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Embark on a journey through Oregon’s diverse wonders, from majestic snowy peaks to the enchanting paradise of Pinot Noir vineyards. Discover Oregon and explore the beauty of the Beaver State with our guide to the best of nature and wine. Plan your adventure today!
Welcome to the breathtaking Beaver State of Oregon, where a world of adventure and natural beauty awaits every visitor. Nestled against the majestic Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, beach recreations and incredible wine for an unforgettable experience. Whether you are traveling solo, with your family or as a couple, now is the perfect time to discover Oregon and all of it’s wonders.
We have family that lives in Oregon and I visited for the first time this year. We went in the winter months because we wanted to take the kids snowboarding for the first time. It was absolutely beautiful and we created so many incredible family memories.
We stayed in Portland and then headed to Black Butte for our skiing and snowboarding adventures.
Black Butte is located approximately 130 miles south-southeast of Portland. The distance can vary slightly depending on the specific starting and ending points within each location. The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. They do sometimes close the road if the snow or ice makes for dangerous driving.
Portland boasts serene gardens that captivate with their tranquility and beauty. When in Portland, be sure to add these outdoor adventures to your Discover Oregon travel itinerary and don’t forget to finish your day with a nice glass of Pinot Noir 😉
- Explore the Ming Dynasty-inspired Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Lan Su, the blooming paradise of the International Rose Test Garden boasting over eight thousand roses, and the Japanese Garden with its five traditional gardens and pavilion.
- Discover Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, sprawling across thirty-seven acres along the Willamette River. Embrace relaxation or indulge in more intense fun with activities like walking, biking, and even basketball. Don’t miss the Oregon Maritime Center and Museum, housed within the sternwheeler tugboat Portland, located at the seawall.
- In the capital city, immerse yourself in the magic of the Enchanted Forest Theme Park. Encounter storybook characters brought to life, explore rides, a haunted house, and enjoy a water and light show. Experience the charm of an old west town, complete with a fort, Indian Caves, gold panning, underground tunnels, and a shooting gallery.
- Venture to the Fort Clatsop National Memorial near Astoria, showcasing a replica of Lewis and Clark’s encampment. Explore exhibits, two theaters, and hiking trails in this National Park Service-run memorial.
- For awe-inspiring views, visit the Hood River area and witness the majestic Columbia River Gorge. Marvel at spectacular waterfalls and explore nearby attractions like Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest mountain with ski trails.
- No visit to Oregon is complete without marveling at the beauty of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. Explore hiking trails and witness the nearly nine-thousand-foot Mt. Scott within Crater Lake National Park. Summer activities include fishing, camping, and hiking, while winter visitors can enjoy the park’s snowy wonders with proper precautions.
Alright, now let’s discover Oregon wine shall we?
Nestled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a paradise for Pinot Noir enthusiasts and a coveted destination for wine connoisseurs, this region beckons with its unique climate. Rolling hills cradle a multitude of vineyards and diverse grape varieties, captivating wine aficionados nationwide.
Proximity proves essential for exploring the charms of Willamette Valley, and its close proximity to Portland makes it easily accessible. Whether you’re a local seeking a brief escape or a visitor in search of a wine-filled adventure, Portland serves as an ideal hub, offering more than just exceptional wine.
A short, scenic drive southwest of Portland reveals the heart of Willamette Valley, once dominated by farmland but now flourishing with vineyards and tasting rooms. Over the past three decades, the wine industry has transformed the landscape, replacing struggling farms with vibrant vineyards.
At the forefront of Oregon’s wine scene is the renowned Pinot Noir variety, propelled to fame by the movie “Sideways.” Flourishing in Willamette Valley’s similar latitude and climate to Burgundy, France, where the grape originates, Pinot Noir thrives in this picturesque region.
Effortlessly plan your wine-tasting journey with the online tool on OregonWine.org, allowing you to search wineries based on location and tasting room availability.
During the warmer months, Willamette Valley springs to life with a virtual wine celebration every weekend. Various wine-related events, competitions, and tastings hosted by numerous tasting rooms create a vibrant summer scene. For the adventurous, consider joining a bike tour – just remember to use spittoons during tastings to maintain your biking prowess.
Accommodations in Oregon wine country are abundant, with many wineries hosting charming bed and breakfasts. Imagine waking up surrounded by vineyards, savoring a delicious breakfast while soaking in the fragrant scenery. YES PLEASE!
Beyond the delightful tastings and breathtaking landscapes, partake in unique experiences like grape stomps during the wine-making process. Winery tours provide insights into the production process, showcasing how factors such as grape upbringing temperature and wine storage conditions contribute to diverse flavors.
Whether you’re a Portland local or a visitor planning a trip, ensure you schedule a weekend getaway during the sun-kissed days of spring and summer to explore the wonders of Willamette Valley and Oregon Wine Country.
The history of winemaking in Oregon is as rich as the state itself, producing some of the finest wines in the country. No trip to Oregon is complete without a visit to at least one of the picturesque wineries in the region!
Here’s a curated list of five of the top wineries in Oregon, each renowned for producing exceptional wines:
Domaine Serene
Address: 6555 NE Hilltop Ln, Dayton, OR 97114
Domaine Serene is renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
Stoller Family Estate
Address: 16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton, OR 97114
Stoller is known for its sustainably farmed wines, with a focus on Pinot Noir.
King Estate Winery
Address: 80854 Territorial Hwy, Eugene, OR 97405
King Estate is recognized for its organic and biodynamic practices, producing a variety of wines, including Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
Argyle Winery
Address: 691 Highway 99W, Dundee, OR 97115
Argyle is famous for its sparkling wines, particularly sparkling Pinot Noir.
Adelsheim Vineyard
Address: 16800 NE Calkins Ln, Newberg, OR 97132
Adelsheim is a pioneer in the Oregon wine industry, specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals.
Keep in mind that details like addresses and prices may have changed, so it’s always a good idea to check the wineries’ websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Embark on a journey through these exceptional wineries and savor the distinct flavors that define Oregon’s winemaking excellence.
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