Things to do / Travel Guide
Wine regions usually make a lot of noise - or perhaps buzz - of wine lovers, the press, hangers-on, the curious. It's a happy buzz, since the wine makes people's hearts glad.
But if you want something different, the Oregon Cascades and Willamette Valley might be your pot of gold. It's certainly quieter - the wine server might actually be the vintner, and the winery is more likely in a farmhouse, not a palatial edifice to the wine god. But the quality is clear, and there's a good amount of wine lore to drink over. Pinot Noir, as regal a fruit as they come, is Oregon's most popular grape, and almost all of the boutiques in the region make the boast that theirs is best in the state.
It is said that Eyrie Vineyards' Pinot's success in competitions in France in the 1970's is what woke up the world (including many Americans) to the fact that the United States was capable of producing world-class wine.
Oregon Cascades' Sokol Blosser, Domaine Drouhin and other Wineries
This being such a Pinot-saturated region, it's only natural that any time spent in Willamette turns into a quest for the holiest of this variety. You can't beat the Eyrie, but don't stop there, as there's quite a bit of variety.
Sokol Blosser , Domaine Drouhin, Adelsheim Vineyards, and Amity Vineyards all specialize in Pinot Noir as well, and they've been anchors in the business for almost 40 years. That's amazing.
Brick House Vineyard - This deserves mention also. It isn't as old as the rest of these, but what sets it apart is the sense of village it's created. It's also a leading proponent of retaining the natural look of Willamette and keeping things organic. Taste the Pinots, but don't spurn the licorice-laced Gamay Noir or the mineral-rich Chardonnay.
Oregon's Southern Willamette Valley
For an exciting destination, choose Chateau Lorane in Lorane, Oregon. Expect traditional wines of the area, as well as some unique wines that you may never have tasted before.
So this is Oregon, a goldmine of different wines, lots of Pinot Noirs, with a down-home atmosphere. Enjoy!
Wineries in Portland, Mt. Hood, the Oregon Cascades and Willamette Valley
Wineries
Adelsheim Winery & Vineyard - Newberg, Oregon
Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards
Willamette Valley Vineyards
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