Blog, Oregon Wine, Packages & Specials

Tulips in full bloom at the Woodburn Tulip Festival

It might feel chilly outside now, but Spring is officially here and the Willamette Valley is an ideal destination to enjoy natural beauty, entertainment, food, family friendly events, and of course- Willamette Valley wine! To make your visit even more enjoyable, we have several packages at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport to add value to your trip:

March Madness Special – Stay 2 Nights and get the 3rd Night FREE!
For the weekends in March stay Friday and Saturday night at the regular rate ($129 or $139) and get Sunday night FREE. The offer is valid for our Classic King or Classic Double Queen rooms. Please call the front desk at 503-968-5757 and ask for the “March Madness” special to reserve this offer.

It’s Tee Time Golf Package
Love Golf? We have forged dynamic partnerships with local golf courses so that when you come to play golf, you will receive some of the best deals possible!

Wine Tour Package
When you book our Wine Tour Package, you will spend Friday and Saturday touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss. You will also receive (8) wine tasting vouchers to the 4 wineries of your choice and (1) bottle of local Oregon wine. Our partner vineyards include: Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Elk Cove Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, Kramer Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Oak Knoll Winery, Plum Hill Vineyards and Tualatin Estate Vineyards.

Up, Up, and Away!
What could be more breath-taking than a hot air balloon adventure! Between April and October, weather permitting, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful scenic flight with Pacific Peaks Balloons. This package includes: Hot Air Balloon Adventure (this includes transportation to and from launch site), Gourmet Breakfast at a local restaurant, Jacuzzi Suite, late checkout.

Here are some tips and upcoming events to make the most of your Willamette Valley springtime getaway:

Upcoming Events at Bridgeport Village

• Strolling Easter Bunny: Visit the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 7 from 12-2pm in Center Court. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
• Easter Seals Oregon BloomFest: April 5-7 and 12-14 Easter Seals Oregon will be selling Tulip bundles for $5 from 11am to 5pm in Center Court.
• VaVa Bloom: Seek inspiration for your garden and get top tips from local experts at our weekly Saturday seminars in April. Check out installations from local nurseries and garden centers throughout Bridgeport Village.

North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend
Explore Oregon’s wine country March 31-April 1, 2012 with the North Willamette Vintners (NWV). Journey to 24 local wineries and experience a weekend full of wine, culinary samples, education and fun! northwillamettevintners.org

Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route
When traveling through wine country, experience the natural beauty of the area by taking the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route. This beautiful 50 mile stretch of road is home to many of the local wineries as well as farms and spectacular mountain views.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival March 30-April 30 (Woodburn)
This family friendly event features 40+ acres of spectacular tulips and daffodils along with food, entertainment, and more. www.woodenshoe.com/tulip-fest

Tualatin River Bird Festival – May 18-20th
This annual event takes place at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. This three-day event features hands on activities and experiences for kids and adults. tualatinriverbirdfestival.org

Need more ideas? visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com will help you plan a great vacation!

The North Willamette Vintners (NWV) invites you to spend a weekend exploring Oregon’s wine country March 31-April 1, 2012!  Journey to 24 neighboring wineries located just minutes from Portland and experience a weekend full of wine, culinary samples, education and fun!

The North Willamette Vintners (NWV) represents the wineries located in, or immediately adjacent to, Washington County, Oregon. Together this diverse group of wineries shapes the northern gateway to Oregon’s wine country.

Guests are treated to complimentary wine tastings, pairings, entertainment and activities at EACH participating winery. Taste a new release, reserve label or a barrel tastings while enjoying specially paired samples. Then, participate in a variety of activities at each location. In addition, Wine Trail guests receive a variety of discounts and offers from restaurants, hotels and other wine tour partners.

After reserving a ticket for the weekend, guests are treated to the following benefits at EACH participating winery:

• Complementary tastings! New releases, reserve labels, barrel tastings and much more
• Pairings! Paired samples from a variety of culinary collections carefully selected to enhance each wine.
• Activities! Tours, one-of-a-kind demonstrations and hands-on activities

To purchase your tickets, visit shop.northwillamettevintners.org and choose from a Wine Trail Full Weekend Ticket or Wine Trail Sunday Only Ticket.

Make it a weekend getaway by booking  The Grand Hotel Bridgeport Wine Tour Package Where wining is encouraged. Spend Friday and Saturday touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss.

There is a bounty of local festivals and celebrations this month in and around Portland, Oregon! Here are a few highlights of what you will find just minutes from The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport.   A special thanks to the Washington County Visitors Association for sharing this great info!

Beaverton Harvest Market Saturday, Nov. 19 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fill your cornucopia at this one-time harvest market, timed perfectly for the Saturday before Thanksgiving. In addition to seasonal foods, the market features vendors offering flowers and crafts

German Holiday Market at German American School, Beaverton
Saturday, Nov. 19 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) &
Sunday, Nov. 20 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Enjoy traditional German food, novelties, nutcrackers and live entertainment at this free, two-day event, which is in its 12th year. Admission is free. For more information, please contact the school at 503-626-9089

Thanksgiving Wine Weekend- Various Washington County wineries Friday, Nov. 25 – Sunday, Nov. 27
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend in Washington County’s wine country, when wineries are all open and often have special perks such as vintage tastings, live music and/or light appetizers.

16th Annual Holiday Ale Festival November 30th – Sunday, December 4th, 2011.  Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland.  Each year, the Holiday Ale Festival annually gathers up dozens of these winter warmers for a joyous five-day celebration. More than 40+ breweries will be featured at this year’s event, all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season.

Hillsboro “Holly Days” Market Saturday, Dec. 3 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Second & Main Streets, downtown Hillsboro
This seasonal market is held in conjunction with the tree lighting and Santa visit. This year, there will be about 35 vendors, as well as live entertainment and activities for children. More info.

Spend Thanksgiving in Oregon Wine Country!  Willamette Valley kicks off the winter wine tasting and the holiday season during the 29th Annual Wine Country Thanksgiving Event November 25-27, 2011. More than 150 wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley will open their doors for special tastings and holiday festivities. For more information about participating wineries, visit willamettewines.com

To receive a mailer that includes a list of activities at each winery and a touring map, email info-at-willamettewines.com. Please include your mailing address when sending an email request.

Celebrate on your getaway with wine tasting and festivities by reserving your “Wining Encouraged” Wine Tour Package here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport. Touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss. Our partner vineyards include:

Cooper Mountain Vineyards
Elk Cove Vineyards
Helvetia Vineyards
Kramer Vineyards
Montinore Estate
Oak Knoll Winery
Plum Hill Vineyards
Tualatin Estate Vineyards

This package starts at $169.00, plus tax and includes: (8) wine tasting vouchers to the 4 wineries of your choice (1) bottle of local Oregon wine

To make the most of your Oregon wine tasting experience, follow these great Wine Tasting Tips compliments of Willamette Valley Wineries Association!

• Plan your route ahead. Visit wineries that are in close proximity to limit driving. Call ahead to confirm hours.
• Get a designated driver! For a carefree day of tasting…it’s the prudent thing to do. Take advantage of local tour services that are fun and affordable.
• Avoid wearing any perfume, cologne or heavily scented lotions. It will interfere with your tasting experience as well as the experience of those around you.
• Spit…like the professionals. Or use dump buckets that are often placed on tasting room bars. It’s the cool thing to do. You will be able to taste more fantastic wines.
• Ask a lot of questions. This is your opportunity to educate your palate and learn more about the wine making process. Tasting Room staff are friendly and love to share their knowledge with guests.
• Explore a new wine tasting region. Likely you’ll experience less congestion and you’ll have a great time tasting new wines! Check out our wine tasting routes for some ideas.
• Likewise, try a new type of wine or “varietal” during your wine tasting. You must taste the Valley’s signature Pinot Noirs, but don’t be afraid to try something new. You may like it!
• Visit small wineries and larger wineries to enjoy a variety of wine tasting experiences. Chat with winemakers in an intimate setting, taste from the barrel or enjoy some live music and specialty food pairings.
• Don’t miss out on special discounts and offers at wineries during tasting events. And, if you discover a winery you really love, consider joining their wine club. You’ll likely receive discounts, exclusive deals, access to special releases and free tastings.

The North Willamette Vintners invite you to celebrate 2011 harvest by joining them on the North Willamette Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting October 8, 2011!

This extraordinary event features a guided bus tour to three NWV wineries for complimentary tastings, nibbles and harvest activities at each. Walk the the vineyard, visit the crush pad and tour the winery to discover each step of the wine making process with the professionals. Learn more about the region from your experienced tour guide on the bus and enjoy lunch along the way, all included in your ticket.

The tour concludes at the Grand Tasting event. Enjoy a harvest evening at Garden Vineyards including tastings, appetizers and specials on wine from all 25+ NWV wineries! This event is rain or shine, please dress accordingly. Buses depart from Garden Vineyards at 10am and return for the Grand Tasting, 4pm-6pm.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased at $79 for Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting. A limited number of Grand Tasting only tickets are available for $30. North Willamette Harvest Trail tickets are now on sale at www.NWVintners.org!

The North Willamette Vintners (NWV) represents the wineries located in, or immediately adjacent to, Washington County, Oregon. Together this diverse group of wineries shapes the northern gateway to Oregon’s wine country.

North Willamette Vintners Invites You to Red, White and Celebrate

Join the North Willamette Vinters  this holiday weekend as they celebrate Independence Day with Red, White & Celebrate!  Here is a listing of this weekend’s events posted on http://www.northwillamettevintners.org

Take a picnic lunch out to our wineries, located just 20 minutes from Portland, and join in the celebrations!

• Red, White & Blueberry! at Apolloni Vineyards, 11-5, Saturday- Monday.

We’ll be pouring wonderful wines and featuring the long-awaited arrival of local blueberries. We’ll have some pre-picked on hand or we will give you directions to Tom’s Berry Patch where you can pick your own! And, to add a sweet treat to your picnic lunch, we’ll have some blueberry baked goods for sale.

• Red, White & Celebrate! at ADEA Wine Company. Open on Saturday or by appointment on Sunday and Monday

• Red, White & REV! at Ardiri Winery and Vineyard, 10-5, Saturday-Monday.

Tastings all weekend with special REV activities on Saturday. We will have exotic, high performance cars on display at the winery. Ferrari, Maserati and Lotus! Onsite BBQ with traditional BBQ fare, available for purchase. Serving our regular tasting flight, 5 wines, $10: 2 Carneros Pinot, 1 Oregon Pinot, 2 Oregon whites. Our owners/winemakers, John Compagno and Gail Lizak will be in the tasting room pouring wine!

• Red, White & Strawberry! at Cooper Mountain Vineyards, 12-5, Saturday – Monday

We will be sampling local strawberries, drizzled with our artisanal Balsamic Vinegar, produced from our very own Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

• Red, White & Fun! at David Hill Vineyard & Winery, 11-5, Saturday and Sunday only

Featuring art, music, food and lawn games

• Red, White & Rose! at Elk Cove Vineyards, 10-5, Saturday – Monday

Featuring our 2008 Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, 2009 Pinot Blanc and 2010 Pinot Noir – Rose’

• Red, White & Firelight! at Garden Vineyards, 2pm-10 on Monday July 4th

View the valley’s fireworks, enjoy grilled foods and play lawn games

• Red, White & Blues! At Helvetia Vineyards, noon-5, Saturday – Monday.

Tasting, picnics and salmon snacks, Saturday through Monday from noon until five. Don’t miss our 2008 Pinot Noir Reserve. Bob Shoemaker, Delta Blues music master, will perform on Monday afternoon from 1:30 until 4:30. Bob brings Leadbelly, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee to life with his National steel guitar and his Telecaster as well as his brother Dave.

• Red, White & Barrels! at Kramer Vineyards, 11-5, Saturday – Monday

2010 Vintage preview. Taste the 2010 Pinot Noirs from the barrel

• Red, White & Sangria! at Montinore Estate, 11-5, Saturday – Monday

Complimentary Pinot Gris Sangria and live music from 1-4 on Saturday only

• Red, White & Rose Festival! At Oak Knoll Winery, 11-5, Saturday-Monday

Celebrating our commemorative Rose Festival Labels for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Rose varietals.

• Red, White & You! at Patton Valley Vineyards, 11-5, Saturday and Sunday only.

We’ve got red wine and white wine, but we’re missing you! Join us for a very special wine tasting to include our 2009 Wente Clone Chardonnay, as well as a vertical tasting of our 2007, 2008 and 2009 Patton Valley Pinot noir. Palate pleasers and perfect for the upcoming summer months.

• Red, White & Watermelon! at Plum Hill Vineyards, 11-5, Saturday – Monday

Our traditional wine and watermelon event has returned for the 3rd year. Come sit on the covered patio and have a free slice or two of watermelon with or without the toppings.

• Red, White & Bocce! at Ponzi Vineyards, 10-5, Saturday-Monday

Enjoy red and white wine flights available for tasting. Outdoor seating and Bocce ball courts are open! Relax outside and enjoy the wine country landscape.

• Red, White & Berry Fest! with Provincial Vineyards pouring at Smith Berry Barn. 12-5, Saturday – Monday

• Red, White & Celebrate! at Purple Cow Vineyards, 11-5, Saturday only.

• Red, White & Celebrate! at Raptor Ridge Winery, 11-4, Saturday – Monday

Also featuring Rose as part of our weekend lineup!

• Red, White & Sake! at Sakeone, 11-5, Saturday & Sunday only, closed Monday

• Red, White & Rose! at Tualatin Estate Vineyards, 12-5, Friday – Monday

More to come…

Dozens of local wineries offer tastings, pairings and activities during Memorial Day Weekend.

Want to plan a memorable getaway for Memorial Day? Come to Wine Country!   The Grand Hotel Bridgeport is proud to offer wine lovers luxurious accommodations, free parking, free WiFi(helpful as you are planning your afternoon of wine tasting!), and a free chef prepared breakfast the following morning! What more do you need?  Book a Grand Hotel at Bridgeport Wine Package and you will see what we mean!

The North Willamette Vintners roll open their cellar doors this Memorial Day weekend and invite wine lovers to experience the bounty of the North Willamette Valley. During the three-day holiday weekend, dozens of wineries located just minutes from Portland will welcome spring and kick off wine tasting season with extraordinary tastings, special events and entertainment.

“With our close proximity to Portland, we offer guests a truly authentic wine country experience easily accessible for a day excursion or a full weekend trip” explains Laurine Apolloni, President of North Willamette Vintners. “Guests can drive less and taste more in the North Willamette Valley this Memorial Day weekend”

Get the most of your holiday weekend:

• Drive less, taste more. Avoid the long drive and congested roadways by visiting the wineries located in Portland’s backyard, shaping the northern gateway to Oregon’s wine country.
• Discover new wineries. Experience a new label or visit a boutique winery not typically open for tastings.
• Taste exceptional wines. Be among the first to enjoy new releases, barrel samples and paired flights.
• Learn from the pros. Meet the winemakers and learn about the style, characteristics and unique attributes of their wine.
• Experience wine country. Participate in a traditional tribal salmon bake, watch a live landscape painting, stroll along a garden walk, tour the vineyards, relax to live music and soak in the spectacular vineyard views while enjoying a picnic lunch.

For more information and to plan your weekend visit www.NWVintners.com.

Calling all Oregon Wine Lovers! To celebrate Spring, we are giving away the ultimate Willamette Valley Wine experience to one lucky winner!

Enter  to win a Wine Tour Package at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport! One lucky winner will receive:

• One night accommodations in a luxuriously appointed *Jacuzzi Suite at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport
• $50.00 Gift Certificate to Agave Grill at Bridgeport Village
• 4 Wine Tasting vouchers to some of Willamette Valley’s finest vineyards and wineries. **See our list of Partner Vineyards
• Complimentary Chef Prepared Breakfast Buffet
• Late checkout of 1pm

How to Enter:

1)  You can enter via Facebook
2) You can enter via Twitter (For every Twitter follower that enters through your link you get an extra entry!)
3) If you are not on either of these networks,not to worry!  Click this link to enter

Only persons residing in California, Oregon and Washington who are at least 21 years of age can enter.  You must agree to our official rules and regulations when you enter. *Suites are subject to availability at the time of the reservation.

**The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport Partner Vineyards: Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Elk Cove Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, Kramer Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Oak Knoll Winery, Plum Hill Vineyards, Tualatin Estate Vineyards

North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend April 9 – April 10, 2011

Spend a weekend exploring wine country! Journey to 24 neighboring wineries located just minutes from Portland and experience a weekend full of wine, culinary samples, education and fun! From experienced wine lovers to novice wine tasters, the North Willamette Wine Trail has something for everyone.

On April 9 & 10 from 11am – 4pm, guests are treated to complimentary wine tastings, pairings, entertainment and activities at EACH participating winery. Taste a new release, reserve label or a barrel tastings while enjoying specially paired samples. Then, participate in a variety of activities at each location. In addition, Wine Trail guests receive a variety of discounts and offers from restaurants, hotels and other wine tour partners.

After reserving a ticket for the weekend, guests are treated to the following benefits at EACH participating winery:

• Complementary tastings! New releases, reserve labels, barrel tastings and much more
•Pairings! Paired samples from a variety of culinary collections carefully selected to enhance each wine.
• Activities! Tours, one-of-a-kind demonstrations and hands-on activities

Tickets are $45 and include a reusable wine tote filled with a commemorative wine glass, coupons, discounts and other items. Designated Driver tickets are available for $10 and also include a wine trail kit (water bottle in place of the wine glass).

Tickets are available online and in participating tasting rooms. This event does sell out so reserve your tickets early. We look forward to seeing you on the North Willamette Wine Trail!

Make reservations now to stay at The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport and take full advantage of this weekend’s activities! Call us 866-968-5757 or visit our reservations page.

About The North Willamette Vintners
The North Willamette Vintners (NWV) represents the wineries located in, or immediately adjacent to, Washington County, Oregon. Together this diverse group of wineries shapes the northern gateway to Oregon’s wine country. NWV is dedicated to bring together, through constructive cooperation, the wineries in our region in order to advance the wineries’ mutual interest in increasing consumer awareness of the county’s wine industry through branding, promotional events and activities, and strategic alliances.