Day 1
Wilsonville is surrounded on all sides by Oregon’s wine country. Grab your pals and start sipping in Sherwood, home to J Rallison Cellars (A). This boutique winery focuses on single-vineyard red and white varietals from the Northwest that are exclusively sold at the winery and tasting room.
Pinot Noir paired with breathtaking views awaits at Blakeslee Vineyard Estate (B). Blakeslee is one of only a handful of wineries that produce a white Pinot Noir packed with tremendous character and zest. Visitors enjoy exploring the vineyard, situated on the south side of the Chehalem Mountains.
Take a short scenic drive along country roads to Lady Hill Winery (C), adjacent to Champoeg State Heritage Area. The winery delivers cultured wines with aromatic richness, supple texture, layered complexity and sophisticated flavors.
Conveniently located next door, Sineann Winery’s (D) French oak aging process preserves the charcter of each wine made. And all the fruit is sourced from only the best vineyards. Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough and Gruner Veltiner will expand your palate.
Day 2
Start your second day of wine tasting in Wilsonville at Terra Vina Wines and Vineyard Tasting Room (E) (reopens in May). Known for big reds, Terra Vina was the first in the Willamette Valley to grow Dolcetto and Cabernet Franc varietals.
For a blend of new world and old world techniques, visit Aurora Colony Vineyards & Winery (F). Delight in wines that are handcrafted in small batches from reds, whites and sparkling varieties. A gorgeous dining area with exceptional food from The Kitchen makes this a perfect afternoon or evening stop. Ask for a food and wine pairing recommendation from Chef Vance.
Continue your taste quest at St. Josef’s Winery (G) in nearby Canby, known for its sustainable winemaking practices. Enjoy unique, food-friendly wines that are a synergy of fruit, earth and spice. Try the cool-climate Syrah that carries the characteristics of ruby red fruit and lighter tannins.
Day 3
Visit the heated tasting patio at Twill Cellars (H) for a smaller, more intimate wine experience. You might even be welcomed by Mica, the Bernese Mountain Dog and winery ambassador. Here, the wines spend 18 to 22 months in mostly neutral barrels with no added yeasts or enzymes, and minimal SO2 during aging to allow some of the fruit-forward character in young wines to decrease, emerging more land- and seasonal-specific characteristics.
Make your way to Pete’s Mountain, nestled just behind the community of West Linn. The wineries here offer some of the best, laid-back views of Mt. Hood. Tumwater Vineyard & Barrel House (I) (open Sundays) is new to Oregon’s wine scene and boasts estate grown Pinot Noir, White Pinot Noir, Stainless Steel Chardonnay and Barrel Select Chardonany in a stunning setting.
Named after the mountain itself, Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery (J) (open Sundays) offers indoor and outdoor tastings. Beautiful vineyard views pair perfectly with reds, whites and rosés. An Estate Syrah reveals sultry aromas of blackberry, huckleberry, mocha, pepper and espresso. Rumor has it that the owner is related to a member from the band KISS!
