Archive for the ‘Wineries’ Category

Countdown to Wine Trail Weekend

March 10th, 2010 by Angie Marsh

After last year’s successful inaugural weekend, the North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend returns, April 10-11, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.  One of the most unique wine weekends in the state, the Wine Trail Weekend pairs Oregon wines and culinary delights with education and fun.

The scenery--and wine--are the big draws for the North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend

The scenery--and wine--are the big draws for the North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend

This year, 21 wineries are participating–each with special food pairing offerings such as cheese flights, tapas, truffles and cakes; and special events, such as a cookbook author presentation at Ponzi Vineyards and a pastry chef demonstration at J. Albin Winery.
The participating wineries are:

  • A Blooming Hill Vineyard
  • Adea Wine Company
  • Apolloni Vineyards
  • Beran Vineyards
  • Cooper Mountain Vineyards
  • David Hill Vineyard & Winery
  • Elk Cove Vineyards
  • Garden Vineyards
  • Helvetia Vineyards
  • J. Albin Winery
  • Kramer Vineyards
  • Montinore Estate
  • Oak Knoll Winery
  • Patton Valley Vineyard
  • Plum Hill Vineyards
  • Ponzi Vineyards
  • Purple Cow Vineyards
  • SakeOne
  • Gresser Vineyard
  • Provincial Vineyards
  • Tualatin Estate Vineyards

    4175532516_26b1a63de5_b

    Some wineries will offer tours of the grounds during this event

Each Wine Trail ticket holder will receive a commemorative wine glass and reusable wine tote filled with discounts and special offers.

For only $10, designated drivers are invited to journey along the Wine Trail and experience the same complimentary food, entertainment and education, and will receive a “Wine Trail Survival Kit,” with commemorative stainless steel water bottle, reusable tote filled with snacks, maps, discounts and special offers.

For more information and to purchase tickets ($35 per person in advance) visit the
North Willamette Vintners website

There are many lodging choices in the County, see hotels/motels or lodging packages.

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Winding through Washington County Wine Country

November 25th, 2009 by Angie Marsh

I set out to sample just what some of the wines and spirits of Washington County taste like, and got sips galore.

sake-one_bottles

One weekend ahead of the Thanksgiving crowd, I began my Saturday jaunt at SakéOne, 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.

elk_cove2_takenbyangie

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.

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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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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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Vinology – For the Love of Wine

June 4th, 2009 by Julia Adam

NWV logoThe North Willamette Vintners are kicking off their Vinology class series, featuring a Wine Lovers track and another for Professionals. The Wine Lovers series is the one for you whether you’re an avid wine lover or just discovering the lifestyle. This is an educational, entertaining and hands-on opportunity to advance your love of wine, with classes including:

  1. SWIRL, SNIFF, SIP, SPIT:
    FUNDAMENTALS OF WINE TASTING; June 13, 2009, 1pm – 3pm at Oak Knoll Winery
  2.  

  3. PRECISION VITICULTURE:
    FARMING FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND QUALITY; July 18, 2009, 1pm- 3pm at Patton Valley Vineyard
  4.  

  5. SPARKLING WINE 101:
    EVERY DAY SHOULD BE A CELEBRATION; August 8, 2009. 1pm-3pm at J. Albin Winery
  6.  

  7. BARREL MAKING 101:
    THE CRAFT WITHIN THE CRAFT; September 12, 2009, 10am – 12pm at Elk Cove Vineyards
  8.  

  9. SAKÉ 101: October 10, 2009, 10am – 12pm at SakéOne

For more details on these classes, complete details on the Professional series, and to purchase tickets, visit the North Willamette Vintners website.

Each class is only $30 in advance or $40 during the week of the class – don’t miss this opportunity to get the inside scoop on wine and saké from the pros!

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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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