Wine tastings can be stressful to plan, thankfully there are people like me to give a good nudge with advice from within the industry. To start this blog post, I want to remind everyone to get a driver for wine tasting days. It takes all the pressure off of having someone in the group drive, and split between 4 people ends up being very affordable. If you are driving, definitely use those pour buckets, they’re available for a reason. Don’t feel judged, just know you’re placing safety above all else.
If you need suggestions on who to call, DM me on instagram and I’d be happy to send over my favorite tour companies.
Let’s get into it - Most of these ideas for days are designated by AVA, but many of the AVAs are close so It would be easy to mix and match ideas to make your own itinerary.
Day #1 - Chehalem Mountain AVA
Where you’re going to taste:
ROCO Is known for their sparkling RMS wine, but the true hidden gem is their sparkling RED. When you’re tasting at Roco, make sure you pick up a bottle for your next dinner party. :
Stop for lunch at the Jory Restaurant after popping into Raindance Vineyards for a tasting and a cheese/charcuterie board. Raindance has a variety of wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. If you visit on a dry but cool day, their outdoor firepit is lovely and a great photo-op.
After a lovely lunch, head back toward the city with a stop at Raptor Ridge winery. The mountain view on a clear day is perfect to split a bottle of wine with friends. Make sure to bring a jacket and a blanket and enjoy their outdoor seating with the most beautiful setting.
See a full list of Chehalem Mountain AVA Wineries HERE
Day #2 - Dundee Hills AVA
Make your way through Dundee by tasting at one of the most well renowned wineries for a Friendly Staff. Domaine Roy & fils offers three different tasting options and if you prefer to sit outside, their patio is available by request.
With the new additions to their Tasting room, Alexana has one of the most stunning vineyard views and an even better selection of wine. With a rotating flight, Alexana offers several different varieties with a main focus of Pinot Noir. A standout is also their dry Riesling, if you can hands on a bottle, I recommend the purchase.
Dusky Goose is a Dundee-Hills winery with a special flight for those interested in some older vintages. In addition to their Estate Tasting flight, DG offers a flight rightfully named, “Dundee Hills Library Vertical.” In the Library Vertical flight, tasters are offered vintages of wines from the last decade and further to explore.
See the full list of Dundee-Hills AVA wineries HERE.
Day #3 - Eola-Amity AVA
From Library offerings, to an outstanding tasting flight, Bethel Heights is one of the wineries I consistently hear amazing reviews about. Bethel Heights is tucked away in between Amity and Salem in the Eola-Amity Hills, and their wine, service, and sustainability practices are all exceptional.
When the Vineyard is the top priority, the quality of the wine produced is exceptional. Lingua Franca Wines places the vineyard and the land above all else in their practices and with fruit too good to sell, they decided to make their own wine. For the full story, visit their website and schedule a tasting!
For those looking for a more approachable, laid back setting to taste wine, Bryn Mawr provides a flight that is fun for everyone, without sacrificing quality. Their special events including taco tuesdays in the summer allow for an easy excuse to enjoy the outdoors, and have some great wine good company.
For a full picture of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA click HERE.
Day #4 - McMinnville AVA
Rob Stuart and his team at R.Stuart & Co. in McMinnville all have a passion for Pinot. Most of the employees are long-time McMinnville residents with so much more to offer than a nice tasting. The conversation, learning, and history that a tasting at R. Stuart can provide someone who visits is priceless! Plus - they are located downtown and an easy pre- or post-dinner reservation.
Located outside of McMinnville toward the coast, Coleman Wines is a family owned and operated winery with a lot to offer. Their tasting flight often includes everything from Semisparkling, to Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Rose, Pinot Noir, and even some bigger reds including a Syrah from the Columbia Valley.
The perfect halfway point between Portland and the Oregon Coast - Siltstone Wines is a small production, family owned winery that is located right off of Hwy 18 about a mile before hitting the McMinnville Exit. Siltstone offers a variety of dry/off dry whites, as well as a table red style Pinot Noir & a couple of Premium Pinot Noir wines sourced from the Guadalupe Vineyard in the Dundee Hills. Keep a weekend this spring open for a tasting at Siltstone when they open back up in March.
McMinnvile AVA Wineries at a glance: click HERE
Part 2 of this series is Coming next week!! Follow @willamettevalleywine to stay updated on when blogs are released :)
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