Looking for a weekend getaway that includes rustic scenery, friendly hospitality, and delicious wine? Head over to the Oregon wine region, which is a tranquil escape only a stone's throw from downtown Portland. The premiere wine region of Tualatin Valley has over 700 vineyards and is known for producing world-renowned Pinot Noirs among many other varieties.
Check out our favorite wineries and things to do in the region:
How to get there:
We took Alaska Airlines, which offers many direct routes to Portland. The best way to get to Tualatin Valley is via rental car or Uber. The drive is only 30 minutes from Portland.
When to Visit:
Late summer and early fall are great times to visit. During our trip in August, the grapes have color and are almost ready for harvest. Wine harvest season usually occurs in September through October.
Ponzi Winery:
One of the first wineries to put Oregon wine on the map is the Ponzi Winery, a beautiful estate overlooking 130 acres of vineyards. Winemaking at Ponzi is a family tradition that began in the 70's and continues as a family-run business by the Ponzi sisters. They have a true passion for their craft and the wine has even been served multiple times at White House State Dinners. âVisit Ponzi: https://www.ponzivineyards.com â
The vineyards at Ponzi are almost ready for harvest, set to occur around mid September this year. Be sure to try the Rose Pinot Noir - the perfect crisp summer wine.
Raptor Ridge Winery:
Located 500 feet atop a rustic view of mountains and valleys is Raptor Ridge Winery. This winery and tasting room offers family-like hospitality from the owners, husband and wife team Scott and Annie Shull. In fact, it is the only winery where were able to meet the owners, an experience that makes this wine region special. The passion for winemaking grew from a hobby in the early 90s to the commercial winery that it is today. The vineyard has a close connection to the land, with hand-grown Pinot Noir sourced from a single vineyard.
We tasted a delicious flight of wine in the tasting room overlooking the vineyard. Be sure to try the Pinot Noir (a must!) and the Grüner, a white wine variety that is grown by only a few winemakers in the US and usually found in Austria.
The vineyard offers tours and onsite yoga events - check the link for details: âhttp://www.raptorridgewinery.com/
Where to Eat:
Time to pair the wine with something tasty. Luckily, Cafe Murray Hill is located about 10 minutes from the wineries and offers a delicious brunch including banana pancakes. http://cafemurrayhill.com/
Berry Picking Farms:
One of the best ways to complement your wine tasting adventure is to go berry picking in the local farms. Hoffman Farm Store: http://www.hoffmanfarmsstore.com/
Where to Stay?
Check out these funky accommodations with AirBnB and don't forget to use our discount!
Have you been to the Oregon wine region of Tualatin Valley yet? Comment below on your favorite wineries and experiences in the region!
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Published Travel ArticlesWelcome to Run The Atlas!
We are two adventurous young professionals who turned our passion for travel into a blog to help others travel more.
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