Wine Country If you like wine, you’re in luck. Here you can explore the southern part of the renowned Willamette Valley wine region, where you’ll find wineries, tasting rooms and bottle shops galore, both in Eugene and in the countryside that surrounds it. WINE COUNTRY WISDOM For Matt Shown of Brigadoon Wine Company near Eugene, the key to experiencing Willamette Valley wine is straightforward: “Get off the beaten path.” “What the Willamette Valley offers is more unique, personal tastingroom experiences that are smaller and more boutique,” he says. “These are the places where you’re going to find the winemaker popping in and out of the tasting room.” At Brigadoon, Shown — who serves both as the winemaker and the vineyard manager — is often available during weekdays. His mother manages the tasting room and his father still pops in on weekends. “There are some amazing wines you might already be familiar with, and they’re absolutely worth hitting up those tasting rooms,” he says. “But what Oregon does a great job with is making world-class wines in artisanal boutique settings.” Travel Lane County | EugeneCascadesCoast.org | 541.484.5307 31 FOOD & DRINK WINE ESTATES The South Willamette Valley’s cool, temperate climate makes it ideal for Pinot grape production. Among the best-known estate wineries in the region, King Estate is celebrated for biodynamically grown Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, served at a hilltop tasting room with glorious views. Nearby Sweet Cheeks Winery serves its popular wines in a bigwindowed tasting room. In the foothills of the Coast Range near Junction City, Walnut Ridge Vineyard serves estategrown wines on a sunny patio with views of one of Oregon’s newest wine-growing regions, the Lower Long Tom AVA. URBAN WINERIES You don’t need to leave Eugene to taste great wines. Oregon Wine LAB pours locally produced, small-batch wine in an art-filled tasting room playing tunes on a turntable. Sleek J. Scott Cellars in the 5th Street Public Market is another top choice, serving more than two dozen varietals. Head to Capitello Wines’ downtown tasting room for a cheese plate and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, or make your way to Territorial Vineyards & Wine Company to hear live music while you sip. WINE SHOPS When you’re looking for a special bottle of Willamette Valley wine, head to a wine shop — they offer weekly tastings and personalized service. Venerable Sundance Wine Cellars stocks a huge selection, with over 500 Oregon Pinot Noirs along with hard-to-find bottles from around the world. Downtown’s Party Market & Wine features organic and biodynamic wine. The Broadway Wine Merchants in Oakway Center includes both an extensive bottle shop and a small bistro. WINE TOURS Going with a guide or booking a private chauffeur is a great idea for groups without a designated driver. Try Sunshine Limo Service — which offers bespoke winery tours in sedans, buses and limousines — or Oregon Vine2Wine Tours, which hosts half-day tours and transportation services for smaller groups. Best Oregon Tours offers wine excursions along with other adventures, from touring the region’s covered bridges to exploring the Oregon Coast. Sarver Winery MELANIE GRIFFIN
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