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. To the east of the city, the Columbia River Gorge’s diverse microclimates mean wineries here offer 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 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 Tour Oregon’s Wine Country Many world-class wineries are just a short drive from downtown. 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 11 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 EolaAmity 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 Domaine Willamette ZACH MCKINLEY / SPROUTBOX 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. Two of the region’s marquee events include the AAPI Food & Wine Fest, a two-day event in May that features top chefs and producers with Asian American Pacific Islander heritage, and Method Oregon, a celebration of the state’s traditional-method sparkling wines. 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. 23 PortlandUncovered.com
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