards (Tasting fee: $10): Current release and reserve wine tasting

Raptor Ridge Winery (Tasting fee: $15): New and current release and library wine tasting, fine meats and cheeses

SakeOne (Tasting fee: $10): Daiginjo sake tasting

**List may not include all participating wineries; wineries will be added to the list as information is collected. See list of all wineries in Oregon’s Washington County.

Wine from Oregon’s Washington County Earns Spots on “Best of” List

Posted on: September 28th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments
Photo by John Valls

Ponzi Vineyard’s Reserve Chardonnay ranked among Oregon’s top 50 wines (Photo by John Valls, courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards)

Temperate climates and warm dry autumns made 2009 and 2010 stellar years for wine produced in Oregon’s Washington County. A panel of four wine professionals, who experienced two weeks of marathon tasting sessions agree, as six of the area’s wineries made this year’s “Best of” list.

Portland Monthly magazine’s annual “Oregon’s 50 Best Wines” issue (on stands now) praises five Washington County wines among the top 20 Pinot Noir, and one of the region’s most recognized labels nabbed recognition in the white wine category. (Read the article in its entirety here.)

In the Pinot Noir category, Washington County wineries earning nods include:

#3: Elk Cove Vineyards‘ 2010 vintage was given an impressive 97 points for its “classic Oregon version” of Pinot Noir

#8: Apolloni Vineyards‘ 2009 estate vintage was racked up 94 points and was noted for its infusion of “dried fruit, tea leaves and dried roses.”

#11: Hawks View Cellars made the list  for its 2010 Pinot Noir (93 points), a “bold and elegant” wine.

#13: Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, earned 91 points for its “deliciously dark” 2009 Pinot Noir, the only wine to make an appearance on the “best of” list two years in a row.

#19: David Hill Vineyard and Winery received a score of 89 points for its 2009 “Winemakers Cuvée” Pinot Noir

In the whites category, which encompassed a satisfying mix of varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier and others, Ponzi Vineyards earned 93 points for its 2009 Chardonnay Reserve, “a rich wine with complex layers of citrus, orange blossom, and a touch of caramel.”

Taste for yourself why these wines made Portland Monthly’s list of “Oregon’s 50 Best Wines” (most tasting rooms are open to the public) and explore the other award-winning wineries in the region. For a complete list of wineries in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our website.

Red, White and Golden: The Colors of Oregon’s Washington County Wine Country

Posted on: September 7th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Apolloni Vineyards in the AutumnAutumn is a magical time in Washington County, located in the northern part of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It is a time of transition, when the bounty of harvest yields autumn crops, such as pumpkins, apples and potatoes, it also is a time when winemakers harvest their grapes and prepare for “crush,” which starts the arduous, yet fulfilling, wine making process.

Exploring Washington County’s wine country in the fall is a fantastic experience. From less-crowded tasting rooms to fun-filled events, October and November are premium months to visit the dozens of wineries in the area. Wineries perched atop mountains with amazing vistas also become ideal viewing spots, where onlookers can sip a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir while taking in the autumn sights:

  • Cooper Mountain Vineyards, a biodynamic and organic estate winery located atop Cooper Mountain in Beaverton, overlooks the green and golden Tualatin Valley.
  • Ardiri Winery and Vineyards boasts spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain Range and the valley below.
  • Elk Cove Vineyards sits atop a knoll in Gaston and has gorgeous views of vineyards and the scenic Coast Range.
  • David Hill Vineyard and Winery, located in Forest Grove and regarded as one of the most picturesque wineries in the Willamette Valley, offers sweeping views of the Tualatin Valley and the Coast Range.

October 6 marks the second annual North Willamette Harvest Trail, a day-long event that takes visitors through the wine-making process from the vineyard to the bottle, followed by a grand tasting featuring several wineries.

Give thanks with a glass of Oregon wine this holiday season. Most of Washington County’s wineries, including many that are not normally open to the public, welcome wine lovers to their wineries for Thanksgiving Wine Weekend. This annual event features special tastings, light appetizers, camaraderie and more.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to autumn in Oregon’s Washington County. View our visitor guide and plan your getaway today!

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Hillsboro

Posted on: August 7th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Hillsboro is Washington County’s largest city (population, approx. 91,000), as well as one of the oldest communities in the state. With the emergence of the technology sector, as part of the region’s “Silicon Forest,” the city’s large farming community shares zip codes with some of technology’s biggest and brightest names. The city’s quaint downtown area has transformed into an artists’ community with art galleries and studios, live music venues and community and professional theater companies.

Play

The Great Egret is one of many species of birds that have been spotted at Jackson Bottom Wetlands (pictured) (Photo by John Wise)

Stop and smell the flowers at the Lloyd Baron Rhododendron Garden at Rood Bridge Park. Tended to by a group of volunteers, this community garden features hundreds of varieties of species and hybrids of rhododendrons, plus thousands of “companion” plants surrounded by walking paths, creeks and woodlands. Also in Hillsboro is Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, a 725-acre wildlife preserve featuring 4.5 miles of trails, wildlife viewing blinds, nature center and interpretive center that houses the only known authentic eagle’s nest on public display.

Discover

Hillsboro is home to two unique museums both appealing to all ages. The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals showcases the world’s finest collections of crystals, fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, gems and more.  Near the Hillsboro Airport is the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum, a “living history” museum/working hangar focusing on aircraft from the jet age and Cold War era. This fall, these two museums will get a new neighbor, so to speak, when the venerable Washington County Museum moves into its new home in downtown Hillsboro.

Dine

Housed in the historic, former Hillsboro library, is Syun Izakaya, a popular local spot near Main Street.  Syun is modeled after small, rustic taverns that are popular gathering places in Japan, and is consistently rated as having the best sushi in the Greater Portland region, and has been included among the best in the U.S. In addition to sushi, and an impressive saké menu, other Japanese dishes are included on the lunch and dinner menus. Located in a rural area of Hillsboro are two “hidden gems”: Cruise In Country Diner, a ’50s-style burger and shake joint, and South Store Cafe, which specializes in sandwiches, soups and salads.   (For more dining options throughout Washington County, visit our website.)

Several farms in Hillsboro, such as the Smith Berry Barn (pictured), offer ready-picked or "u-pick" produce. (Photo by Allison George)

Explore

Main Street Hillsboro is filled with charm and a collection of shops that harken back to a simpler time. This artistic center of downtown Hillsboro features art galleries, live theater and more, and includes the Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, which hosts live music, spoken word performances, informal lectures, art exhibits and art classes.  Also in downtown Hillsboro is the Venetian Theatre and Bistro, a bustling restaurant, movie and performance theater, which is home to local  professional theater company Bag&Baggage.

Antique shops, a book store, home-brewing supply store (home beer brewing, winemaking, soda making and cheese making supplies), bead store, garden shop, theater and restaurant align the historic main street. While on Main Street, check out the Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain, and old-timey store and soda fountain hangout serving  breakfast, lunch, ice cream.  or an old-fashioned malt, float or milkshake. (For more shopping options in Hillsboro, visit our Shopping in Hillsboro page.)

Pick

Although known for its high-tech contributions to the “Silicon Forest,” Hillsboro has a vast number of farms and farmers markets, making it a renowned agricultural zone, as well. More than two dozen nurseries and u-pick farms offer crops ranging from berries to pumpkins, while five farmers’ markets provide farm-fresh shopping nearly every day during peak season.  See the list of farms and farmers’ markets in Hillsboro.

Taste

Hillsboro is becoming the hub of Oregon’s Washington County’s burgeoning wine, beer and spirits scene. This area now is home to five wineries–Freja Cellars, Garden Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, J. Albin Winery and Oak Knoll Winery– three breweries– Ambacht Brewing, Vertigo Brewing and the brewery at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and Imbrie Hall– and Big Bottom Whiskey, the area’s only spirits tasting room.

 

Plan a weekend or week-long getaway in Washington County’s Hillsboro. Check out these hotels and motels in Hillsboro.

Evenings at Oregon’s Washington County Vineyards and Wineries

Posted on: July 27th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Summer’s not over yet, and evenings in Oregon’s Washington County wine country are even more special as we near the end of the season.  While many area wineries are closing for the day, these wineries are just getting started. Set out to Oregon wine country and enjoy an evening of great wine, summer fun and friendly folks.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Movie Night at Garden Vineyards

If it’s Thursday, it’s movie night!  Sit back and relax while watching and outdoor movie, sip wines and take in the spectacular views at Garden Vineyards (8-10 p.m. through August 30). Can’t make it on Thursday nights?  Don’t miss live music Friday evenings  (6-9 p.m. through September 7).

Neighbors Night at Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Each Friday (through Sept. 7), from 5-8 p.m., Cooper Mountain Vineyards invites the public to enjoy live music on the lawn, tasting flights or wines by the glass or bottle and views of spectacular sunsets.

Summer Sundays at Ponzi Vineyards

Sundays became a lot more sweeter this summer with Ponzi Vineyards Summer Sundays (through August 26). Savor an evening of wine, live music and bocce ball at Ponzi’s Estate Vineyard each Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. (no event on August 19). Admission is $15 and tickets must be purchased in advance.

MONTHLY EVENTS

Date Night at Plum Hill Vineyards

Bring that special someone to Plum Hill Vineyard’s “Date Night,” August 10, 5-8 p.m., which features snacks music and complimentary wine tasting. Optional catered dinner is $17 (reservations required).

Movie Night at Ardiri Winery and Vineyards

The next featured movie (August 11, 7-10:30 p.m.)  is “Under the Tuscan Sun,” and Ardiri Winery and Vineyards is the perfect setting to watch a film about that other famous wine country, Tuscany.

Third Thursday at Raptor Ridge Winery

Don’t miss the next Third Thursday, August 16, from 5-8 p.m.  Taste Raptor Ridge’s variety of wines, paired with bites created by a guest chef, and take home  the recipe, complete with a bit of wine-pairing wisdom.

SPECIAL EVENTS & CONCERTS

David Hill Vineyards and Winery Summer Concert Series

Rob Stroup and the Blame take the stage August 4 at 6 p.m. at David Hill Winery for an evening of live music, food from the James Gang BBQ Company and delicious wines.  Tickets are $10 and are available in advance or at the door.

Toast to the Tunes at Oak Knoll Winery

Oak Knoll’s popular summer music series returns.  Relax while noshing on grub prepared by the James Gang BBQ Company, sipping Oak Knoll wines and enjoying the tunes. Upcoming performances include Rock Residue (August 9) and The Rust (August 23). Gates open at 5 p.m., entertainment starts at 6 p.m.

Patio Grill Night at Apolloni Vineyards

Enjoy an al fresco dinner featuring a seasonal summer menu paired with Apolloni wines, August 10 at 6 p.m. Reservations are required, $40 per person (all inclusive).

Shakespeare in the Vineyard at Montinore Estate

Would you like a little Shakespeare with your Pinot? If so, head over to Montinore Estate August 10-12 (7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 6-9 p.m. Sunday)  for Willamette Shakespeare Company’s presentation of  “Much Ado About Nothing.” Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle.

Interested in visiting Oregon’s Washington County’s wineries during regular tasting room hours? Visit our website for a list of area wineries.

 

While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided therein and to include all wineries in Oregon’s Washington County, events are subject to change and we may miss an event or two.