The Oregon Wine Trail!

Por: lisa.s.kim | |

(scroll down for advice on Portland)


Oregon's Willamette Valley. (It's "will-Ah-mit" damnit!) Lush rolling hills. Indecisive weather. As we drove around to taste, we encountered rain, hail, clouds, and sunshine, each lasting for no more than 5-10 minutes at a time. What an adventure!

The Pinot Noirs in Willamette are so unique and amazing that Riedel actually made glasses specifically for them! Most wineries offer their tastings in these:

Within the Willamette Valley, there are different regions, but their commitment to produce good quality wines that are 100% Pinots is similar. The two areas that we got to know were Dundee and Newberg. click here for map

Suggested Wineries in Dundee (expect the wines to be more smoky, earthy, delicate):
-Erath
-Torii Mor
-Four Graces
-Sokol Blosser
-Dobbes, Wines by Joe
-Argyle

Suggested Wineries in Newburg (expect the wines to be more complex, full, fruit-forward):
-Trisaetum
-Penner Ash
-Vidon
-Aramenta
-Bergstrom

Suggested place to Stay:
-Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast
This B&B offers cozy rooms, breakfasts that present culinary expertise, and a panoramic view over the Willamette Valley for a very affordable prices, starting at $120 a night (we stayed in the "Oregon Trail Room").


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PORTLAND (45 min. from Willamette Valley):

While in Oregon, I'd encourage you to explore Portland for a day or two. The transportation is easy to use, and the people are extremely helpful. A few things I'd like to recommend while in the city:

"First Thursday" Gallery Walk: Art galleries and boutique shops stay open late every first Thursday of the month. Some shops even offer free wine and snacks. Great event!

Andina Peruvian Restaurant. Delicious, tapas style. Rich in flavor, just like the way they prepare seafood in Peru:

*Andina's seafood paella

Deschutes Brewery:

Try... 

- Streaking the Quad (honey after-taste, thick, slight fizz)

- Ivanna Weiss (crisp, banana on palette)

- Bourbon Barrel aged Hop in the Dark (in between IPA and stout, malty and complex)

ROGUE Brewery:

Try... 

- Hazelnut Brown (tastes how it sounds)

- Dead Guy (hops and honey)

- Honey Orange Wheat (crisp, with long-full citrusy-hoppy finish)