The Willamette Valley Wine Country
The Willamette Valley Wine Country is located about an hour south of Portland, Oregon. If you've spent any time around here, you know that wine tasting is one of my favorite things to do. So on our two week RV trip around Oregon, I knew that wine tasting was going to be on the itinerary. We visited four wineries in the Willamette Valley - and despite the dreariness of the day, I truly enjoyed it.
First things first. Willamette is pronounced Willam-ette (rhymes with dammit - like Willamette dammit) and not Willa-mette which is how I was pronouncing it before I went there. The wineries here are known for some of the best Pinot Noir's in the world. And there are over 500 wineries in the Valley so you can probably find one that suits your tastes. Here are the four we visited:
Rex Hill Winery
Rex Hill Winery is located in Newburg, Oregon and is specifically known for it's Pinot's. The wine tasting consisted purely of Pinot's - which isn't my favorite - so I didn't participate. So to say this one wasn't my favorite would be correct. (I've only been to one other winery that had one kind of wine to taste - Croteaux on Long Island with it's Rose- so I wasn't prepared that it was only Pinot) But everyone else who tried it liked the wine - and it was a beautiful tasting room with old world charm. If Pinot is your thing, then Rex Hill is your place.( It's been voted one of the "6 Best Wineries to visit in Oregon" - so what do I know?)
Penner-Ash Winery
Penner-Ash Winery has a beautiful setting with an award winning building in Newburg, Oregon. They specialize in Pinot Noir, Syrah and Reisling. Run by a husband and wife team, including Lynn Penner-Ash, who was one of the first woman winemakers in Oregon, their winery is sustainable and is a gravity-flow estate with 360 degree views of the Willamette Valley. The fireplace was heating up the inside, but the adirondacks were calling our name outside. We didn't do a tasting here but chose a glass of wine to enjoy outside instead.
WillaKenzie Estate Winery
WillaKenzie was a unique winery and experience. It's a family owned winery with wines named after the owner's European family members and ski slopes. He passionately believes that "dirt matters" and that Oregon is the best place in the US to grow grapes and produce wine. Named after the two rivers in Oregon - the Willamette and the McKenzie - WillaKenzie, like most in Oregon, is known for it's Pinots. We all did a tasting here that was conducted by one of the most passionate employees at a winery that I've ever been around. She gave us the history of the vineyard, the owner, his family and the wines. It was quite comprehensive. If you're interested in wine making, get yourself to WillaKenzie. You'll be fascinated. And if you really want to do something different, WillaKenzie is included on a wine tasting by helicopter tour called Tour de Vine by Heli. The price starts at $399. Per person.
Fairsing Vineyard
Our last winery of the day was Fairsing Vineyard, which was my favorite. Located on the top of a hill with beautiful views, adirondack chairs and a labrinyth outside it's door, Fairsing - which means bountiful in ancient gaelic - specializes in pinot's and chardonnay. Unfortunately, we arrived about 10 minutes before the last pour so our visit was rushed. I did do a tasting and Fairsing had my favorite wines of the day - along with the experience. I would definitely go back - and hopefully have time to enjoy.
How about you? Have you been to Willamette Valley Wine Country? Like their wines?
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Linking up with: Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond,Wednesday Around the World, Our World Tuesday, and The Weekend Wanderlust Weekend Travel Blog Party!
First things first. Willamette is pronounced Willam-ette (rhymes with dammit - like Willamette dammit) and not Willa-mette which is how I was pronouncing it before I went there. The wineries here are known for some of the best Pinot Noir's in the world. And there are over 500 wineries in the Valley so you can probably find one that suits your tastes. Here are the four we visited:
Rex Hill Winery
Rex Hill Winery is located in Newburg, Oregon and is specifically known for it's Pinot's. The wine tasting consisted purely of Pinot's - which isn't my favorite - so I didn't participate. So to say this one wasn't my favorite would be correct. (I've only been to one other winery that had one kind of wine to taste - Croteaux on Long Island with it's Rose- so I wasn't prepared that it was only Pinot) But everyone else who tried it liked the wine - and it was a beautiful tasting room with old world charm. If Pinot is your thing, then Rex Hill is your place.( It's been voted one of the "6 Best Wineries to visit in Oregon" - so what do I know?)
Penner-Ash Winery
Penner-Ash Winery has a beautiful setting with an award winning building in Newburg, Oregon. They specialize in Pinot Noir, Syrah and Reisling. Run by a husband and wife team, including Lynn Penner-Ash, who was one of the first woman winemakers in Oregon, their winery is sustainable and is a gravity-flow estate with 360 degree views of the Willamette Valley. The fireplace was heating up the inside, but the adirondacks were calling our name outside. We didn't do a tasting here but chose a glass of wine to enjoy outside instead.
WillaKenzie Estate Winery
WillaKenzie was a unique winery and experience. It's a family owned winery with wines named after the owner's European family members and ski slopes. He passionately believes that "dirt matters" and that Oregon is the best place in the US to grow grapes and produce wine. Named after the two rivers in Oregon - the Willamette and the McKenzie - WillaKenzie, like most in Oregon, is known for it's Pinots. We all did a tasting here that was conducted by one of the most passionate employees at a winery that I've ever been around. She gave us the history of the vineyard, the owner, his family and the wines. It was quite comprehensive. If you're interested in wine making, get yourself to WillaKenzie. You'll be fascinated. And if you really want to do something different, WillaKenzie is included on a wine tasting by helicopter tour called Tour de Vine by Heli. The price starts at $399. Per person.
Fairsing Vineyard
Our last winery of the day was Fairsing Vineyard, which was my favorite. Located on the top of a hill with beautiful views, adirondack chairs and a labrinyth outside it's door, Fairsing - which means bountiful in ancient gaelic - specializes in pinot's and chardonnay. Unfortunately, we arrived about 10 minutes before the last pour so our visit was rushed. I did do a tasting and Fairsing had my favorite wines of the day - along with the experience. I would definitely go back - and hopefully have time to enjoy.
How about you? Have you been to Willamette Valley Wine Country? Like their wines?
I'd love for you to follow me on:
Instagram/Facebook/Pinterest
Linking up with: Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond,Wednesday Around the World, Our World Tuesday, and The Weekend Wanderlust Weekend Travel Blog Party!
So I am by far no expert in wine and the Wine travelling events often soar right over my head since I am not the biggest connessieur. However, the Willamette Valley Wine Country looks beautiful. I think Darcee would definitely want to add this to our Oregon adventure trip since she loves wine & I love the outdoors. Just plop me in one of those wooden chairs overlook the vineyard and I will be in heaven! #weekendwanderlust
ReplyDeleteHope you make it there someday - and enjoy those chairs, it is quite the view! Thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!
DeleteOur son lives in Medford, Oregon, and we noticed they opened a lot of wineries around that area in the last few years. I didn't realize that wineries extend even further north than that. I always thought grapes need a warmer climate to grow properly. The Willamette Valley Wine Country looks like a great area to visit if we are ever in Portland. #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that Oregon had the right climate to grow grapes either. I hope you make it if you're in Portland - it's such a nice day out from there. Thanks for visiting - and for the link-up!
DeleteOver 500 wineries there? Wow I had no idea it was so many. Love the photos of the Adirondack style chairs where you chill and look at the view of the mountains in the distance. Would be there in a heartbeat if I could! #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeleteIt's a very relaxing and charming area of Oregon. Hope you get there someday! Thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road, Deborah!
DeleteThanks for introducing me to the wineries of Oregon. I seem to remember Oregon as being famous for timber but haven't been there myself.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful and varied state - and still famous for timber. Thanks for visiting, Jan!
Deletewhy did it never occur to me that Oregon might also have vineyards?! They're beautiful! Thanks for introducing me! Happy New Year! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
ReplyDelete(California Globetrotter)
Happy New Year to you! And thanks for the link-up - and for visiting!
DeleteThat helicopter can come get me now :) We love OREGON wines, but never drank any of these (i'm actually surprised) I also guess I've been saying it wrong all this time?!?!?!? Need to check out that Long Island Rose place! #WeekendWanderlust
ReplyDeleteIsn't that helicopter tour just too much?! And I'm glad I'm not the only one who's been saying it wrong :) Thanks for visiting, Harmony!
DeleteBeautiful scenery. I'm not a drinker but my dad loved a good Pinot.
ReplyDeletedropping by from OurWorldTuesday.
A beautiful area of the country - and your dad would've loved their Pinots! Thanks for visiting, Suzy!
DeleteI would love to travel around Oregon for two weeks. I have never been to the state. Even though the day was cloudy, I think you chose the perfect activity. You spend time indoors but get to take a look at the beautiful outdoors.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite the dream trip - Oregon has so much natural beauty! Thanks for visiting, Ruth!
DeleteI have to admit that I seldom check out U.S wines in the liquor store. I do like Pinot, and the next time I'm in I'll be looking to see if they stock any from Oregon. All of these wineries look fantastic and a great way to spend a day. #TPThursday
ReplyDeleteEven though I'm not a fan of Pinot's, most people that I know rave about Oregon's. And you're right, it was a really fun day. I'd love to do it again! Thanks for stopping by - and for the link-up!
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