Wine Guide - Oregon Coast Magazine

Transcription

Wine Guide - Oregon Coast Magazine
2005/2006
Presented by
NORTHWEST TRAVEL
MONTANA
page 4
IDAHO
page 6
Idaho Panhandle
Snake River Valley
WASHINGTON page 8
Puget Sound
Columbia Valley
Yakima Valley
Red Mountain
Walla Walla Valley
Columbia Gorge
OREGON
page 21
Willamette Valley
Umpqua Valley
Southern Oregon
Rogue Valley &
Applegate Valley
T
HE NORTHWEST WINE Country is
illustrated above with the various
American Viticulture Areas (AVAs
or appellations) and other grape and fruit
growing areas color-coded.
In Washington, the Puget Sound area is
highlighted from the Canadian border to the
area about 20 miles south of Olympia. In
Eastern Washington, things become more
complicated. Three smaller appellations are
within the boundaries of the huge Columbia
Valley appellation indicated in blue. The
Yakima Valley AVA is outlined in the western
part of the Columbia, and within its boundaries, the tiny Red Mountain AVA is illustrated,
appropriately in burgundy. Just a few miles east
2 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
of the confluence of the Snake and Columbia
Rivers is Walla Walla Valley. Both the Columbia
Valley and Walla Walla Valley appellations
extend a short distance into Oregon. New this
year is the Columbia Gorge AVA which
Washington and Oregon share.
Oregon’s largest and most famous wineproducing area shaded in green is the
Willamette Valley, which extends from
Portland south to the Eugene area. The AVA is
nestled between the Pacific Ocean, just 50
miles west, and by the Cascade Mountains on
the east. In milder and drier Southern Oregon
are four more appellations, and although
much smaller than the Willamette Valley, the
areas have distinguished themselves in the
state’s wine industry. Heading south, the first
appellation is Umpqua Valley near Roseburg.
Next are the Rogue and Applegate valleys.
During the past year, the Southern Oregon
appellation, encompassing these three
growing areas, was designated an official AVA.
In Idaho, most wineries and vineyards
are along the Snake River Valley indicated in
a peach tone. The largest concentration is in
the fruit-growing area west of Boise.A few
have emerged east of Boise in South Central
Idaho and Northern Idaho’s Panhandle is
home to a few more. Montana “does wine” in
the protected Bitterroot Valley from Flathead
Lake south along Hwy 93 to the Darby area.
Both fruit and grape wines are produced with
many of the grapes being imported from
neighboring states.
Northwest Wine Country Vacation Guide
By Staff of Northwest Travel
Discover the wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms
of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
T
HE UNITED STATES is fourth for world wine production, behind
Italy, France, and Spain, but California isn’t the only state
helping the nation toward that distinction.Wines from Washington, Oregon,
Idaho, and even Montana are gaining national and international attention from
experts and connoisseurs, as well as from those who can just appreciate the
grape and the beautiful region in which it is grown.
This is our third annual Wine Country Vacation Guide. Last year, we noticed the “wine
bar phenomenon” that has sprouted in the Northwest and is growing rapidly. This year, it is
events—so many that a visitor could spend virtually every weekend attending some kind of
festival. There are regional, city, county, and statewide events. The substantial growth in events
involves those organized by individual wineries, mostly featuring food and wine pairings.
Wine bars continue to emerge and are
This guide is published by
also heavily involved with food and wine
Northwest Travel
pairings.At these establishments, wine tasting has evolved to include “wine
4969 Hwy 101 #2
Florence, OR 97439
flights” — a selection of four to six varieties served in two-plus ounce portions
800-348-8401
and tagged with clever names such as “Southern Hemisphere Flight.”
Reproduction of editorial
or advertising content without
the written permission of the
publisher is prohibited.
Copyright 2005/2006.
Printed in USA.
For subscription and advertising
information visit our Web site at
http://www.northwestmagazines.com
To request information from
advertisers featured in this guide
visit http://www.ohwy.com/r.htm
Cover Photo:
Vineyard near Newberg, Oregon.
—Photo by Bob Pool
In Portland and Seattle, we found more than a dozen wine bars in each city
and many more throughout both the Willamette Valley in Oregon and
Washington’s Puget Sound area. Idaho has a few and Montana’s first wine
bar opened in 2004 in Bozeman.
New wineries continue to sprout with Oregon and Washington each welcoming
about 100 entrepreneurs in the past year, many of them fledgling and not yet
open to the public.We have done our best to map those wineries that have
tasting rooms open to the public but the growth of the industry makes it a
continual work in progress.
For your next wine tasting venture, take this friendly guide along with a
designated driver and hit the road!
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 3
Photo by AbleStock
MONTANA
Most of the wineries in Montana’s fledgling industry are scattered in and around the picturesque Bitterroot Valley.
MONTANA
B
IG SKY COUNTRY is known for many
wonderful things, but wine traditionally has not been one of them.
Today, a collegial group in the cosmopolitan
town of Missoula is working diligently to
improve Montana’s reputation for wine-making,
plus at least two wineries have demonstrated
admirable ingenuity in developing respectable
fruit wines.
“This is not your grandfather’s fruit wine,”
says Judy Chapman of Lolo Peak Winery,
Montana’s second winery, which began selling
fruit wines in 1999. “It’s not like drinking syrup.”
Judy and husband Mark Chapman are changing
the way people think about fruit wines.
The Chapmans have specialized in refined
fruit wines and do not produce grape wines.
Their fruit and honey wines are favorites with
Montana residents. The difference between
creating a wine with grapes and one with
berries is that the tart, highly concentrated
flavor of the berries must first be diluted and
then sweetened with sugar or honey.
At Rattlesnake Creek Vineyard,Andy
4 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
CANADA
93
Sponseller and Connie Poten are turning out
organic dry dinner wines. Rattlesnake’s
Flathead Cherry Dry is a hit among the locals.
The cherries come from the orchards that
surround Flathead Lake, north of Missoula.
“When most people think of a cherry wine,
they think of some medicinal sweet concoction,” says Sponseller.“We have defied that
notion completely.”
In the past three years, two new wineries
and one vineyard have been established in
Western Montana to join Lolo Peak and the
granddaddy of Montana’s wine industry,
Mission Mountain. Dr. Thomas Campbell and
his son, Tom Jr. planted their first grapes in
1979 to establish Mission Mountain at Dayton.
Their first vintage was released in 1984.
There may not be many winemakers in
Montana, but the seven now in business are a
dedicated lot.Winemakers and farmers are
experimenting with grape, fruit, and honey
wines and are likely to apply for winery permits,
so expect more wineries, vineyards, and tasting
rooms to emerge in the next few years.
Mission
Mountain W •
MONTANA
WINERIES
Flathead
Lake
Dayton
90
15
er
R iv
• Flathead
Lake W
ou
iss
M
• Clearwater W
Ronan
Missoula
•
Lolo Peak W
ri
Great
Falls
• Rattlesnake Creek V
Helena
Darby
Butte
90
IDAHO
93
15
WY
THE FRUIT
Pinot noir and Pinot gris are grown in the
most quantity in the few vineyards in Montana.
The newest vineyard in Missoula also grows the
type of cold hardy varietals one would expect to
find in other cold weather states like Minnesota:
Marechal Foch, St. Croix, and Leon Millot. They
are the kind of grapes that can outlast a long,
cruel winter.
MONTANA
But the big story in the Montana wine
industry is the fruit and honey wines. The varieties of fruits used for wine usually have high
amounts of acid, low amounts of sugar, and
high concentrations of flavor. They are fruits
that thrive in a short but intense growing
season. Examples of such fruit include apples,
berries, and rhubarb. Some wineries are even
considering using elderberries and chokecherries, which are too bitter to eat alone.
site has a wealth of information on attractions
and important information on how to get to the
Missoula area (www.missoulacvb.org). The
Flathead Convention and Visitors Bureau Web
site (www.fcvb.org) also has good information
on the seasonal activities in the area, which
include skiing Big Mountain, sailing and
fishing on Flathead Lake, exploring Glacier
National Park, and camping beneath the Big Sky.
WHEN TO VISIT
Winter lasts longer in Montana than in
other parts of the Northwest, so visits during
the spring months of March,April, and May
could mean having to deal with snow. (This is
bad for driving but great for skiing.) The
growing season at the vineyards starts in May
and ends with the crush in October. Most summertime visitors flock to Flathead Valley
between July 4 and Labor Day.
MONTANA WINERIES
TOURS/ROUTES
The Hwy 93 route is the key to finding
western Montana’s wineries. Missoula makes a
nice starting point with three properties in the
area. Next, head north on Hwy 93 to Ronan,
then up the west side of Flathead Lake to
Dayton. Driving to the winery at Culbertson in
eastern Montana is slightly more than a day
trip. It is 500-plus miles from Missoula along
I–90, which splits at Billings with I–94 leading
to North Dakota.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Missoula, the Garden City, is bustling with
activity all year. In addition to being a great
spot to learn about Lewis and Clark’s journey
through the area with the Corps of Discovery, it
is home to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
and A Carousel for Missoula in Caras Park. The
carousel was hand-carved by volunteers. The
Missoula Convention and Visitors Bureau Web
see map pg. 4
MISSOULA
LOLO PEAK WINERY
406-549-1111 • www.lolopeak.com
2506 Mount Ave., Missoula, MT 59804
Our wines are made exclusively from
Montana agricultural produce, apples from
the Bitterroot Valley, cherries from Flathead
Lake and rhubarb and plums from family
gardens of Missoula. Raspberries from the
Mission Valley make a Gold Medal winning
wine. Free wine tasting during regular hours
and tours are available by appointment.
10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday through Saturday.
RATTLESNAKE CREEK VINEYARDS
406-549-8703
www.rattlesnakecreekvineyard.com
email:[email protected]
4175 Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, MT
59802. We grow hardy French–American
hybrid grapes at 46 degrees, 7 minutes
latitude, and 3450 feet altitude, at the base of
Montana’s Rattlesnake Wilderness Area. Our
wines prove the maxim: the best fruit grows
as far north as it will grow. They are certified
organic with no added sulfites. Bottoms up!
VISITOR INFORMATION
TRAVEL MONTANA
800-VISITMT • www.visitmt.com
MISSOULA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
800-526-3465 • www.missoulacvb.org
FLATHEAD CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
406-756-9091 • www.fcvb.org
PHILIPSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
406-859-3388
www.philipsburgmt.com
MONTANA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Call in advance for dates and locations
of these events. Individual wineries are
likely to host additional events. Contact
local chambers of commerce and visitors
bureaus for more information.
JULY
Dayton - Fourth of July
at the Winery
406-849-5524
AUGUST
Philipsburg - Art, Jazz,
and Wine Festival
August 22, 2005
406-859-0016
SEPTEMBER
Dayton - Dayton Days
406-849-5524
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 5
IDAHO
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Parma
Sandpoint
Pend Oreille W •
20
26
95
SNAKE RIVER
VALLEY (Detail)
84
30
Lake
Pend
Oreille
Wilder
Caldwell
19
Bitner V
n ake Riv •
55
Williamson V •• Lake
Lo
Koenig Distillery W •
w
84
S
69
er
Coeur d'Alene
90
ell
Ste. Chapelle W
78
Nampa
Silver Trail W
45 Indian Creek •
(Stowe) W Kuna
•
• Sawtooth W
• Camas Prairie W
Helena
Moscow
WASHINGTON
95
MONTANA
Butte
OREGON
90
IDAHO
84
95
55
•
Winery At Eagle Knoll
15
Eagle
See
Detail Boise
Sn
Glenns Ferry
eR
ak
i v er
Pocatello
•
Carmela V
86
Twin Falls
Business Name
Abbreviations
V = Vineyards
W = Winery
Blue Rock V & Wines LLC •
IDAHO
P
OPULAR OPINION among folks in the
Northwest is that Idaho is “the new
kid on the block” in the wine industry. Not so
advises former University of Idaho Professor
John Thorngate (now at University of California,
Davis) who says Idaho was actually first among
the Northwest states to have wineries. His information dates back to a September 1865, article
in Boise’s Idaho Statesman about a vineyard of
Royal Muscadine cuttings planted the previous
spring that had survived the winter and was
beginning to produce grapes. Robert Wing, who
has a vineyard in Lewiston (the lowest elevation
in Idaho at 738 feet), says grapes were introduced
there in 1872 by one German and two French
6 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
immigrants. One of them, Robert Schleicher,
went on to win gold medals for his wines at
expositions in Omaha, Buffalo, St. Louis, and
Portland. Like everyone else, prohibition took
its toll on Idaho’s wine industry. It resurfaced in
1972 when the Symms family, second generation
fruit growers at the time, planted their first
vineyard adjacent to the apples near Caldwell.
Ste. Chapelle wines were born.
But the industry didn’t take off at that
point because there was still a law in Idaho
prohibiting wineries from selling directly to the
public—not in tasting rooms, retail establishments, or taverns. So although more wineries
started popping up in the late 1970s and ’80s, it
wasn’t until 1988 that Idaho vintners were able
to sell to anyone other than distributors.
What worked for the apples worked with
the grapes, and now most of Idaho’s 19
wineries are not too far from that area called
Sunny Slope in Southwestern Idaho. The state’s
northern panhandle has a few and some in
southern Idaho have ventured a short distance
east to the Glenns Ferry and Twin Falls areas
where the climate is relatively mild compared
with Eastern Idaho where the state’s famous
potatoes grow best.
Though it has not been designated an
official appellation by the government, the
Snake River area near Caldwell is the state’s
best known wine region.
Today, Idaho wines are again claiming
awards for varieties such as Riesling and
Chardonnay. Like many other Northwest wine
regions, the majority of Idaho’s wineries are considered boutique wineries, producing wonderful
products, most of which stay within the state’s
borders. But there’s no reason that Idaho wines
should be just for Idahoans to enjoy. The Idaho
wine industry is coming of age and the rest of
the country, if not the world, is taking notice.
The key to growing grapes in Idaho is
the Snake River. The river helps to balance
extreme weather conditions, cooling hot
summer evenings and warming potentially
frosty spring mornings. Idaho winemakers are
able to produce Johannisberg Riesling, Merlot,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot
noir, as well as Semillon, Lemberger, Pinot gris,
and Cabernet franc, plus fruit wines and meads.
SNAKE RIVER REGION
The Snake River Basin runs across
southern Idaho, making a shallow but wide
U-shape. The river divides Idaho and Oregon
along the western border of the state. I–84 runs
along or near the river all the way through the
state so the communities close to the vineyards
are easily accessible from the main interstate.
The Sunny Slope growing area, about 25 miles
west of Boise, is close to Caldwell, Nampa,
Meridian, and Kuna.
An application has been sent to the Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms nominating
this Snake River Region in southwest Idaho as
an American Viticulture Area. If the designation is granted, it will be the first and only
appellation in Idaho. But the area certainly
doesn’t need a special title to be an inviting
place to visit. The views of the famed Snake
River Valley are worth the trip from spring
through late fall, and many geology buffs
will recognize outstanding geologic features
throughout the region.
IDAHO
THE GRAPES
In the Snake River Valley, Chardonnay,
Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and both
red and white Pinot noir are produced.A few of
the wineries in Idaho also buy fruit from
Washington; likewise, some Washington
wineries buy fruit from Idaho vineyards.
WHEN TO VISIT
Wine tasting events and festivals, such as the
Boise State University Gene Harris Jazz Festival,
take place in southwestern Idaho throughout the
spring, but harvest time for Idaho wineries is in
August. New wine and barrel-tasting events are
often planned during November.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Visitors to southwest Idaho can enjoy all
that Boise and the surrounding area has to
offer. The capital city is home to 15 museums,
seven major parks, a zoo, and the Old Idaho
State Penitentiary.About 16 miles north of
town is the Bogus Basin Ski Resort, a bonus for
those who go wine tasting during the winter. In
the Nampa and Caldwell area, in addition to
wineries, the Warhawk Air Museum, the Snake
River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area,
and the Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds
of Prey are worth checking out.A handy guide
to the region is Northwest Travel’s annual
Vacation Guide to the Columbia and Snake
Rivers Region, which highlights attractions and
roadside geology in southern Idaho (available
at many visitor information centers and by
calling 800-348-8401, ext. 110).
OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST
Several wineries and wine tasting rooms
have popped up in the northern part of the
state, although there is no designated AVA here
either. This area along Hwy 95 includes
Moscow, Coeur d’Alene, and Sandpoint. From
the Boise valley, you can drive to northern
Idaho on Hwy 95 through Weiser, Cambridge,
and Council or take Hwy 55 through Banks,
Cascade, and McCall to New Meadows where
Hwys 55 and 95 join and become Hwy 95 for
the journey farther north. It’s a beautiful but
long drive so plan to spend more than a day
exploring this area and the sweet treats it has in
store.When the weather cooperates, winemakers in this area make ice wines, which are
usually served with desserts.Also, brandies and
fruit wines, including honey wines (or meads),
are gaining popularity in the north country. For
more information, contact the Coeur d’Alene
Area Chamber of Commerce.
IDAHO WINERIES
SNAKE RIVER VALLEY
see map pg. 6
KUNA
INDIAN CREEK WINERY
208-922-4791
1000 N McDermott Rd., Kuna, ID 83634
Bill and Mui Stowe planted their grapes in
1982 and are still the people you’ll meet at
one of the oldest wineries in Idaho. Bill’s
specialty is Pinot noir (red and white),
however, you can sample many popular
varieties. Tasting room is open on Weekends,
12 to 5 P.M. Their lovely operation is but
a few minutes drive from Boise, Meridian,
and Nampa.
IDAHO
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Call in advance for dates and locations
of these events. Individual wineries are
likely to host additional events. Contact local
chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus
for more information.
JULY
Sun Valley - Sun Valley Center for the
Arts Wine Auction
July 21–23, 2005
208-726-9491
AUGUST
Boise - Taste of Idaho
Boise Centre on the Grove
August 27, 2005
208-332-8530
OCTOBER
Caldwell - Taste of the Harvest
Albertson College of Idaho
October 1, 2005
208-459-5300 www.albertson.edu
NAMPA
SAWTOOTH WINERY
208-467-1200 • www.sawtoothwinery.com
13750 Surrey Lane, Nampa, ID. Sawtooth
Winery invites you to sample our awardwinning wines at our Tasting Room,
overlooking picturesque estate vineyards,
the Owyhee Mountains, and Boise Valley.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful winery
grounds. Our Tasting Room is open from
noon until 5 P.M. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
You can also reserve the Winery for your
special event.
VISITOR INFORMATION
IDAHO GRAPE GROWERS & WINE
PRODUCERS COMMISSION,
1123 12th Ave. S, Nampa, ID 83651
208-467-4999/888-223-WINE
www.idahowines.org
BOISE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU &
SOUTHWEST IDAHO TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
312 S 9th, Suite 100
Boise, ID 83702
800-635-5240 • www.boise.org
COEUR D’ALENE VISITOR
& CONVENTION SERVICES
1621 N 3rd
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
877-782-9232 • www.coeurdalene.org
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 7
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
HE WORLD OF Washington wine
continues to grow by leaps and bounds,
not only the physical size of the industry, but the
extent to which it promotes itself—a visitor
could easily keep busy every weekend of the
year attending a wine event, and usually would
have to decide which one, or two, or three. The
industry is also busy working on its export
trade, which generated $3.5 million in 2004,
up 40 percent over the previous year.
As the second-largest wine producer in the
United States, and the fastest-growing producer
as well,Washington conceivably could pass
up its number-one competitor, the state of
California. This past spring, an hour-long
documentary,“The Making of Washington
Wine Country” was produced drawing parallels
between the growth of Washington’s wine
industry and that of Sonoma County,
California, which lived for decades in the
shadow of its more famous neighbor, the
Napa Valley.
Washington has long been famous for its
apples and cherries, and now grapes rank
among the state’s most important fruit crops.
In the past decade, production of Washington
wines has nearly tripled. In just the past year,
the number of wineries has grown to approximately 350—up 100 from a year ago. Grape
growers number 350, with 30,000 vineyard
acres, 1000 more than last year. The industry
contributes $2.9 billion annually to the
state’s economy.
Washington wines have a distinct personality that dates back to the region’s first
winemakers who arrived in the early 19th
century. By the late 1800s, European settlers
had planted vineyards at Fort Vancouver, on
Stretch Island in Puget Sound, and in the Walla
Walla Valley, where the plants truly blossomed.
The boon to the fledgling industry came
with the railroad’s large-scale irrigation
projects, which fostered commercial farming.
Wineries and vineyards continued to flourish
through World War I, led by such notable
growers as William Bridgman and Elbert
Blaine in the Yakima Valley. These pioneers
brought in experts and sold plant cuttings
throughout the valley to boost production.
But it was Dr.Walter Clore who is regarded as
the father of Washington’s wine industry. The
state’s potential as a wine-growing region was
revealed through Dr. Clore’s extensive agricultural research. By 1970,Washington wines were
recognized as a serious challenge to
8 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
Photo by Jamie and Judy Wild
T
Washington’s vineyard acreage climbed to 30,000 last year— now a close second to the
35,000 acres grown in California’s Napa Valley.
California’s. Clore predicted wine’s continuing
upward trend in popularity, and a new generation of winemakers saw to the industry’s
expansion. In 1981, there were 19 wineries in
the state. By 2001, there were about 170.
More than 15 types of grapes thrive in the
state’s variety of microclimates and growing
conditions, including Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc,
Gewürztraminer, Grenache, Lemberger, Merlot,
Pinot noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon
blanc, Sémillon, and Syrah.
Long, warm summer days, cool nights, and
rich volcanic soils create prime growing conditions in Eastern Washington, home to four of
the state’s six designated viticultural regions or
appellations: the Walla Walla,Yakima Valley,
and Red Mountain appellations which are
within the Columbia Valley.
The beautiful Cascade Mountain range,
running from north to south, separates the dry,
rolling lands of the east from the lush, moist
western region. The Puget Sound appellation,
with its cool, temperate climate, is the only
officially recognized wine region west of the
Cascades. New this past year is the Columbia
Gorge appellation which Washington shares
with neighboring Oregon. The new American
Viticultural Area (AVA) comprises Skamania
and Klickitat counties in Washington and Hood
River and Wasco counties in Oregon.
PUGET SOUND
Though early American settlers were
planting vineyards in the Puget Sound area
more than 100 years ago, the region was designated an AVA only in 1995. The region stretches
from the Canadian border to the Puget Sound
Islands and the Olympic Peninsula.
To many, Seattle typifies the greater Puget
Sound area with its booming downtown and
complex system of freeways and waterways. In
every direction however, Seattle is surrounded
by forests, mountains, and clusters of islands
that form natural playgrounds.After you’ve had
your fill of the town’s renowned coffees and
microbrews, use the spreading city as a base
from which to visit many of the local wineries,
ferry over to Bainbridge,Vashon, and Whidbey
islands, or head west on Hwy 101 across the
peninsula’s sun belt to such towns as Port
Townsend and Sequim. The landscape of these
towns and islands is a far cry from the bustle
of the big city.
North from Seattle along I–405 and I–5,
wineries are clustered around Woodinville and
all the way up to Bellingham and Mount Baker.
THE GRAPES
Many of Puget Sound’s wineries use coolclimate, early-to-ripen varieties of vinifera
grapes, producing Madeleine Angevine and
Madeleine Sylvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and
WASHINGTON
Siegerrebe. Pinot noir and Pinot gris also are
grown here. Luscious fruit wines are produced
from local berries. Much of Yakima Valley’s
annual crop also is shipped to Puget Sound
wineries for production.
• Mt Baker W
• Samson Estates W
Bellingham
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Challenger
Ridge V
•
Chuckanut Ridge W •
•
Lopez
Island V
Victoria
SedroWoolley
Pasek
Cellars
•
San Juan V •
20 Concrete
•
Eagle Haven W
Mt. Vernon
To Glacier
Peak V • Carpenter Creek W
PUGET SOUND
5
Camaraderie
Cellars
Port Townsend
Port Angeles
•
Fairwinds
W•
Black • • Olympic
•
Diamond Cellars
•
Sorensen
W
Lost
Cellars
Mountain W
Novelty Hill W
Januik W
•
Austin Robaire Vintners
•
Whidbey Island W •
Everett
Sky River
Meadery
•
•
Betz Family W
•
Baer W
•
Woodinville
405
Wine Co
Di Stefano W
522
•
Woodinville
Bainbridge Island W •
Chatter Creek
River
shin gt on
Seattle
•
Wa
202
Sa
Matthews
Facelli W
Cellars
am
Woodhouse • •
i
•
Family Cellars
•
Silver Lake W
•
•
Columbia W
• DeLille Cellars/
Chaleur Estate
Chateau Ste. Michelle
•
Market Cellar •
Jardin Wines •
Owen Sullivan W •
E.B. Foote W •
Hoodsport
Hoodsport W •
Woodinville
The Tasting Room:
Apex, Camaraderie,
Harlequin, J.M. Cellars,
Wineglass Cellars,
Wilridge W
•
Hedges
Cellars
90
Vashon W •
101
Hoodsport
Tasting Room •
Tacoma
Shelton
• Vino Aquino W
• Classic Winemakers
8
12
2
405
Lak e
•
Greenbank
Cellars
•
sh
Olympia
Lacey
7
5
12
• Widgeon Hill W
To Vancouver
Business Name
Abbreviations
V = Vineyards
W = Winery
To Bethany V W, English Estate W,
Morchella Wine Cellars,
RMV Cellars & Salishan V
TOURS/ROUTES
Puget Sound’s winery loop, North Sound
Wineries, includes 10 wineries, and a wine
specialty shop. Some of the wines in this
region are in limited production and may not
be available outside the community.Visit
www.wineryloop.com. Most of the wineries on
the loop are open all year and participate in
special tours such as Spring Barrel Tasting, the
Autumn Tour November 11 through 13, and
Red Wine and Chocolate February 18 through
20, 2006. A ferry trip from Seattle or Edmonds
PUGET
SOUND
mm
WHEN TO VISIT
Two “must do” festivals happen during
springtime in the Puget Sound region. Taste
of Washington in Seattle and Passport to
Woodinville, both in April, are feasts for the
wine lover’s soul.
At Passport to Woodinville, a single fee
buys a “Passport” filled with labels, a glass, and
a unique opportunity to tour local wineries,
many of them not regularly open to the public.
Sales are limited to 3000 in an effort to prevent
overcrowding. Proceeds are used for educational
materials about the area’s wine industry.
During the summer, the 18th annual Auction
of Washington Wines is billed as a weekend
featuring “three rings of exciting events” held
August 11 through 13, this year. Under the Big
Top at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, the
auction is the wine industry’s annual gift to its
community benefiting uncompensated care at
Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center
and the Washington Wine Education Fund. The
event includes PICNIC, a fun and casual silent
auction featuring a gourmet feast, carnival
games, and live music; an exclusive winemakers
dinner, and the black-tie gala auction with
starstudded entertainment.
Throughout the year, weekends are filled
with events large and small, nonstop festivals
and concerts celebrating the seasons.
October is grape-picking season and
some wineries welcome visitors to join in the
tasks that become a party and a feast. Such
“harvest parties” are the highlights of a mild
and lingering autumn.
Several larger wineries have tasting rooms
that are open throughout the year. Many of the
smaller sites may be closed in winter.Always
call ahead to confirm the hours of any of the
wineries’ operations.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 9
WASHINGTON
BRITISH COLUMBIA
• Gold Digger Cellars
21
Lost River W
•
Mazama
• China Bend V
Kettle Falls
20
97
Okanogan
2
Townshend Cellar
Mountain Dome W
••
Co l
Grande Ronde Cellars
•
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
•
Caterina W/Barrister W •
Lone Canary W •
•
Robert Karl Cellars
• •
Spokane
2
Knipprath Cellars
Latah Creek Wine Cellars
n
Chelan Estate W
Lake Chelan W
•
Tsillan Cellars V W
•
Vin Du Lac W
Chelan
•
Chelan
Wine
Co
2
COLUMBIA
VALLEY
Eagle Creek W •
Leavenworth
• • La Toscana W
Icicle Ridge W
Wedge Mountain W •
•
Wenatchee
Chateau Faire Le Pont
•
Saint Laurent W
• Ryan Patrick V
• White Heron Cellars
97
os es L
M
Quincy
Ellensburg
ak
Mattawa
b
um i
26
r
ve
Ri
12
Benton Richland
Sunnyside City
Pasco
Prosser
Kennewick
(See Detail)
97
221
•
Columbia Crest
Paterson
(See Detail)
Canoe Ridge
Estate V
Columbia Gorge W
Marshal's W
14
•• • • •
Waving Tree V W
www.cedarshotels.com
will take you to Bainbridge Island or Whidbey
Island wineries.
Near Woodinville, off Hwy 202, some of the
largest and oldest wineries in the state include
luxurious chateaus that host wine-tasting
rooms, shops, and tours.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
The region’s attractions are so diverse that
the Puget Sound area is a destination unto
itself. Follow one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet and the symbol of Seattle,
the Space Needle, a restaurant and observation
10 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
395
Lowden
•
Patit Creek Cellars
Walla Walla
WALLA WALLA
•
(See Detail)
84
Maryhill W
Cascade Cliffs
• Hood River V
• Flerchinger V
• Microwaves, Refrigerators
• Mini-suites with whirlpool tubs
• Indoor pool / Outdoor spa
• Free continental breakfast
• Wireless Internet
Pullman
Snak e Ri ver
395
Zillah
YAKIMA
VALLEY
Hood
River
WASHINGTON
e
a
C ol
•
Yakima
Fries Family W
COLUMBIA
GORGE
90
• Cave B W
90
82
395
u mbi
e
L a ke l a
Ch
Benson W
Big Pine W
Wapato Point Cellars
a River
Winthrop
deck perched 500 feet above the street with
endless views. Explore the waterfront, historic
districts, and museums and galleries, and shop
to your heart’s content in the retail district surrounding the colorful Pike Place Public Market.
Olympic National Park and National Forest
spread across the peninsula. The lush rain
forest is a great place to hike and camp from
May through September; Hurricane Ridge
has a small ski area open weekends from
mid-December until early spring.
Leave Seattle in your rearview mirror and
head north on I–5 to Bellingham with its historic
neighborhoods, waterfront, and parks. East of
Bellingham stands Mount Baker towering 10,775
feet, it is known for its world-record snowfalls.
Mount Baker Hwy 542 is a scenic route that rolls
past farms, gardens, and vineyards.
Inns and resorts across the peninsula offer
seasonal packages that highlight romantic
weekends, golf, and wine tours, and are worth
Hermiston
Pendleton
OREGON
La Grande Business Name
Abbreviations
V = Vineyards
W = Winery
investigating for a complete and easily
planned getaway. Take along a copy of
Northwest Travel’s Vacation Guide to Western
Washington (available at many visitor centers,
or call 800-348-8401, ext. 110) to plan your
Puget Sound getaway. Or contact the North
Olympic Peninsula Visitor & Convention
Bureau (800-942-4042 or
www.northwestsecretplaces.com)
or Kitsap Peninsula Visitor Bureau.
(800-416-5615 or www.visitkitsap.com).
COLUMBIA VALLEY / GORGE
Eastern Washington’s Columbia Valley is
the largest wine region in the state, producing
more than 95 percent of Washington’s wine
grapes. The region is huge—extending from
northern Washington and a hilly area known
as the Okanogan Lobe all the way south into
Oregon. On the west, it is bordered by the
Cascade Mountains and extends east to the
WASHINGTON
Just a few hours from Seattle or
Spokane, yet worlds away from
stress and worry: Lake Chelan.
With 300+ annual days of sunshine,
enjoy teeing off at world-class golf
courses in the valley. After, relax
and enjoy our shopping, dining,
scenic boat tours, apple orchards
and numerous local wineries.
Fill your senses—and your score
card, at Lake Chelan.
F I L L
Y O U R
S E N S E S.
Visit ComeToTheLake.com
for packages and specials or
call for a Free Travel Planner:
1-800-875-5399.
14
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
COLUMBIA GORGE
White Salmon
• Syncline Wine Cellars
Bingen
WASHINGTON
Hood River
Hood •
River V
Lyle
•
84
Cathedral
Ridge W
Hoo
dR
ive
r
Pheasant
Valley VW •
97
er
t Riv
ita
ck
Kli
White Sa
lmo
n
Wind River Cellars • 141
S
Mosier
35
Cascade
Cliffs WV •
Marshal's
WV •
Maryhill
WV
Waving
Tree W
•
•
84
14
OREGON
• Mt. Hood W
The Dalles
North Central Washington’s recently
formed Columbia Cascade Winery Association
now involves 20 wineries (www.columbiacascadewines.com).Another organization, 40
members strong promoting wineries as well as
Washington’s fruit-growing industry in the
North Central area, is the Cascade Foothills
Farmland Association (509-548-6784 or
www.visitwashingtonfarms.com). New vineyards
keep sprouting and grapes are abundant in this
area with several of the large vineyards growing
for Yakima Valley, Spokane, and Tri-Cities
wineries, as well as for the Puget Sound AVA.
A large portion of Columbia Valley is irri-
197
River
tes
De s chu
Palouse plateau. Geologists claim the region is
the remains of an ancient volcano.Within the
Columbia Valley are four of Washington’s six
AVAs. The largest is the Columbia Valley AVA
and within its boundaries are the three others:
the Yakima Valley AVA, the Walla Walla Valley
AVA, and the Red Mountain AVA.
Farther west is the newest, Columbia Gorge
AVA, officially designated in July 2004 with its
boundaries including parts of Washington and
Oregon close to the Columbia River. The
Columbia River Gorge enjoys summers
tempered by Oregon’s Willamette Valley.Winds
and more rain along the Gorge introduce variables that affect the grapes’ ripening process and
result in distinctive wines. Hwy 14 is a scenic
route that follows the north side of the Columbia
River, and it leads to several wineries that boast
high-quality wines to be enjoyed in the spectacular setting of the Gorge. Each AVA defines a
unique climate, soil, and physical features distinguishing it from the surrounding areas.
About 200 wineries make their home
within these five appellations. The location, at
approximately the same latitude as France’s
famous Bordeaux and Burgundy regions, partially accounts for Columbia Valley being so
well-suited for producing premium wines.
A
Rive
r
W
Business Name
Abbreviations
V = Vineyards
W = Winery
gated desert with the southern reach tempered
by the Columbia River. The Tri-Cities area—
Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco—forms
almost a triangle that serves as a base from
which to visit some of the state’s finest vineyards and wineries, as well as the state’s largest
producer in rural Paterson.
THE GRAPES
The most widely grown varietal in the
Columbia Valley is Merlot, a grape considered
by some as the source of the tastiest, bestbalanced wine in America. The “king of red
wine grapes,” Cabernet Sauvignon, plus the
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 11
WASHINGTON
Running Springs Wine’s Tasting Room
•
Mattawa
82
Hightower Cellars
Oakwood Cellars W
Terra Blanca
•
C olu m
Naches
Fox Estate W
b ia
Benton City
Yakima Rive
Ri
ve
r
Yakima
•
••
YAKIMA
VALLEY
Silver Lake at Roza Hills
• Maison de Padgett W
•
•
Wapato
Bonair W
•
••
RED
MOUNTAIN
AVA
Paradisos del Sol
• Portteus V
Zillah
•
••
Horizon’s Edge W
• Eaton Hill W
Tefft Cellars
Claar Cellars
Sheridan V
•
Granger
•
•
• Willow Crest W
• Tucker Cellars
Manchego Real •
97
82
Prosser •
•
••
•
Yakima River W •
• • •
Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Destiny Ridge W
Hinzerling W
Snoqualmie V
McKinley Springs V •
Preston
Premium Wines •
J Bookwalter W
Richland & Barnard Griffin
Gordon
Brothers V
•
Pasco
••
Kestrel Vinters
Tagaris W
Thurston Wolfe W
C.R. Sandidge Wines
• • Kennewick
12
Hogue Cellars
•
Chinook Wines
To Walla Walla
Powers W
Badger Mountain W
Moonlight Sparkling Wine Cellar
Grandview
395
240
Sunnyside
• VineHeart
•
Benton
• Cowan V • Pontin Del Roza W
Goose Ridge V
City
Apex Cellars
Chandler Reach V •
Business Name
Abbreviations
V = Vineyards
W = Winery
To
Spokane
Two Mountain W
•
82
Exit 96 to 224
Wineglass Cellars
Hyatt V
Sagelands V
Windy Point V
Masset W
Piety Flats W
Kiona V W
Sandhill W
Buckmaster Cellars
Seth Ryan W
Blackwood Canyon
er
Yakima Riv
r
•••
• •
•
• ••
•
Kana W
•
••
Selah Heights W
•
Desert Hills
Yakima Cellars
Tapteil V W
Hedges Cellars
82
To Goldendale
white Chardonnay follow in production
volume. Riesling, one of the original varieties
planted in the state, and Syrah, one of the state’s
newest varieties, are also widely planted.
WHEN TO VISIT
The Columbia Valley boasts 300 days of
sunshine a year, allowing all kinds of vacation
possibilities.Winery organizations sponsor
major events throughout the year—the Sweet
Retreat in the spring, and Columbia River Wine
Expo, and Catch the Crush at harvest time.
These events are celebrated at more than a
dozen wineries around the Tri-Cities area and
are ideal times to visit and sample unique
vintage selections.
TOURS/ROUTES
The Tri-Cities area dominates the southern
Columbia Valley for fine dining and accommodations. Tri-Cities wineries, ranging in size
from small, family-owned cellars to the
Northwest’s largest wine production facility, are
easily accessible in this immediate area.
Major expansions are underway at some
wineries in the area. One small winery is adding
a huge tasting room along with a wood-fire pizza
and grill facility.Another has been storing wines
in underground caves as the Europeans do and is
in the process of creating a wine-tasting facility
12 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
with this European cave atmosphere as well as
building an outdoor amphitheater.
Several dozen wineries are within a 50mile radius. Most can be reached by driving
I–182 and I–82.Visitors can take self-guided
or guided wine tours throughout the valley.
Contact the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention
Bureau (800-254-5824; www.visittri-cities.com)
in Kennewick for detailed maps to wineries or
contact local driving and tour services.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Eastern Washington is known as one of the
most agriculturally bountiful regions in the
United States. Farms and orchards cover the
rolling hills from the top of the valley to the
shores of the Columbia River. U-pick farms
make seasonal visits a real treat.
Lewis and Clark and the Corps of
Discovery left their mark on this land in the
early 1800s. This year, October 14 through 17,
the Tri-Cities hosts Lewis and Clark Heritage
Days at Columbia Park in Kennewick and
Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Center in
Pasco.“Corp of Discovery II,” a traveling exhibit
hosted by the National Park Service, will be a
part of the event. In Richland, the “Columbia
River Exhibition of History, Science, and
Technology” displays the story of the
Manhattan Project alongside two- and threedimensional exhibits. They illustrate the
history of the region and allow visitors to travel
from the prehistoric age to the nuclear age.
Water sports abound on the Snake River as it
winds through the Tri-Cities to its confluence
with the Columbia River at the edge of town.
YAKIMA VALLEY
& RED MOUNTAIN
Yakima Valley, within the boundaries of the
Columbia Valley, was the first designated AVA in
Washington. The region has a climate generally
more temperate than its neighbors to the north
and south, and its rich soils are the result of an
ancient series of floods. Commercial irrigation
transformed the valleys into rich farmlands,
and the grape growers followed.
Yakima Valley is considered the “fruit
basket” of the state, home to orchards abundant
with apples, cherries, peaches, pears, nectarines,
and plums in addition to the expanses of vineyards. The region also produces about 75
percent of the hops used by U.S. breweries.
Rattlesnake Hills and Ahtanum Ridge
outline the northern boundary of the valley
while Horse Heaven Hills serve as the southern
boundary, and the greatest concentration of vineyards and wineries in the state are nestled here.
WASHINGTON
Within the Yakima Valley borders lies the Red
Mountain appellation, the smallest of the state’s
wine regions and home to a dozen wineries.
Though not exactly a mountain, the Red
Mountain AVA ranges in elevations from 500 to
1500 feet over 4040 acres, much of it once
covered with grasses known to turn red with the
seasons. Red Mountain is a tiny region located in
the easternmost tip of the Yakima Valley. The area
is positioned for ideal growing conditions: it has
longer days, warmer temperatures, and unique
soil. Many of the state’s first award-winning
Cabernet Sauvignons were produced with the
grapes from Red Mountain’s slopes, and the
region continues to produce distinctive fruit
used by wineries throughout Washington.
A new wine association, the Rattlesnake
Hills Wine Trail, was formed in 2004 by 15
wineries in the Zillah area.Visitors can rest
assured that the only rattlesnake they will find
is the shape of the hills. One of the organizers,
winemaker Gail Puryear of Bonair Winery, says
the area enjoys a high visitor load because of its
central location two and one-half hours from
Seattle and three hours from Portland.Visit the
Web site to obtain directions for a self-guided
tour of this area.A printable map and winery
hours are also available at this site.
(800-829-6027 or www.rattlesnakehills.com)
THE GRAPES
Yakima Valley is credited with growing the
most award-winning varieties of grapes in
Washington, and wineries here compete successfully against other regions of the state as well as
California.At one time the Yakima Valley was
known in particular for its white grape vineyards
that produced Riesling, Gëwurztraminer, and
Chenin blanc in addition to its popular
Chardonnays. Like the Columbia Valley,Yakima
now specializes in distinctive varietals of a
crisper Chardonnay, as well as Merlot and
Cabernet Sauvignon. Riesling and Syrah are
also widely planted.
Throughout the small area of the Red
Mountain AVA, Chardonnay, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah varietals flourish.
WHEN TO VISIT
The Yakima Valley celebrates its wine
industry from April through October when the
valley is rife with festivals promoting the region’s
bounty. The annual Spring Barrel Tastings are
held in prime fruit blossom time and one of
the biggest weekends in the Yakima Valley.
August in Prosser means plenty of sunshine
and the annual Wine and Food Fair. The last
full weekend in September brings the Great
Prosser Balloon Rally, September 23 through
• 24 Hour Pool & Spa
• FREE Continental
Breakfast Buffet
• FREE 24 Hour
Airport Shuttle
• In-Room Coffee &
Mini-Refrigerators
• Hot Tub Suites
• Explore Nearby Wineries!
(509) 943-4400
1-800-HAMPTON
486 Bradley Blvd. • Richland, WA 99352
“Take a Grand Tour at www.northwestinns.com”
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 13
Photo by Jamie and Judy Wild
WASHINGTON
A record harvest of 100,500 tons of grapes was set in Washington in 2004.
25, this year. Backcountry roads are a traveler’s
delight in the fall as the light shifts and the land
changes colors.
TOURS/ROUTES
Yakima Valley and Red Mountain wine
growers mark the season with a trio of events
during which visitors can share in all the
traditions of wine tasting. In February over
Presidents’ Day, wineries open their cellars for
Red Wine and Chocolate. In April wine flows
with the annual Spring Barrel Tasting.
Thanksgiving in the Wine Country in
November marks the end of the season. The
area’s wineries are easily accessible from I–82
14 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
(exits 40 to 96), which slices through the valley
from east to west following the Yakima River.
Red Mountain AVA wineries are clustered just
north of I–82, east of Prosser.
Some of the most popular events and tours
are hosted by Wine Yakima Valley, an association
of growers and wineries (800-258-7270 or
www.wineyakimavalley.org) and some wine
tours include local shops and art galleries.
Visitor information can be obtained by
contacting the Yakima Valley Visitors &
Convention Bureau (800-221-0751
or www.visityakima.com), which offers
seasonal Wine Country Getaway packages.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Wine touring along I–82 means access to an
abundance of farms and produce. Shop for the
freshest and sweetest fruits at the stands and
shops, or enjoy a meal at restaurants
that take advantage of the local bounty. In
Sunnyside visit the Darigold Dairy Fair
(509-837-4321) for free self-guided cheese tours
and stop by the tasting room for free samples of
cheese and ice cream. One-of-a-kind shops and
art galleries throughout the area round out a day
trip across the valley. Toppenish is known for its
western flair and historical murals decorating the
downtown. It is also home to the Yakama Nation
Cultural Center, a community center, museum,
library, and restaurant that serves authentic
American Indian foods.
WALLA WALLA VALLEY
Walla Walla Valley blossomed about the
same time as its well-known neighbor,Yakima
Valley. The Walla Walla AVA lies within the
Columbia Valley appellation, in Washington
and in the northeast tip of Oregon. More than
50 wineries call the appellation home, and this
year, the appellation welcomes a new winery,
Zerba Cellars in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.
Geologists say such cataclysmic events as
floods, volcanoes, and glaciers shaped the basin
and plateaus of the region, leaving a landscape
prime for farms and vineyards amid a climate
WASHINGTON
Canoe Ridge W
L'Ecole No 41 &
Whitman Cellars
Woodward Canyon W
12
Touchet
Latitude 46 N
& Harlequin
Wine Cellars
Business Name
Abbreviations
V = Vineyards
W = Winery
•
•
Lowden
Walla
Walla
• ••
•
•
•
Nicholas Cole Cellars
• •
•
•
Three Rivers W
Lowden Hills W
• Zerba Cellars
Basel Cellars Milton-Freewater
Estate W
125
more temperate than the greater Columbia
Valley’s. French and Italian immigrants started
cultivating vineyards in the late 1850s, and at
one time, as many as 80 varieties of grapes
were grown. Prohibition ended the region’s
wine industry, much the same way it affected
the rest of the state, and vineyards saw little
commercial success until the 1970s. The first
winery wasn’t established until 1977. Now
growers and winemakers have a revitalized 30year history of tending and experimenting and
are confident in the world-class potential of
their products.
THE GRAPES
White wines from Walla Walla Valley are
known to be excellent. But the region is best
known for its excellent, full-bodied reds. Today
the most widely planted varietals in the valley
are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
Cabernet franc and Sangiovese also grow here.
White wine varietals include Chardonnay,
Semillon, Gewurztraminer, and Viognier.
WHEN TO VISIT
Walla Walla boasts plenty of sunshine
along with a reputation for its rich farmlands.
A visit in the springtime means mild weather
while the region celebrates its Spring Release
Weekend in May and Vintage Walla Walla in
June. The region is known for its Balloon
Stampede, also in May. Holiday Barrel Tasting
is celebrated in December.
TOURS/ROUTES
Some of the wineries in Walla Walla Valley
are open daily to the public and others require
appointments. Some can accommodate groups
and tour buses, but reservations should always
be made in advance. Several of the boutique
wineries are located in historic buildings that
provide charming environments for tasting and
ideal environments for aging and storing wines.
Hwy 12 out of the Tri-Cities and out of
Hermiston, Oregon, runs through the town of
Bergevin Lane V
El Mirador W
Forgeron Cellars
Patrick M. Paul V
Spring Valley V
Beresan
Colvin V
Dusted Valley Vintners
Glen Fiona
Isenhower Cellars
Abeja
K Vintners
Walla Walla Vintners
Fort Walla Walla Cellars
James Leigh Cellars
Morrison Lane W
Seven Hills W
Walla Walla Village W
Waterbrook W
Northstar W
Pepper Bridge W
Rulo W
Saviah Cellars
Yellow Hawk Cellar
Walla Walla and leads to many wineries.
The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
(509-526-3117or www.wallawallawine.com)
provides information about local wineries.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Walla Walla was once a booming trading
center and has a rich history that dates to the
1800s, when explorers Lewis and Clark paid a
visit to the area and gold was discovered in
northern Idaho. Its historical architecture is
highlighted in downtown art galleries, antique
shops, and fine and eclectic restaurants. Bird
watching and bike touring are also popular
around the area. The town is about a half-day’s
drive from Seattle or Portland. Contact the
Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce or
Tourism Walla Walla. (877-WWVISIT or
www.wwchamber.com)
MORE WASHINGTON
WINE COUNTRY
SPOKANE
A few vineyards grow at the higher elevations around Spokane, but most of the wineries
that have sprouted up in this region since the
1980s use grapes purchased from the Columbia
Valley. Most of the wineries are near I–90 and
within the city limits.An experimental
vineyard east of Spokane grows premium
grapes for sparkling wines. The estate, a
national historic landmark, is a Mediterraneanstyle villa perched on a promontory over the
Spokane Valley.Another winery grows organic
foods alongside its grapes and has a bed-andbreakfast inn on its lakeside grounds.
Because of its location, the area has yielded
some distinctive wines, including one of the
first 50–50 blends of Cabernet and Merlot.
Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and
Syrah are also prominent.
Visitors to Spokane appreciate the gardens
and parks, especially Riverfront Park, the site of
a world’s fair, Expo ’74. Outdoor enthusiasts
A
ward
Winning
Merlot
www.CanoeRidgeVineyard.com
1102 WEST CHERRY ST.
WALLA WALLA, WA 99362
Ph: (509) 527–0885
Please Enjoy Our Quality Responsibly.
might head for scenic Centennial Trail, which
follows the Spokane River into Coeur d’Alene,
Idaho, and the Lake Roosevelt National
Recreation Area. The area is most popular with
travelers during the summer months.
More information about Spokane is available from the Spokane Regional Convention
& Visitors Bureau. (888-776-5263 or
www.visitspokane.com)
OTHER KEY VITICULTURE AREAS
A number of areas in Washington produce
wines of exceptional quality but are not located
within designated appellations. In Eastern
Washington, hillsides near the Columbia River
have excellent southern exposure and soils conducive to growing fruit and grapes. Cold Creek,
in the Columbia Valley, is a viticultural area that
has a long growing season and is noted for its
Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.Vineyards
located in the area surrounding the Tri-Cities
near the Snake River and in the Columbia Basin
have achieved recognition for their Merlot,
Sauvignon blanc, and Semillon.Alder Ridge,
Canoe Ridge, and Zephyr Ridge, part of the
Horse Heaven Hills in Yakima Valley, are warm
regions with little rainfall and produce a number
of distinctive wines. Other good growing areas
have been found on a plateau, the Wahluke
Slope, on the north side of the Columbia River,
and on the cliffs overlooking Wallula Gap, also
along the Columbia.Wahluke Slope is noted for
its Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and the
Wallula area is known for its Bordeaux varieties.
Photo by Nathaniel Dain
Amavi Cellars
©2005 Canoe Ridge Vineyard, Walla Walla WA
Stephenson Cellars
Buty W
Five Star Cellar SYZYGY
Cougar Crest W Reininger W
Tamarack Cellars
Dunham Cellars Russell Creek Trey Marie W
WALLA WALLA VALLEY
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 15
WASHINGTON
NATAPOC LODGING - MORE THAN A ROOM
On The Banks of the Wenatchee River
6 Cabins - Kitchens - Hot Tubs - Fireplaces
TRI-CITIES HOSTS
HARVEST FESTIVAL
T
HONEYMOONS-RETREATS-FAMILIES-CATERING
Leavenworth, WA
In the Plain Valley
www.natapoc.com
Photo by Donald Gruener / iStockphoto
888-NATAPOC
888-628-2762
[email protected]
HE WASHINGTON WINE COMMISSION
celebrates the crush and the harvest
this year in the Tri-Cities with “Taste
Washington Harvest,” on September 9,
at the new Three Rivers Convention Center,
7016 Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick,
from 7 until 10 P.M.
This public food and wine tasting event
is expected to draw more than 1000 people,
who must be 21 and older, according to event
director Lisa Toomey.
Visitors are invited to join Chef Greg
Bagnuk from Anthony’s at Columbia Point in
Richland, Chef Charles Ramseyer from Ray’s
Boathouse on Puget Sound, Chef John Sarich
from Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville,
and Chef Tom Black to sample regional
cuisine as well as taste wines from 120
wineries throughout Washington State.
Cheese aficionados can sample Yoke’s Fresh
Markets Gourmet Cheese and Antipasto Bar.
The more adventurous can try their luck at
the Wheel of Wine or Royal Raffle.
Admission is $50 per person and
tickets can be purchased at Yoke’s Fresh
Markets in both Pasco and Kennewick,
or on the commission’s Web site
(www.tastewashington.org). For those
wanting to spend the night, the Hilton
Garden Inn (509-735-4600) adjacent to the
convention center is offering a special rate
for the weekend.
“Taste Washington Harvest” is being
held in conjunction with the Washington
State Wine Expo Harvest Tour, a five-day
wine buyers’ tour beginning in Seattle
on September 6, and progressing to the
Tri-Cities in the heart of Washington’s
wine-grape growing region. More than 40
buyers from major markets in the United
States will visit the vineyards, meet the
winemakers, and taste the wines. For more
information about the expo,
(www.washingtonstatewineexpo.org). ■
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 17
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON CALENDAR OF EVENTS
C
all in advance for dates and locations of these events.Individual wineries are likely to host additional events.
Contact local chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus for more information.
FEBRUARY
Tri-Cities - Art & Wine
Charity Fundraiser
February 4, 2006
509-586-3820
North Olympic Peninsula & Islands
Wineries - Red Wine & Chocolate
February 18 – 20, 2006
800-785-5495
Yakima Valley- Red Wine and Chocolate
February 18 – 20, 2006
800-258-7270
MARCH
Tri-Cities - Sweet Retreat Wine Festival
March 11 & 12, 2006
800-360-6611
Richland - Annual Bacchus
Blues Wine & Food Festival
March 17, 2006
509-946-1651
APRIL
Passport to Woodinville
April 1 & 2, 2006
425-424-2902
Seattle - Taste Washington
April 7 & 9, 2006
206-667-9463
Yakima Valley - Spring Barrel Tasting
April 28 – 30, 2006
509-965-5201 or 800-258-7270
MAY
Walla Walla - Spring Release
Tasting Weekend
May 6 & 7, 2006
Balloon Stampede
May 13 & 14, 2006
509-526-3117
Spokane - Spring Barrel Days
May 13 & 14, 2006
800-528-2427
Tri-Cities - Wine Society
“Perfect Harmony” Mid-Columbia
Symphony Fundraiser
May 21, 2006
509-943-6602
18 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
Friday Harbor - San Juan Vineyards
Barrel Tasting
May 27, 2006
360-378-9463
North Olympic Peninsula & Islands
Wineries - Spring Barrel Tasting
May 2006
800-785-5495
Chelan Valley Wine Festival
509-548-6784
JUNE
Walla Walla - Vintage Walla Walla
June 3, 2006
509-526-3117
Leavenworth - Leavenworth Wine Walk
June 3 & 4, 2006
508-548-5807
Yakima - Sunshine & Wine
June 24, 2006
509-248-7160
Spokane - Taste Washington
888-776-5263
JULY
Wenatchee- Ohme Gardens Wine Festival
July 30, 2005
509-662-5785
AUGUST
Woodinville - Auction of
Washington Wines
August 11– 13, 2005
206-667-9463
Prosser - 24th Annual Prosser
Wine & Food Fair
August 13, 2005
800-408-1517
Leavenworth - Wine Tasting Festival
August 20 & 21, 2005
509-548-5807
Maryhill Museum - 2nd Annual Arts,
Wine & Food Festival, Columbia
Gorge/Goldendale
August 20 & 21, 2005
509-773-3733
Vancouver - Wine & Jazz Festival
August 26 – 28, 2005
360-906-0441
www.vancouverwinejazz.com
Statewide - Washington Wine Month
www.washingtonwine.org
SEPTEMBER
Tri-Cities - Taste Washington
September 9, 2005
509-546-0760
Klickitat County Wineries - Fall Harvest
in Klickitat County,Wind River Cellars
September 24 & 25, 2005
509-493-2324
Tri-Cities - Catch the Crush Wine Festival
September 24 & 25, 2005
866-360-6611
OCTOBER
Walla Walla - Entwine
Arts,Wine & Education Fundraiser
October 14, 2005
509-527-4275
NOVEMBER
Spokane - Cork & Keg Festival
November 11, 2005
509-467-7744
North Olympic Peninsula & Islands
Wineries - Autumn to Autumn Wine Tour
November 11 – 13, 2005
800-785-5495
Spokane - Holiday Wine Festival
November 19 & 20, 2005
800-528-2427
Klickitat Wine Alliance
Holiday Open House
November 25 – 27, 2005
509-493-2324
Yakima Valley - Thanksgiving
in Wine Country
November 25 – 27, 2005
800-258-7270
DECEMBER
Walla Walla - Holiday Barrel Tasting
December 2 – 4, 2005
509-526-3117
Woodinville - Saint Nicholas Day
Open House
December 3 & 4, 2005
425-424-2902
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON WINERIES
COLUMBIA VALLEY see map pg. 11
GOLDENDALE
MARYHILL WINERY
877-627-9445 • www.maryhillwinery.com
9774 Hwy 14, Goldendale,WA 98620
Maryhill wines have earned an impressive
120 medals from California to New York,
over their short two-year history. A unique
microclimate, and 25 years of winemaking
experience come together to create the ideal
elements for winemaking. These winning
ingredients have helped Maryhill set
standards with the growing Washington
wine industry. Perched on the cliffs of the
Columbia River Gorge, the wine-tasting room
and an expansive deck offer unprecedented
views of the mountains and Columbia River
Gorge. Hours 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.; Seven days
a week. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
LEAVENWORTH
EAGLE CREEK WINERY
509-548-7668 • www.eaglecreekwinery.com
email: [email protected]
10037 Eagle Creek Rd., Leavenworth,WA
98826. In our beautiful Old World tasting
room you feel you are being transported back
to Tuscany while tasting our premium Estate
Wines. For an in-depth experience, stay in our
cottage at the winery which sleeps up to 8
people in the comfort and elegance of European
style and surroundings. Open 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
OROVILLE
GOLD DIGGER CELLARS WINE SHOPPE
509-548-9883 • www.golddiggercellars.com
285 Hwy 2, Leavenworth,WA 98826
The Leavenworth Tasting Room offers FREE
wine tasting daily and gifts galore! The
winery and vineyards are located in Oroville,
where they produce Washington’s only
Okanogan Valley wines. Going North on Hwy
97? Stop by the Tasting Room on Main Street
in Oroville for wine, gifts and fresh local fruit.
PUGET SOUND see map pg. 9
HOODSPORT
HOODSPORT WINERY, INC.
800-580-9894 • www.hoodsport.com
23501 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport,WA 98548
email: [email protected]
One of Washington state’s oldest premium
wineries located on the Olympic Peninsula.
VISITOR INFORMATION
WASHINGTON WINE COMMISSION
93 Pike, Suite 315
Seattle,WA 98101
206-667-9463
www.washingtonwine.org
www.winesnw.com
NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA VISITOR
& CONVENTION BUREAU
338 W 1st St., Suite 104
Port Angeles,WA 98362
360-452-8552
www.northwestsecretplaces.com
CASCADE FOOTHILLS FARMLAND ASSOCIATION
PO Box 462
Peshastin,WA 98847
509-548-6784
www.visitwashingtonfarms.com
COLUMBIA CASCADE WINERY ASSOCIATION
301 Angier Ave. #B
Cashmere,WA 98815
509-782-0708
www.columbiacascadewines.com
COLUMBIA GORGE
WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION
415 W Steuben #2
Bingen,WA 98605
866-413-WINE
www.columbiagorgewine.com
PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
415 N Grand Ave.
Pullman,WA 99163
800-365-6948
www.pullmanchamber.com
SPOKANE WINERY ASSOCIATION
800-528-2427
www.spokanewineries.net
TOPPENISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
5A S Toppenish Ave.
Toppenish,WA 98948
800-569-3982
www.toppenish.net
COLUMBIA VALLEY WINERY ASSOCIATION
866-360-6611
www.columbiavalleywine.com
TRI-CITIES VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
6951 W Grandridge Blvd.
Kennewick,WA 99336
800-254-5824
www.visitTri-Cities.com
KITSAP PENINSULA VISITOR BUREAU
Port Gamble,WA 98364
800-416-5615 • www.visitkitsap.com
WALLA WALLA VALLEY WINE ALLIANCE
509-526-3117
www.wallawallawine.com
LAKE CHELAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
& VISITORS CENTER
102 E Johnson
Chelan,WA 98816
800-875-5399
www.ComeToTheLake.com
WENATCHEE VALLEY CONVENTION
& VISITORS BUREAU
25 N Wenatchee Ave., Ste. C-111
Wenatchee,WA 98801
800-572-7753
www.wenatcheevalley.org
LEAVENWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
940 Hwy 2, Ste. B
Leavenworth,WA 98826
509-548-5807 • www.leavenworth.org
YAKIMA VALLEY WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION
800-258-7270
www.wineyakimavalley.org
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 19
WASHINGTON
WALLA WALLA VALLEY
see map pg. 15
WALLA WALLA
BASEL CELLARS ESTATE WINERY
509-522-0200 • www.baselcellars.com
2901 Old Milton Hwy,Walla Walla,WA
99362. Basel Cellars Estate Winery and
winemaker Troy Rusch produce premium
award-winning wines with a focus on
Bordeaux-style reds. The 85-acre estate
offers the perfect venue for private events
and luxury overnight accommodations,
continually striving to provide the
“never-ending wine experience.”
CANOE RIDGE VINEYARD
509-527-0885
www.canoeridgevineyard.com
1102 West Cherry St. Located in the heart
of Washington state’s preeminent wine
region, Canoe Ridge Vineyard is a small
winery that specializes in estate-grown
Merlot.We grow our grapes at our unique
estate vineyard and use traditional French
cellaring to produce an elegant, classic Merlot
with the suppleness of Pinot noir.
YAKIMA VALLEY see map pg. 12
BENTON CITY
KIONA VINEYARDS AND WINERY
509-588-6716 • www.kionawine.com
44612 N Sunset Rd.,
Benton City,WA 99320 Kiona Vineyards
pioneered the widely acclaimed Red
Mountain growing region in the upper
Yakima Valley. The Williams family cordially
invites you to visit our tasting room overlooking the 65 acres of vineyards. We feature
a full range of handcrafted, premium varietal
wines. Tasting Room Hours: Noon to 5 P.M.
seven days a week.
PROSSER
COWAN VINEYARDS
509-788-0200
email: [email protected]
2880 Lee Rd., Ste. E, Prosser,WA 99350.
New Estate Winery opened April, 2005.
Family owned and operated Merlot Cabernet
Franc, Cabernet Sauvingnon and Red Head
Rosé. Tasting room open Friday through
Sunday 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. or by appointment.
RICHLAND
TAGARIS WINERY
877-862-7999/509-628-0020
www.tagariswines.com
844 Tulip Lane Richland,WA 99352.
A three-generation estate winery with over
200 acres of 16 varieties of wine grapes producing both white and red award-winning
wines with big bold fruit flavors. The Taverna
features a, bistro, wine bar and rooms for
private events. Serving gourmet pizzas and
Pacific Northwest fare beginning at 4 P.M.
Patio dining features a 33-foot. fountain, live
music and delicious grilled fare. Open daily
from 11 A.M.
HOW TO READ A WINE LABEL
Producer of the wine.
WINERY
Oregon
1998
Pinot Noir
unfiltered
alc 13.0% by volume
*
Region–At least 85 percent of the grapes must come
from the region listed.
Vintage/harvest year–At least 95 percent of the wine
must come from the year listed.
Grape variety–At least 75 percent of the grapes used
should be from this variety.
Other terms you might see:
Unfiltered means some particles are settling naturally,
and no effort has been made to extract them. This does
not affect quality.
ALC refers to percent of alcohol content by volume, which
ranges between 7 and 14 percent.
*Please note that region, vintage,
and grape variety requirements are
based on federal law and may
differ from state to state.
Premier Cru means “first growth”—so the grapes are
older and the vintage is higher in quality.
Reserve often means you’re getting closer to the vintner’s
favorite vintages but doesn’t have to mean there is
anything special about the vintage.
20 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
ZILLAH
TWO MOUNTAIN WINERY
509-829-3900
www.TwoMountainWinery.com
2151 Cheyne Rd., Zillah,WA 98953
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Yakima Valley,
Two Mountain’s name was inspired by the
breathtaking view of Mount Adams and Mt.
Rainier. Two Mountain Winery believes that
the wines can only come from the best grapes.
We are very proud of our vineyard and are
continually striving to produce the highest
quality grapes. Zillah on the Rattlesnake
Hills Wine Trail. Exit 52, off of I-82. North
on Cheyne Road. Fresh, seasonal fruit.Any
size combination of car/motor home. Tasting
Room Hours: 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Friday through
Monday or any day by appointment.
WHERE TO STAY
EAST WENATCHEE
CEDARS INN
509-886-8000/800-358-2074
www.cedarshotels.com
LEAVENWORTH
BAVARIAN LODGE
509-548-7878/888-717-7878
www.bavarianlodge.com
BEST WESTERN ICICLE INN
509-548-7000/800-558-2438
www.icicleinn.com
ENZIAN INN
509-548-5269/800-223-8511
www.enzianinn.com
LINDERHOF MOTOR INN
509-548-5283/800-828-5680
www.linderhof.com
NATAPOC LODGING
509-763-3313/888-NATAPOC
www.natapoc.com
RICHLAND
HAMPTON INN RICHLAND
509-943-4400/800-HAMPTON
www.northwestinns.com
WALLA WALLA
MARCUS WHITMAN HOTEL
866-826-9422
www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com
YAKIMA
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
509-249-1000/800-HOLIDAY
www.hiexpress.com
TRAILER INNS RV PARK
509-425-9561/800-659-4784
www.trailerinnsrv.com
Photo by Norman Eder / iStockphoto
OREGON
More than 40 wine varietals are produced in Oregon—Pinot noir, the most famous, among them.
OREGON
I
N THE 1950S, when the California wine
market began to completely overshadow
all other American wine markets, many smaller
vineyards were forced out of business. This was
the case in Oregon where many winemakers
made and sold small amounts of their product.
It was a big blow to the state’s wine industry,
which had already suffered from Prohibition and
the Depression. In general, it was hard for the
wine industry to recoup from the two major
events, and after the 1950s, it appeared that
Oregon particularly would never be able to
rebound. In fact, many winemaking experts
doubted that Oregon could ever be a significant
grape-growing and wine-producing region.
The experts were wrong.
Many would-be wine producers moved
from California to Oregon in the 1960s and
started experimenting with growing grapes.
Among them, three men are considered
pioneers of the modern wine industry in the
state: Richard Sommer of Hillcrest Vineyard in
Roseburg, Dick Erath of Erath Vineyards in
Dundee, and David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards, also
in Dundee. They helped to establish which
grapes could grow best in each climate and soil
type around the state and encouraged others to
put down roots in Oregon, too.
Their perseverance has paid off—Oregon
is now the fourth largest wine producer in the
United States. There are now more than 300
wineries producing wine in Oregon and nearly
14,000 acres planted in grapes.
Although many of the wineries and vineyards operate with small-scale distribution,
their wines are high quality and awardwinning. It is also interesting to note that
Oregon has some of the strictest wine labeling
laws in the country: 100 percent of the grapes
used to make Oregon wines must come from
the appellation indicated. The quality of the
wines is starting to attract wine lovers from all
over the world who are pleasantly surprised by
Oregon’s hospitality and remarkable scenery.
The majority of wineries and vineyards in
Oregon are located in the Willamette Valley.
Within the Willamette Valley AVA, three new
sub-regions received official AVA status late in
2004 and early in 2005. The McMinnville,
Dundee Hills, and Yamhill-Carlton areas sought
AVA designation to better distinguish the
micro-climates of their growing areas.
Late in 2004, the Southern Oregon AVA
was also officially designated as the viticultural
area encompassing the Umpqua, Rogue, and
Applegate valleys. Rogue and Applegate were
approved in 1991 and Umpqua in 1994.
Oregon also has a brand new place to
call “wine country.” During the past year, the
Columbia Gorge obtained official AVA designation. The appellation is located about 60 miles
east of Portland and includes land in Washington
as well. The official growing area comprises
Hood River and Wasco counties in Oregon and
Skamania and Klickitat counties in Washington.
Appellations are important for the wine
industry because they signify distinct winegrowing regions based on climate and soil
conditions. Oregon shares two other officially
recognized appellations with Washington. The
boundaries of the Columbia Valley and the
Walla Walla Valley AVAs extend into Oregon
where a substantial amount of the grapes are
grown for the wineries in these AVAs.
During the past year, Zerba Cellars winery
has opened in Oregon’s small town of MiltonFreewater, northeast of Pendleton and close to
the Washington border. It joins the Gilstrap
Brothers Winery to form Eastern Oregon’s wine
country. Located in tiny Cove just east of La
Grande, Gilstrap’s first commercial production
was in 2000.
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 21
OREGON
To Nehalem Bay
Wine Co.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
The Willamette Valley is often divided into
north and south. There are close to 200 wineries
in the north valley, which consists of every small
agricultural community from Portland to Salem,
including Multnomah,Washington,Yamhill,
Clackamas, Polk, and Marion counties. The
south valley includes the communities from
Monmouth to Cottage Grove, including Linn,
Benton, and Lane counties.
The Willamette River and I–5 run through
the heart of the valley. The climate is heavily
influenced by the cool marine air of the Pacific,
which is an hour’s drive away. The mild temperatures have proved to be as good for growing
grapes as they are for attracting visitors. People
from around the state and from around the
country enjoy retreating to the valley for mild
winters and warm summers.
• Salishan V
5
RMV Cellars •
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
To Shallon W
• Bethany V
26
• English Estate
Vancouver, WA
To Tillamook
6
47
Forest Grove
8
Clear Creek
Distillery •
•
•
Beaverton Portland
• Oak
Lion • Knoll W
Valley V
•
Edgefield W
• Cooper
• Beran V Mountain V
Freja • • Raptor
(Detail
Ridge W • Ponzi V
Below)
• Chehalem
Montinore •
Carlton WineMakers Studio:
Elk Cove •
Andrew Rich, Baedecker
Kramer V •
Cellars, Bryce, Domaine
Meriwether, Dominio IV,
Hamacher, Lazy River,
Yamhill
Ribbon Ridge, Scott Paul
•
Cuneo Cellars •
Morchella
Wine Cellars
•
Colum
bi a
r
Rive
84
Hip Chicks Do Wine
Bishop Creek Cellars/
Urban Wine Works
Tualatin
Estate V
Shafer V • •
David Hill V W •
26
Wasson
Brothers W •
205
Oregon City
Newberg
Dundee
Carlton
• Champoeg Wine Cellars
Panther Creek W
Anthony Dell W • Walnut City
213
99
McMinnville • • Wineworks
E
Brooks •
• Kristin Hill W
5
• St. Josef's
Yamhill Valley V •
Coelho W Amity V
•
Maysara Estate •
•
•
Hauer
Of
The
Dauen
Witness Tree V Amity
• Stangeland V
Cristom V
•
Marquam Hill V
Bethel Heights V
•
•
Bryn Mawr V
Chateau Bianca W •
• Redhawk V
Dominio
Van Duzer V • • Stone Wolf V
22
Heights W
Firesteed W • Rickreall •Orchard
•• Mystic Wines
• St. Innocent
Kathleen V
To Flying Dutchman W Dallas
•
• Salem
Depoe Bay Wine Co.
Eola
Hills
W
Honeywood
W
AnneAmie
Monmouth
•
Ankeny
22
Airlie W •
VW
• Willamette
Valley V
THE GRAPES
The Willamette Valley has helped introduce
Oregon wines to the rest of the world, most
specifically, the quintessential Oregon wine:
Pinot noir. In April 2002 Bon Appetit stated:
“With its difficult growing requirements, Pinot
noir can be a very moody grape. Traditionally,
that has made the resulting wines, especially
those from Burgundy, very pricey. But Oregon’s
Willamette Valley has produced four outstanding vintages (1998 through 2001) and has
emerged as the de facto—and affordable—
Pinot noir capital of the New World.”
Other varietals that grow well in the valley
include Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Riesling,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, and
even Müller-Thurgau. To a lesser extent, warmweather varietals, such as Marechal Foch,
Merlot, and Cabernet franc, have been known
to do well in the southern part of the valley.
99
W
• Springhill Cellars
To Newport
Albany
Corvallis
20
Pheasant Court W •
Tyee Wine •
Cellars
20
To Bend Benton Lane W •
5
LaVelle V •
Secret House •
Veneta
Territorial V
•
Willakenzie
Estate
W
Silvan
• Ridge/
Hinman V
wy
ette
r
ve
Ri
Lorane
• Bergstrom
Yamhill
Helvetia W
• Laurel Ridge W
Belle Pente V W • • Ribbon Ridge V
• Saginaw V
Cottage
Grove
UMPQUA
VALLEY
Business Name
Abbreviations
V = Vineyards
W = Winery
To Roseburg
22 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
• Lawton
Map Detail
•
am
i ll
al H
ori
Iris Hill W •
King Estate W •
Chateau Lorane •
47
Eugene
rit
Ter
126
WHEN TO VISIT
Harvest time statewide is around October
and many wineries have special holiday tasting
Carlton
•
Erath V •
Domaine •
Domaine
Drouhin
Serene V W •
•
Chateau
Benoit
•
99
W
• Lange W V
• Torii Mor
99
• Adelsheim V
W
•
•
August Cellars/
Rex Hill V
Clare Cellars
Newberg
Duck Pond Cellars
Dundee Springs &
Dundee Perry Bower V
•
•
•
•
Argyle W
Archery Summit W
Sokol Blosser W
Winter’s Hill V
OREGON
Best Western
Columbia River Inn
Exceptional river & mountain view.
Guest-rooms located
in historic Cascade Locks.
Continental breakfast, indoor pool,
spa and fitness room.
Close to all Gorge attractions.
www.bwcolumbiariverinn.com
(800) 595-7108
I–5 continues its journey from the
Willamette Valley through the Land of
Umpqua, which is entirely in Douglas County
and includes such towns as Sutherlin,
UMPQUA
VALLEY
9
Henry
Estate W
•
Hillcrest •
Palotai V & W •
Melrose V •
•
Champagne
Creek Cellars
99
5
MarshAnne
• Landing W
Sutherlin
r
rk Umpqu a Rive
N Fo
Roseburg
Abacela W •
Winston
Girardet •
Wine Cellars
S
42
Business Name
Abbreviations
To
Coos Bay V = Vineyards
Umpqua i
ve r
R
UMPQUA VALLEY
River’s •
Edge
Cottage
Grove
38
Fork
AREA ATTRACTIONS
The Willamette Valley is an easily accessible
destination all year, especially since I–5 runs
right through the middle. During spring and
summer visit the many gardens in bloom with
iris, tulips, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Minor
league baseball is played in Portland, Salem, and
Eugene throughout the summer. Hundreds of
lakes and parks are open all year for swimming,
fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking. During
the winter, snow bunnies find themselves at
home in the Cascade Mountains, where skiing
and snowboarding is about an hour’s drive away
from most valley towns.
Brandborg V W
Elkton •
ver
Ri
ua
pq
TOURS/ROUTES
Washington County Scenic Loop, a 75-mile
loop through Tigard, Beaverton, Forest Grove,
and Hillsboro area includes 14 wineries.
Contact Convention and Visitors Bureau of
Washington County. (800-537-3149 or
www.countrysideofportland.com)
Hwy 99 West through Yamhill County,
southwest of Portland, takes visitors to the
heart of the north Willamette Valley’s wine
region.Approximately 100 wineries dot the
rolling hills around Newberg, Dundee,
Lafayette, McMinnville, and Amity. Contact the
Willamette Valley Wineries Association.
(503-646-2985 or www.willamettewines.com)
The Territorial Hwy route is near Eugene
and covers the south Willamette Valley
wineries.Visitors can take I–5 south of Eugene
to exit 162 at Curtin and follow Territorial Hwy
north toward Hwy 126, passing three wineries,
with two more near Elmira. Contact the
Convention and Visitors Bureau of Lane County
Oregon. (800-547-5445 or
www.travelLaneCounty.com)
The Spirited Urban Walking Tour in
Portland begins at Urban Wineworks, a tasting
room at 407 NW 16th and Flanders and owned
by Bishop Creek Farms in Yamhill, then goes
to a distillery, and a brewery. The Portland
Streetcar also helps shuttle visitors from point
A to point B to point C. Contact Urban
Wineworks. (503-226-9797)
Um
events from November to January, but there
really isn’t a bad time to visit the valley, because
wine tasting can be enjoyed indoors even on
the rainiest afternoons.
W = Winery
Roseburg, and Winston. The terrain rolls with
dozens of small hillsides—creating the
“hundred valleys of the Umpqua”—the soils
of which add to its grape-growing capabilities.
There are 10 wineries in this region, and
although that number doesn’t seem very high
compared with the Willamette Valley, it in no
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 23
OREGON
Wine Terminology
ACIDITY occurs naturally in grapes and indicates
the quality of tartness, sourness, and sharpness of a
wine.Acids in proper proportion give wine balance
and character. Generally, the cooler the region, the
higher the level of acid in the grapes.
wines do not. This is essentially a stylistic preference accorded the
winemaker, who may choose for the wine to undergo a full or partial
secondary fermentation or none at all.
APPELLATION a recognized wine growing region
governed by regulations established by its federal or
local government. In the United States, appellations
are referred to as American Viticultural Areas
(AVAs). In British Columbia, they’re referred to as
Designated Viticultural Areas (DVAs).
ICEWINE is made from grapes frozen on the vine and then pressed
before they thaw. The juice from these grapes is very concentrated and
high in sugar and acid, with the resulting wines sweet, intense, and rich
in flavor with excellent aging potential.
BALANCE the interplay between sugar, acid, tannin,
and alcohol. In a well-balanced wine, none of these
elements dominate the wine.
BODY the sensation of weight on the palate, ranging from light to heavy.
BRIX the measurement of sugar content in unfermented grape juice,
which is used to indicate the estimated alcohol a wine will produce on
fermentation.
DRY/OFF-DRY indicates a style of wine: no sugar = dry, a little
residual sugar = off-dry.
FERMENTATION (primary) the process by which grape juice
becomes wine: a chain reaction of chemical processes whereby sugars
in the grape juice are converted by the enzymes in yeasts into alcohol
and carbon dioxide. This process is called primary fermentation; some
wines undergo a secondary fermentation process.
FERMENTATION (secondary) also called malolactic fermentation, a
secondary fermentation turns malic acid (think apples) into lactic acid
(think cream, vanilla, butter, and milk) adding another dimension to
the wine.While all red wines undergo malolactic fermentation, white
way diminishes the region’s standing in the
Oregon wine industry.
THE GRAPES
The Umpqua Valley is warmer and drier
than the Willamette Valley, but not as warm as
24 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
FRUIT the single most important quality, it is the winemakers goal to
capture the true essence of the variety used.
LATE HARVEST grapes picked late in the season for maximum sugar
content and typically for sweet or dessert wines.
OAK wines aged or fermented in oak barrels take on toasty qualities and
flavors of butter and vanilla for white wines, coffee and tobacco for reds.
RESIDUAL SUGAR natural grape sugar that is either unfermented at the
end of the fermentation process or added back into the wine as with
dosage for sparkling wine. Residual sugar (r.s.) ranges from 0.1 to 0.2
percent in dry wines to as high as 28 to 30 percent in late-harvest wines.
STEEL wines fermented or aged in steel tanks emphasize fresh fruit in
clear bright flavors.
TANNIN comes from the skins, seeds, and stems of the grapes; adding
longevity, structure, and complexity to the wine.
VARIETAL refers to the type of wine grape variety: Merlot,
Chardonnay, etc.
VINIFERA premium wine grapes as opposed to table grapes. Vitis
vinifera is the vine species that produces wine grapes. ■
—Courtesy of the Washington Wine Commission.
(www.washingtonwine.org)
the Rogue Valley, so cool-weather and warmweather varietals flourish in the area.All the
popular Pinots, Cabernets, and Rieslings are
grown in the Umpqua Valley, but such rare
varietals as Baco noir and Seyval blanc can also
be found there. Up and coming varietals in the
area include Tempranillo, Syrah, and Viognier.
wineries on roads just off this main artery.
Then head north toward Melrose and the
Garden Valley area to visit more, and finally
north along the Umpqua River to the final two
in Elkton. For a map and more information,
contact the Roseburg Visitors and Convention
Bureau. (800-444-9584)
WHEN TO VISIT
During the spring and fall, visitors who
drive from winery to winery in the Land of
Umpqua pass roadside produce stands, an
added treat to a day of wine tasting. Many of
the wineries are closed from late December
until mid-to-late January and a few are open by
appointment only, so call ahead. For links to all
things Umpqua, visit www.landofumpqua.com.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Historical districts, covered bridges, waterfalls, recreational lakes, and the Seven Feathers
Hotel and Casino Resort in Canyonville all
await visitors to the Umpqua Valley.And
Wildlife Safari in Winston doesn’t have to be
fun just for the kids; drive through the 600-acre
park and see the exotic animals as they roam
freely in their natural habitats. Roseburg also is
the starting point for the 172 miles of the
Rogue–Umpqua National Scenic Byway.
TOURS/ROUTES
The Umpqua Wine Tour Route starts about
5 miles south of Roseburg at exit 119 off I–5.
Head west toward Tenmile and pass three
OREGON
See All of Oregon
in Lane County
Savor the flavors of Lane County.
From wine to chocolate to
farmer’s markets and beyond.
Lane County’s culinary delights
spread from the Pacific Coast
to the Cascade Mountains.
For getaway packages and specials,
visit our Web site or call
(800) 547-5445.
Eugene OREGON
TravelLaneCounty.org
ROGUE VALLEY
Named for Oregon’s most famous wild
river, the Rogue Valley is bordered by the
Klamath Mountains to the west, the Cascade
Range to the east, and the Siskiyou Mountains
to the south, and includes the major towns
of Grants Pass, Medford, and Ashland. I–5
continues its journey from the Willamette and
Umpqua valleys south to the Rogue Valley and
is the main artery of the region.Within
Oregon’s oldest wine region, there are more
than 10 wineries and vineyards.
THE GRAPES
The Rogue Valley is warm and dry with
little influence from the cool marine air of the
Pacific. Some of the highest temperatures in
the western part of the state are recorded in the
cities of the Rogue Valley.Warm-weather varietals, the kind that one might expect to see in
the Bordeaux region of France, grow well here.
The most popular varieties grown in the Rogue
Valley include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay, and Pinot noir.
WHEN TO VISIT
October statewide is harvest time, and
there are several wine-related events from
March through July.
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 25
OREGON
Ro
g
u e River
Business Name
Abbreviations
V = Vineyards
W = Winery
Ro gu
e
River
5
ROGUE
VALLEY
Grants Pass
• Del Rio W
Ill
oi s
in
Wooldridge
John Michael
Creek W
Champagne
Cellar
Troon V
Ri v
199
er
gate
•
Riv
er
238
Medford
Jacksonville
•
•
•
Applegate Eden Vale W
•
•
Valley View
• Bear Creek W
• Ashland V
•
Weisinger's of Ashland
• Foris V
S i
s k
i y o u
VALLEY
5
ek
Ashland
The Academy
Bridgeview V •
• Paschal W
Rising Sun Farms
•
e
Cr
ar
Be
APPLEGATE
VALLEY
Cave
Junction
ILLINOIS
Apple
• Roxyann W
TOURS/ROUTES
The Oregon Wine and Farm Tour takes
visitors through wineries and farms throughout Southern Oregon. For information, contact
RoxyAnn Winery. (541-776-2315 or
www.OregonWineandFarmTour.com)
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Southern Oregon is known for many
M t n s
things: Mt.Ashland and Ashland’s Oregon
Shakespeare Festival as well as the First Friday
Gallery Walk held rain or shine year-round.
Don’t miss historic Jacksonville and the Peter
Britt Music Festival, jet boat trips on the wildand-scenic Rogue River, and the crown jewel
of the state—Crater Lake National Park. In
Medford, stroll through historic downtown.
Close by, you may visit an alpaca ranch, a “fiber
farm” where Angora goats are raised and the
Dogs For The Deaf Center in tiny Central Point.
In recent years, medical and health services
have become Medford’s leading industries. In
the picturesque Rogue Valley, visitors can enjoy
themselves any time of year.
APPLEGATE VALLEY
The Applegate Valley was long considered a
western sub-appellation of the Rogue Valley,
but in 2001, the valley was officially designated
as its own AVA.As I–5 heads south toward
California, it shifts to the east just south of
Grants Pass. Hwy 199 at Grants Pass heads
south too, but also west, pulling away from the
main interstate. Turn off Hwy 199 onto Hwy
238 and into the Applegate Valley. In this area
are several wineries with tasting rooms open
to the public. Head back to Hwy 199 and turn
southwesterly to Cave Junction and onto Hwy
46 to Holland Loop Road where you will find
three more wineries to visit.
THE GRAPES
The Applegate Valley is closer to the coast
range than the Rogue Valley so it is influenced
by the cool marine air, but it is still a very warm
region. Pinot noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
and Cabernet franc grow in the Applegate
Valley. The vineyards here often harvest at least
a week before the other vineyards statewide
because of the warm climate.
Wine Appreciation
HE ENJOYMENT OF WINE is a very
personal thing.You don’t have to be an
expert, you just need to trust your own
taste. Each time you taste a new wine your awareness of the character and subtle differences will be
expanded. Tasting wine is like a sport: the more
you practice the better you become. To enhance
your appreciation and enjoyment of wine, follow
the five simple steps below:
T
LOOK
The first step is to hold the glass by the stem and look through the wine
against a white background to enjoy the true color. The wine should be
clear, not hazy or cloudy.While contemplating the wine, notice whether
it’s thick or thin, whether the color is bright or mellow.White wines
range in color from a very faint almost clear to a golden yellow. Red
wines range in color from a dark, intense red to a very light pale red.
SWIRL
To get the full aroma of the wine, fill a large wine glass halfway and
swirl the wine around in the glass. This releases the aromas to the top
of the glass.
26 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
SMELL
Inhale and try to identify what you smell. Do you smell fruit or spices?
Does it remind you of mom’s apple pie or a cobblestone street after a
rainfall? You might find hints of familiar smells, including tobacco,
citrus, apple, chocolate, plums, pineapple, flowers, or raspberries.
TASTE
Roll the wine around in your mouth to reach all your taste buds. Then,
breathe air through your lips to bring up the aromas. If the wine makes
you pucker, it may be a little tart (high in acids) or tannic (think dry,
like banana skins and tea leaves); if it feels hot and burns a little, it may
have high alcohol content. If none of these elements overwhelms you, it
is very likely well-balanced. Notice how it feels in your mouth; this is
called the texture.
SPIT
It sounds funny and may make you a little uncomfortable, but if you are
tasting several wines, it is essential to spit. It provides you with the
opportunity to taste several wines in one sitting. If you are just trying a
few, go ahead and swallow.A wine that lingers in your mouth and throat
after you spit is a sign of good length and body. ■
—Courtesy of the Washington Wine Commission
(www.washingtonwine.org)
OREGON
OTHER AREA ATTRACTIONS
The most well-known attraction in this
neck of the woods is the Oregon Caves National
Monument on Hwy 46 east of Cave Junction.
The underground caves are a natural phenomenon worth seeing, and above ground there are
hiking trails that meander through the
towering firs of an old-growth forest, which is
also worth exploring. Speaking of big trees, the
Redwoods are just a hop, skip, and a jump from
the Applegate Valley.Also worth investigating is
the Illinois River State Park (day-use area) and
Lake Selma Recreation Area. ■
OREGON WINERIES
see map on this page
COVE
GILSTRAP BROS.WINERY
541-568-4646
69789 Antles Lane. We are a small
boutique vineyard and winery located in
the picturesque community of Cove in
Northeast Oregon.We offer a beautiful
venue for weddings and events. Our tasting
room is open Saturday and Sunday noon to
5 P.M. through September. Our fall harvest
festival is the last Saturday of September.
COLUMBIA GORGE, OREGON
see map pg. 11
HOOD RIVER
PHEASANT VALLEY
VINEYARD & WINERY
541-387-3040/866-357-WINE
www.pheasantvalleywinery.com
email: [email protected]
3890 Acree Dr., Hood River, OR.
One mile south of the Hood River Airport
Welcome to Hood River Valley’s premier
winery. Our beautiful tasting room with a
view of Mount Hood features wine tasting
and gift items for your enjoyment. For tasting
or buying by the bottle or case, we feature
theses fine award-winning wines: Pinot noir,
Pinot gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Syrah, Merlot,
and our special Pear Wine. Tastings Daily
11 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Walla Walla
WASHINGTON
ROGUE & APPLEGATE
VALLEYS see map pg. 26
CAVE JUNCTION
BRIDGEVIEW WINERY
877-273-4843
www.bridgeviewwine.com
FORIS WINERY
541-592-3752
www.foriswine.com
ASHLAND
WEISINGERS WINERY
541-488-5989
www.weisingers.com
GOLD HILL
DEL RIO WINERY
541-855-2062
www.delriovineyards.com
Zerba Cellars •
Milton-Freewater
204
11
Pendleton
82
84
EAST
OREGON
WINERIES
La
Grande
237
Gilstrap
Bros. W
•
Cove
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 27
OREGON
ROGUE & APPLEGATE
VALLEYS (CONTINUED)
see map pg. 26
JACKSONVILLE
VALLEY VIEW WINERY
800-781-9463
www.valleyviewwinery.com
A place that boasts half of
Oregon’s six official wine
regions with dozens of
wineries offering awardwinning Pinot Gris,
Merlot, Chardonnay
and Syrah wines...
A region that offers you a
dozen live theatre options
including America’s
premiere regional theatre
company...
Cities with year-round
music and art festivals
featuring world-class
entertainment and
quality art...
MEDFORD
EDENVALE WINERY
866-512-2955
www.edenvalewines.com
UMPQUA VALLEY
see map pg. 23
ROSEBURG
CHAMPAGNE CREEK CELLARS
541-673-7901
www.champagnecreek.com
GIRARDET WINE CELLARS
541-679-7252
www.girardetwine.com
HILLCREST VINEYARD
541-673-3709
www.hillcrestvineyard.com
PALOTAI VINEYARD AND WINERY
541-464-0032
OAKLAND
MARSHANNE LANDING
541-459-8497
www.marshannelanding.com
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
see map pg. 22
Farmers and crafters
that sell locally grown
food and specialty gifts...
Oh, and did we mention that
we are also the home of
Crater Lake National Park?
SEE PAGE 29 FOR ANSWERS
Go online or call to order a full-color
Guide to our special part of Oregon.
Toll-free 800-448-4856
www.SeeSouthernOregon.com
28 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
GASTON
KRAMER VINEYARDS
503-662-4545 • www.kramerwine.com
26830 NW Olsen Rd. Gaston, OR 97119.
Open Hours: Noon to 5 P.M. March through
December, Daily June through September.
Trudy and Keith Kramer welcome you to our
friendly tasting room nestled in the foothills
of the Coast Range. Surrounded by majestic
fir, oak, and maple, our deck is very popular
for picnics.Wines include: Pinot noir, Pinot
gris, Dijon Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau,
Merlot,Syrah,Carmine,Sparkling,and Dessert.
OREGON
OREGON CALENDAR OF EVENTS
C
all in advance for dates and locations of these events.Individual wineries are
likely to host additional events.Contact local chambers of commerce and
visitors bureaus for more information.
FEBRUARY
Newport - Seafood and Wine Festival
February 24–26, 2006
800-262-7844
MARCH
McMinnville - Wine & Food Classic
503-472-4033
www.macwfc.org
MAY
Forest Grove - Tour and Taste
Monthly on a Saturday
503-992-9533
Bandon - Irish Festival
Memorial Day Weekend
541-347-9616
Washington County - Wineology Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend
800-537-3149
www.gatewaytooregonwines.com
Willamette Wineries - Memorial Day
Weekend in Wine Country
Willamette Valley Wineries Association
503-646-2985
Gold Beach - Wild Rivers Coast Seafood,
Art & Wine Festival
541-247-0923
JUNE
Carlton - Oregon Wine & Art Auction
AnneAmie Winery
June, 2006
503-883-0323
JULY
Eugene - Art & the Vineyard
Maude Kerns Art Center
July 1–4, 2005
541-345-1571
Roseburg - Umpqua Valley
Arts & Wine Festival
July 16 & 17, 2005
541-672-2532
McMinnville - International
Pinot Noir Celebration
July 29–31, 2005
800-775-4762
Eugene - Winetasia - Silvan
Ridge\Hinman Vineyards - Children’s
Miracle Network Fundraiser
July 30, 2005
541-686-6456
Rockaway Beach - Wine, Cheese
& Jazz Festival
503-355-8108
AUGUST
Grants Pass - Winemaker Dinner
Troon Vineyard
August 13, 2005
541-479-5258
SEPTEMBER
Medford - Taste of Harry & David
September 3 & 4, 2005
541-864-4268
Medford - World of Wine
Del Rio Vineyards
September 9 & 10, 2005
541-770-7933
Salem\Turner - Oregon Grape Stomp
Championship & Harvest Celebration
September 24 & 25, 2005
800-344-9463
www.willamettevalleyvineyards.com
OCTOBER
Medford - Harvest Festival
Jackson County Expo
October 1 & 2, 2005
541-774-8270
NOVEMBER
Welches - Resort at the Mountain
Wine & Art Festival
November 12 & 13, 2005
800-669-7666
Washington County - Wineology Weekend
Thanksgiving Weekend
www.gatewaytooregonwines.com
Willamette Wineries - Wine
Country Thanksgiving
Winery Association
Thanksgiving Weekend
503-646-2985
Of the six official wine
regions in Oregon, half are
located in Southern Oregon.
Our 80-page, full color
Guide offers you detailed
maps and information on all
our wineries. Can’t wait for a
Guide? Go online to tour
our best wineries.
Southern Oregon Winery Assoc.
www.sorwa.org
Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Assoc.
www.umpquavalleywineries.org
WINERIES
Bridgeview Winery
877-273-4843
www.bridgeviewwine.com
Champagne Creek Cellars
541-673-7901
www.champagnecreek.com
Del Rio Winery
541-855-2062
www.delriovineyards.com
EdenVale Winery
866-512-2955
www.edenvalewines.com
Foris Winery
541-592-3752
www.foriswine.com
Girardet Wine Cellars
541-679-7252
www.girardetwine.com
Hillcrest Vineyard
541-673-3709
www.hillcrestvineyard.com
MarshAnne Landing
541-459-8497
www.marshannelanding.com
Palotai Vineyard and Winery
541-464-0032
Valley View Winery
800-781-9463
www.valleyviewwinery.com
Weisingers Winery
541-488-5989
www.weisingers.com
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 29
OREGON
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
(CONTINUED) see map pg. 22
HILLSBORO
OAK KNOLL WINERY
503-648-8198 • www.oakknollwinery.com
29700 SW Burkhalter Rd. Hillsboro, OR
97123. Located in the beautiful northern
Willamette Valley, Oak Knoll is one of the
oldest wineries in the state and remains
family owned and operated. Producing a
large variety of award-winning wines, we
have a wine for every taste, every palate, and
every occasion. Private tours by appointment.
May through September: 11 A.M. to 6 P.M
(Monday through Friday) 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
(Saturday through Sunday). October through
April: 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. (Open daily).We are
closed on New Year’s Day, Easter,
Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
VISITOR INFORMATION
WILLAMETTE VALLEY WINERIES ASSOCIATION
PO Box 25162, Portland, OR 97298
503-646-2985
www.willamettewines.com
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VISITORS ASSOCIATION
800-526-2256 / 866-548-5018
www.willamettevalley.org
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
800-537-3149
www.countrysideofportland.com
SALEM CONVENTION & VISITORS ASSOCIATION
1313 Mill St. SE
Salem, OR 97301
800-874-7012 • www.scva.org
CONVENTION & VISITOR ASSOCIATION
OF LANE COUNTY
115 W Eighth, Ste. 190
Eugene, OR 97401
800-547-5445
www.travellanecounty.com
ROSEBURG AREA VISITORS CENTER
410 SE Spruce
Roseburg, OR 97470
800-444-9584
www.visitroseburg.com
SOUTHERN OREGON VISITORS ASSOCIATION
800-448-4856 • www.sova.org
30 Northwest Wine Country 2005/2006
SOUTHERN OREGON WINERY ASSOCIATION
www.sorwa.org
GRANTS PASS VISITORS INFORMATION CENTER
1995 NW Vine St.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
800-547-5927
www.visitgrantspass.org
MEDFORD VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
1314 Center Dr., Ste. E
Medford, OR 97501
800-469-6307
www.visitmedford.org
ASHLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
110 E Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520
541-482-3486
www.ashlandchamber.com
OREGON WINE AND FARM TOUR
RoxyAnn Winery
3285 Hillcrest Rd.
Medford, OR 97504
541-776-2315
www.oregonfarmtours.com
UMPQUA VALLEY WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION
3829 Colonial Rd.
Roseburg, OR 97470
541-673-5323
www.umpquawines.com
MOLOLLA
MARQUAM HILL VINEYARDS
503-829-6677
www.marquamhillvineyards.biz
Beautiful 60-acre estate.A family-run vineyard
founded on a dream of vivifying estate-grown
grapes into premium, high-quality, varietal
wine. Proudly presents Pinot noir, Cabernet,
Chardonay, Reisling, Gewürtztramir, Muller
Thrugan, Pinot gris, Sparkling Chardonay, Late
Harvest Chardonnay, and Pinot Port. Tasting
room and gift shop. Open daily Memorial Day
through October 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Winter
Weekends only 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
RICKREAL
EOLA HILLS WINE CELLARS, INC
503-623-2405 • www.eolahillswinery.com
501 S. Pacific Hwy W Rickreall, OR 97371.
Selected by Wine & Spirits magazine as one of
the United States’ Top 20 Producers of Wines
of Value. Award-winning Pinot noir, Pinot
gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet,
Zinfandel, and Dessert wines. RV friendly.
Home of “Oregon Wine Country’s Best Sunday
Brunch.” Open Daily 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
YAMHILL
WILLAKENZIE ESTATE
888-953-9463 • www.willakenzie.com
email: [email protected]
19143 NE Laughlin Rd.Yamhill, OR 97148.
WillaKenzie Estate is a family-owned winery
dedicated to making great wines from all the
Pinot varietals including Pinot gris, Pinot
blanc, and a selection of vineyard-designated
Pinot noirs.Visit the winery and sample
these acclaimed wines in a delightful tasting
OREGON
room that overlooks spectacular hillside
vineyards. Hours: Memorial Day through
September; open daily 12 to 5 P.M. Otherwise:
open 12 to 5 P.M. on Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday or by appointment.
WHERE TO STAY
CASCADE LOCKS
BEST WESTERN COLUMBIA RIVER INN
541-374-8777/800-595-7108
bwcolumbiariverinn.com
HOOD RIVER
COLUMBIA GORGE HOTEL
541-386-5566/800-345-1921
www.ColumbiaGorgeHotel.com
SOUTHERN OREGON
WINDMILL INNS
800-547-4747 • www.windmillinns.com
Ashland 541-482-8310
Medford 541-779-0050
Roseburg 541-673-0901
We’ve got you covered for your Southern
Oregon Wine Tours! Welcome to Windmill
Inns & Suites, where 110% hospitality is
guaranteed! Complimentary full breakfast,
fitness room, and so much more!
110% Hospitality Guaranteed!
Complimentary...
Enjoy Wine Country...
• Full continental Breakfast -or- choose
to have our lighter “Windmill Inn Good
Morning”TM featuring hot beverage, juice,
muffin and newspaper delivered to your
room each morning
When your travels take you
to Southern Oregon stay with
Windmill Inns. View the splendor
of cascading rivers, take the family
on “safari”, ski, fish,
golf, or even
experience a
Shakespearean Play.
Whatever your
plans; there is a
Windmill Inn
nearby . . .
• Children under 18 stay free in adult’s room
• Pets welcome at no additional charge
• Fitness Room
• Coffee and apples 24 hours a day
• Use of guest bicycles
• “Best Seller” lending library
Roseburg-Exit 125
(541) 673-0901
Medford - Exit 30
(541) 779-0050
• Local phone calls
• Cable TV with premium
movie channel
WINDMILL INNS
• Airport shuttle in
Medford and Ashland
Ashland - Exit 14
(541) 482-8310
(800) 547-4747
www.windmillinns.com
2005/2006 Northwest Wine Country 31