Willamette Valley With miles of rich, fertile agricultural land, the Willamette Valley is home to many of Oregon’s renowned wineries and exceptional farm-totable restaurants. Take a scenic bike ride through the countryside, stopping at historic covered bridges around the South and Central Willamette Valley. In Eugene catch an event at the iconic track stadium or visit one of the city’s engaging museums. Nearby Corvallis offers a vibrant downtown and riverside trails, gardens and cultural events. In the North Willamette Valley, you’ll find the highest concentration of tasting rooms in the state, including several in the charming and walkable towns of Newberg and McMinnville. Here you’ll find vineyard hikes, immersive wine tastings and world-class dining. Choose a wellness retreat, a balloon ride high over the valley or a tree-climbing lesson at a nearby state park. A leisurely drive along winding back roads through vine-covered hills is always a good idea. Portland Portland’s energy, creativity and resilience is becoming stronger than ever and on full display. Its dynamic restaurant scene offers a mix of fine dining in casual spaces and food carts led by award-winning chefs. Savor Oregon wines perfectly matched to farm-to-table fare, or sip flights at the city’s urban wineries after a day of enjoying museums and galleries. You’ll also want to take advantage of tax-free shopping downtown. Spend the day hiking tree-lined trails in urban green spaces or book a city tour with a local guide. There’s never been a better time to experience this bold, creative and welcoming city. ROAD TRIPS For weekend trips from wine country, enjoy sunny skies and sagebrush plains with a side trip to Central Oregon. Bend may be famous for its world-class outdoor adventures, but this high-desert hub includes a surprising number of tasting rooms pouring wines from Oregon’s acclaimed AVAs. The neighboring communities of Sisters and Redmond feature intimate dining with great wine lists. Of course, adventure abounds — pristine rivers, alpine lakes and the slopes of Mt. Bachelor make this region a year-round playground for kayaking, fly-fishing, skiing and more. For more sensational landscapes where wilderness rules, the Snake River Valley blends deep canyons with high desert. The rich red wines produced in this region are perfect with steaks and burgers served at local restaurants. For ocean breezes, take a jaunt to the Oregon Coast, a 363-mile stretch of wildly beautiful coastline. Spend your day exploring colorful tide pools and historic lighthouses. Then head to one of the many seafood restaurants found in small fishing towns and artsy enclaves. Purchase a bottle for your picnic at bottle shops and wine bars along the route. McMinnville CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: RICHARD HALLMAN; EMILY STOCKS; SHAWN LINEHAN L’Orange in Portland Hood River Fruit Loop OREGON WINE TOURING GUIDE 25
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