Oregon Wine Country...
World Class Wines

Discover the Oregon Wines in Oregon Wine Country. Not many think of wine when they think of Oregon; however, Oregon is becoming well known for some of the world's best wines. We'll explore deep into the Wine Country and find out the hidden secrets.

Take the Plunge Into the Oregon Wineries...

It's amazing that not far out of Portland, Oregon, some of the best burgundies in the world are produced. And from this production brings lots of world renowned interest, hence, throughout the Oregon Wine Country new restaurants and inns make one's journey very pleasant.

As you proceed southwest out of Portland on Highway 99W you'll soon see the signs pointing you in the right direction towards Oregon Wine Country. As you cross into Yamhill County, the wine country becomes more prevalent. The names: Rex Hill, Chehalem, Torli Mor, Argyle and Sokol Blosser brings the Oregon Wine Country alive. You've entered a new realm, one of finesse.

Yamhill County claims to have the "best" red-wine; however, the French claim that it is only next to their burgundy, the holy of holies. Nevertheless, you have entered a region so intrinsically special that all locals have a sense of pride and ownership for their Oregon Wine Country.

As you make your way throughout Yamhill County you'll find a host of wineries offering tasting rooms and other amenities right on the winery grounds. A touch of Europe is cast on the Oregon Wine Country throughout the Willamette and Tualstin Valley's.

To get the most out of the wine country you'll probably want to spend a couple of days. You'll find restaurants and coffee shops along the way...there's no shortage of food. If you have a desire to stay the night along the way, check out the German, Steiger Haus: 503-472-0821 or search Orbitz for the lowest hotel rates throughout Oregon Wine Country.

If you begin your Oregon Wine Country Journey from Portland, you're only about 20 minutes away. Head southwest out of Portland on highway 99W. Your first winery is located in Newberg, Chehalem Winery. Just east of Newberg is the Rex Hill Vineyards. Both of these wineries are located in a picturesque setting in the Willamette Valley.

A few miles to the southwest on highway 99W, nestled in the community of Dundee are some quaint wineries worth your visit. They include: Torii Mor Winery, Arterberry Winery, Duck Pond, Argyle Winery, Erath Winery, Cameron Winery and the Lange Winery. They are small; however, the quality wines are superb!

Continue along highway 99W, heading south to the community of Lafayette. Visit the Sokol Blosser Winery and enjoy the breathtaking views across the valley to Mount Hood. Near town is the Chateau Benoit Winery, definitely worth a stop to see experience some award winning wine from this winery.

You can take a little side trip to McMinnville further south on 99W just past the intersection of highway 47. Later you'll double back to highway 47. McMinnville offers the quaint Eyrie Vineyards and Panther Creek Cellars.

Double back, head north on highway 99W and make a left onto highway 47 heading north. Your first winery along highway 47 is Ken Wright Cellars in Carlton.

Continue your Oregon Wine County tour to Gaston. It's off of highway 47. Use your more detailed map. Here you'll have the opportunity to visit the Kramer Wine and Elk Cove Vineyards.

Further north off highway 47 is the Montinore Vineyards in Forest Grove. You may want to spend some time also visiting some of the historical settings throughout town.

Just north of Forest Grove highway 47 runs into highway 8. Proceed north on highway 8 and you'll see the Laurel Ridge Winery. Continue further on highway 8 and the Shafer Vineyard Cellars emerge.

You can continue on northward until you intersect highway 26, turn left heading east towards Portland. The wineries are an eye-opening experience. They are predominately family run, in some cases they've been handed down through the generations. This marks a special place in American history.

Before you set out on your Oregon Wine Country journey contact the Oregon Winegrowers Association: 503-228-8403. They offer a host of detailed information, much more than we could adequately describe here. They'll explain the many different types of wine, comparisons, history and much more. We're just wetting your taste buds for the adventure.

We'd like to hear from you, contact us regarding your Oregon Wine Country experience.

Enjoy your many wine tasting opportunities,

Craig Dahl & The Editorial Staff
Senior Editor

Return to Northwest Travel Tips Home Page

We're also the Senior Editors for Luxury Romantic Vacations and Love Quotes For You; we've brought the Best of both worlds together, Love & Travel.