Oregon’s wines often outshine some of the world’s finest labels. Less trafficked than California’s Napa Valley, the experience in Oregon is typically more intimate, with winemakers themselves pouring glasses for their guests. PLANNING A TASTING TOUR You’ll find the biggest clusters of wineries within an hour’s drive of Portland in two designated grape-growing areas. Positioned south of Portland, the Willamette Valley is home to two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards (more than 700 at last count). Due to its cool climate, the area is recognized as one of the premier pinot noir-producing areas in the world, though it’s also turning out award-winning pinot gris, pinot blanc, chardonnay and more. Tour Oregon’s Wine Country Many world-class wineries are just a short drive from downtown. To the east of the city, the Columbia River Gorge’s diverse microclimates mean wineries here turn out an astonishing variety of wines. You can sample as many as 40 varietals grown in the vineyards here, many you might not associate with Oregon. You can explore wine country at any time of the year, though the best times to go are summer (perfect vineyard-viewing weather) and fall (spectacularly colorful foliage). In addition to the hundreds of wineries carpeting the region, cozy bed-and-breakfasts and classic Northwest restaurants make it easy to turn a day trip into an extended stay. THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY In 2016 Wine Enthusiast magazine named the Willamette Valley its top wine region of the year. It’s easy to see why. As other Domaine Willamette ZACH MCKINLEY / SPROUTBOX 23 PortlandUncovered.com
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