Archive for the ‘Wineries’ Category
July 22nd, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Boating is just one of many water activities available at Hagg Lake
Locals have known for years that Forest Grove, Ore., is a hidden gem in Oregon’s wine country, and now this quaint diamond in the rough is getting its time in the spotlight.
The city of Forest Grove, Ore., recently was named as one of America’s Top Summer Lake Towns of 2010 by Budget Travel magazine. Noted for being “laid-back and outdoorsy with a healthy dose of quirk,” the small city with a population of approximately 20,000 was recognized for its historic downtown, classic ice cream shop, unique lodging, and, of course, its proximity to Hagg Lake, which is in the neighboring town of Gaston. Hagg Lake, located nine miles from Forest Grove’s city center, is locally recognized as a spot for “serious fishermen,” and for its water activities, such as kayaking and waterskiing.
“It’s quite an honor for Forest Grove and Hagg Lake to earn recognition from such an influential publication,” said Teri Koerner, executive director of the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce. “Hagg Lake provides a wide array of outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages, for visitors and local residents alike, and it helps make Western Washington County a great place to live and play!”
David Hill Vineyard and Winery, situated on a hill in Forest Grove, provides grand views of the Tualatin Valley
Forest Grove, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Portland, boasts a growing wine industry. This area, part of the famed Willamette Valley wine region, includes some of Oregon’s most revered wineries: Apolloni Vineyards, Montinore Estate, David Hill Vineyard and Winery, Purple Cow Vineyards, Shafer Vineyard Cellars, Tualatin Estate, and SakéOne, the world’s only American-owned and operated saké brewery.
A short drive down Highway 47 leads visitors to Gaston, where four wineries —Elk Cove Vineyards, Patton Valley Vineyards and Plum Hill Vineyards—and the new Tree to Tree Adventure Park are located.
Budget Travel’s list also included the lake towns of Chelan, Wash.; Grand Marais, Minn.; Dillon, Colo.; Rangeley, Maine; Leland, Mich.; Truckee, Calif.; and Oakland, Md. Read more about Budget Travel’s Top Summer Lake Towns.
Tags: Forest Grove, Gaston, Hagg Lake, Willamette Valley
Posted in Family Fun, WCVA News, Water Fun, Wineries | 2 Comments »
May 4th, 2010 by Angie Marsh
This year marks the 20th annual “Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country” and Washington County has more than 20 wineries that will be welcoming visitors for tastings, entertainment and specials.
Visit Washington County’s wine country May 29, 30 and 31 and taste the revered Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris–and much more. This event offers tastings of new (aged) wine releases, as well as a chance to visit numerous wineries that are not regularly open to the public.
This weekend also marks the grand opening of the brand new tasting room at Árdíri Winery and Vineyards in Cornelius.
Most wineries are open these dates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some charge tasting fees. Participating wineries include:
Please check back for updates, and visit North Willamette Vintners Association for the full scoop on the weekend.
Want to map your route to the wineries? Start with the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route,
a 50-mile driving tour of Washington County’s agricultural – and viticultural – bounty.
Download the 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.)
Here are some great lodging packages to help you enjoy the holiday weekend.
Tags: Apolloni Vineyards, Ardiri Winery, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Elk Cove Vineyards, Memorial Day Weekend wine tasting, Montinore, North Willamette Vintners, Oak Knoll Winery, Plum Hill, Ponzi Vineyards, SakeOne, washington county oregon, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Events, Food & Drink, Holiday, Wineries | 1 Comment »
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.
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.
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.
Tags: Elk Cove Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Patton Valley Vineyard, Plum Hill, SakeOne, sustainable winery, Thanksgiving wine weekend, washington county oregon, wine tasting
Posted in Holiday, Wineries | No Comments »
November 10th, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
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 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.
Tags: North Willamette Valley, North Willamette Vintners, sake, washington county, Washington County wineries, Willamette Valley, wine events, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Events, Holiday, Wineries | No Comments »
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!
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
Tags: Events, Garden Vineyards, washington county oregon, wine, Wineries
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Food & Drink, Wineries | No Comments »
June 4th, 2009 by Julia Adam
The 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:
- SWIRL, SNIFF, SIP, SPIT:
FUNDAMENTALS OF WINE TASTING; June 13, 2009, 1pm – 3pm at Oak Knoll Winery
- PRECISION VITICULTURE:
FARMING FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND QUALITY; July 18, 2009, 1pm- 3pm at Patton Valley Vineyard
- SPARKLING WINE 101:
EVERY DAY SHOULD BE A CELEBRATION; August 8, 2009. 1pm-3pm at J. Albin Winery
- BARREL MAKING 101:
THE CRAFT WITHIN THE CRAFT; September 12, 2009, 10am – 12pm at Elk Cove Vineyards
- 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!
Tags: barrel making, classes, Elk Cove Vineyards, Events, J. Albin Winery, North Willamette Vintners, Oak Knoll Winery, Patton Valley Vineyard, sake, SakeOne, sparkling wine, viticulture, Willamette Valley wineries, wine, wine education, wine tasting
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Food & Drink, Wineries | No Comments »
May 14th, 2009 by Sunyi
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.)
Tags: Events, washington county oregon, wine, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Holiday, Seasonal Fun, Wineries | 5 Comments »
April 22nd, 2009 by Julia Adam
Mt. Hood from a hill.
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!
Tags: agriculture, driving routes, farms, history, itinerary, Nature, nurseries, tour route, Vineyard & Valley scenic tour route, Wineries
Posted in Arts & Culture, Biking, Family Fun, Food & Drink, Shopping, Wineries | 2 Comments »
April 14th, 2009 by Julia Adam
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!
Tags: brunch, Events, Memorial Day Weekend, Ponzi, Ponzi Vineyards, wine, Wineries
Posted in Events, Food & Drink, Wineries | No Comments »
April 14th, 2009 by Sunyi
The 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.
Tags: Apolloni Vineyards, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, David Hill Vineyard and Winery, Elk Cove Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Oak Knoll Winery, Patton Valley, Ponzi Vineyards, SakeOne, Shafer Vineyards, washington county oregon, wine tasting, Wineries
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Food & Drink, Shopping, Wineries | 3 Comments »
