regions become increasingly corporate, the industry in the Willamette Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is still dominated by family-owned wineries and specialty boutiques. With the valley’s well-marked tasting rooms, it’s easy to embark on a self-guided wine tour. Here are a few favorite stops. Start with the pioneering Ponzi Vineyards, which has some of the oldest pinot noir vines in the state. Ponzi operates a state-of-the-art winery and modern tasting room in Sherwood, which has lovely views of the Chehalem Mountains and Avellana Vineyard. Just north of Dundee on Highway 99W is Newberg, the gateway to the northern Willamette Valley. This small town has a few lauded restaurants and a wonderful pocket of wineries. Try REX HILL, which has been crafting pinot noir for more than 30 years. The estate vineyards, including the crown jewel Jacob-Hart Vineyard, are certified Biodynamic farms, and the winery itself is LIVE certified. The Willamette Valley AVA comprises nine sub-appellations. Just north of Salem, the Eola-Amity Hills AVA moves at a less-hurried pace than some of the busy wine-touring routes nearer Portland. The Eola-Amity Hills harbor a handful of exceptional small-lot and estate wineries — including Cherry Hill Winery, Mystic Wines, Brooks Wine and Lingua Franca. THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE Just an hour east of Portland on I-84 sits the Columbia River Gorge wine region, a 40-mile stretch where wine lovers have access to no less than 40 premium varietals. Here an extraordinary combination of climate, soil and geology creates distinctly different microclimates that are perfect for growing a wide variety of grapes. From albariño to zinfandel, this viticulture brings distinctive taste, balance and vibrancy to a range of classic varietals. As you enter the gorge, you’ll find Hood River to be a relaxing hub for wine tasting as well as all sorts of outdoor recreation. Visit locals’ favorite Phelps Creek Vineyards, where the sunny patio enjoys unobstructed views of Mt. Hood, and pet-friendly Wy’East Vineyards, with its lovely picnic areas and bocce ball courts. Just 10 miles east of Hood River, plan to stop in the quieter burg of Mosier, where Analemma Wines’ vineyard offers spectacular views of the valley below. REGIONAL WINE FESTIVALS For a celebratory introduction to Oregon’s wine scene, plan a visit around one of the numerous gatherings and festivals happening throughout the year. Festivities include tasting new releases and older vintages, barrel tastings, specialty foods and sales of limited-quantity wines. One of the region’s marquee events, the International Pinot Noir Celebration draws wine lovers to McMinnville in late July to sample regional vintages. Oenophiles, take note: You won’t want to miss two other Willamette Valley traditions — Wine Country Thanksgiving and Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country. Many wineries require reservations, so check ahead before you go. BOEDECKER CELLARS WINERY, TASTING ROOM & BOTTLE SHOP 2621 NW 30th Ave., Portland 503.224.5778, BoedeckerCellars.com Discover the essence of the Willamette Valley at Boedecker Cellars in Northwest Portland. Taste handcrafted wines in a relaxed setting — where every glass offers a reflection of passion and place. THE CARLTON WINEMAKERS STUDIO 801 N. Scott St., Carlton 503.852.6100, WinemakersStudio.com No reservations required! Open 11-5 daily. Visit The Studio’s unique shared production winery where 16 vintners craft and pour premium wines. Relax in the welcoming tasting room or patio and sip rotating releases. DOMAINE WILLAMETTE 19255 N. Hwy. 99W, Dayton 971.545.4200, DomaineWillamette.com Taste Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines and pinot noir paired with Northwest cuisine, educational tours, beautiful gardens and stunning views overlooking certified biodynamic Bernau Estate Vineyard. FOOD & DRINK The Carlton Winemakers Studio AARON LEE / THE CARLTON WINEMAKERS STUDIO 24 PortlandUncovered.com
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