Blog, Holidays, Oregon Wine

Photo: North Willamette Vintners

Love Oregon’s Wine Country?  The North Willamette Vintners invite you to spend a weekend exploring dozens of local wineries! 

Now in it’s 5th year, the annual wine-touring weekend takes place Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 11-4 each day.

Guests are treated to complimentary wine tastings, pairings, entertainment and activities at EACH participating winery along with food, local art and live entertainment.  Each winery has partnered with a local artisan food producer, cookbook author, artist or craftsperson to showcase Oregon’s northernmost wine region and its artisan community.

Make it a weekend getaway by booking  The Grand Hotel Bridgeport Wine Tour Package 

To purchase your tickets, visit shop.northwillamettevintners.org

TICKETS: (On Sale Now)

Saturday & Sunday, April 13-14, 2013 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• $45 per person includes the two-day Wine Trail weekend with activities, wine tastings, light food pairings, North Willamette Vintners wine glass, and canvas tote bag for wine purchases.
• $30 per person for Sunday only ticket from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket includes Willamette Vintners logo glass, activities, wine tastings, light food pairings and canvas tote bag for wine purchases.
• $10 for Designated Driver ticket includes a wine trail kit with a bottle of water, beverage bottle and snacks in a reusable tote bag.

About North Willamette Vintners
Located near the northern boundary of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine region, North Willamette Vintners is a cluster of independent wineries crafting finewines from the valley’s most fertile land. Passionate, creative and diverse, this young industry association is made up of 43 members representingwineries, tasting rooms and wine tourism partners throughout the northern reaches of the valley. Most of the wineries are located just outside Portland, in the nearby communities ofBeaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, Helvetia, Hillsboro and Tigard. On the way to Oregon’s scenic coast and to the heart of the Willamette Valley, the North Willamette Valley wine region is easily accessible for a day trip or weekend excursion. For more information or a list of member wineries, please call 503-941-0609 or visit www.nwvintners.org. Follow North Willamette Vintners on Facebook and Twitter at @NWVintners.

It is a little known secret that you don’t have to spend a large sum of money to enjoy the many attractions when you travel to Oregon’s Washington County. In fact, many of our favorite attractions are either free or under $10 per person. In a series of posts, we will share some smart recommendations provided by Washington County Visitors Association for the budget conscious travelers.

This month, we will share tips to explore Oregon’s Washington County wine country for less than $10 per person! Wine, saké and beer enthusiasts on a budget may venture to specialty beverage makers in Washington County for a day of sampling.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started (Prices subject to change):

Helvetia Vineyards  (23269 NW Yungen Road, Hillsboro, Ore.)
Helvetia Vineyards was started by former U.S. Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse (1993-1999) and husband John Platt, located in the rural, unincorporated area of Helvetia. The winery, which has been producing wine since 1996, follows sustainable practices—it is a “salmon safe” farm—and produces Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Tasting fee: $3 per person 
Open Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SakéOne (820 Elm St., Forest Grove, Ore.)
The American owned-and-operated saké brewery, SakéOne, produces traditional, premium-grade Japanese saké, plus organic and flavor-infused blends. At the brewery, visitors can tour the kura where each step of the saké-making process is explained, and sip a selection of saké in the tasting room.
$3 per person (Kura flight of four saké tastes); Kura tours are complimentary
Open daily, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Kura tours 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

Two Kilts Brewing Company (14841 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Road, Sherwood, Ore.)
The latest introduction to Oregon’s “beervana” culture is Two Kilts Brewing Company. The company was founded in 2009 and the tasting room opened its doors in 2011. In its short time, Two Kilts has amassed a following and praise from local beer enthusiasts with their India Pale Ale, Scotch Ale and other brews made with local ingredients.
$4 per pint, tastes from $1
Open Monday-Saturday, 3-10 p.m.

For more ideas with a broader price range, download this Wine Tour Itinerary 

Oregon’s Washington County is scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast. The destination covers 727 square miles and includes the growing communities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. Washington County is home to world-class golf courses, award-winning wineries, an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, lush, natural and scenic wetlands and wildlife preserves, superb dining, and myriad shopping. For more information, visit the Washington County Visitors Association’s official destination website or visit the online pressroom.

photo credit: Vincent Ma via photopin cc

Without fail, every New Year’s Eve reminds us of the same thing: sparkling wine is a glorious thing. Each sip delivers a savory effervescence skirting the boundaries of sweet and tart. It’s a fizzing ritual we adore; it’s joy and celebration in a flute glass.

Whether called cava, proseco or “bubbly”, sparkling wine enlivens brunches among friends and enchants evenings for lovers. We see no reason why the bubbly should be kept hidden away until the final gasps of the year!

Since its inception in the 1960s, Oregon’s wine industry has captured accolades from around the world. Oregon wine country has earned a reputation as a go-to destination for oenophiles and casual tasters alike. We are especially proud of the region’s sparkling wines. Oregon’s crisp Willamette Valley climate is ideally situated for the production of the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier varietals that become fine sparkling wine.

Grand Hotel Bridgeport guests are encouraged to explore the many unique winaries throughout Willamette Valley. Sparkling wine site tours are a popular option among our visitors. There is no shortage in touring companies who are familiar with the hidden gems and famous standouts of the region.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

• Guide to Willamette Valley Wineries
• www.oregonwinecountry.org
• Oregon Wine Country Day Trip on Travel Portland
• Wine Travel Destination 2013: Willamette Valley, Oregon 
• Oregon Sparkling Wine Tour 
• The Willamette Valley Appellation, its sub appellations and its Wineries 

Special Wine Tour packages are available here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport that include eight wine tasting vouchers to 4 wineries (listed below), one bottle of local Oregon wine, and late check out.  This is the perfect way to make the most of the weekend by 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

Visit www.grandhotelbridgeport.com or contact our front desk at 866-968-5757 to learn more and reserve your package today!

photo credit: bernat… via photopin cc
photo credit: eyeliam via photopin cc

How will YOU spend the long Thanksgiving weekend this year? Hosting your relatives and serving leftovers? Enduring flight delays and searching for lost luggage in the airport?  Fighting the crowds and standing in line at the mall?

Perhaps you would prefer to spend it relaxing and sipping a vintage Pinot in Oregon Wine Country, recently listed #3 in Top 10 Wine Destinations in the United States on Trip Advisor.

During the weekend of November 23-25, more than 150 wineries throughout the Willamette Valley will open their doors to the public, offering samples of favorite labels and special vintages, tours, food, festivities and more.

Special Wine Tour packages are available here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport that include eight wine tasting vouchers to 4 wineries (listed below), one bottle of local Oregon wine, and late check out.  This is the perfect way to make the most of the weekend by 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

Visit www.grandhotelbridgeport.com or contact our front desk at 866-968-5757 to learn more and reserve your package today!

Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley is recognized as one of the premier Pinot noir producing regions in the world. Willamette Valley Wineries Association is non-profit dedicated to supporting the quality of wines and connecting visitors to the one-of-a-kind wineries, restaurants and accommodations in the region. We represent over 190 wineries and tasting rooms throughout the region – from Portland to Eugene.

 Visit www.willamettewines.com  for tips, recommended  routes, and turn-by-turn directions on your mobile phone with the Willamette Valley Mobile Wine Tour.

The North Willamette Vintners want you to spend the day with them at the North Willamette Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting October 6.

Participants will get a rare behind the scenes glimpse into all that goes into making your favorite wines. A full-day (10am – 6pm) harvest tour on October 6 includes:

• Guided bus tour (10am-4pm) to three wineries for tastings, nibbles and harvest activities at each
• See harvest unfold in the vineayrd, crush pad and winery with the professionals
• Lunch along your journey
• A Grand Tasting (4pm – 6pm) featuring appetizers and tastings from all NWV members (over 25 wineries!)
• Special offers on wine purchases
• Buses depart from Garden Vineyards at 10am and return for the Grand Tasting at 4pm – 6pm. This event is rain or shine, please dress accordingly.

Can’t commit to the full day? No problem. A limited number of Grand Tasting-only tickets are available. The Grand Tasting takes place at Garden Vineyards, 4-6pm. Tickets include tastings from all NWV wineries, pairings, commemorative wine glass and specials on wine. For more info email info@NWVintners.org or call 503.941.0609.

2012 North Willamette Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting
October 06, 2012 10:00am–4:00pm
Buses depart from Garden Vineyards for the tours and return for the Grand Tasting. Tour routes TBD based on status of harvest.
$79 full day tour and Grand Tasting / $35 Grand Tasting only

Click here to purchase tickets 

The North Willamette Vintners is a collection of wineries, vineyards, and wine tourism partners that shape the northern gateway to Oregon’s wine country. Brought together by a deep passion for crafting the finest wines from the most fertile environment, our members are a diverse and dedicated group.

photo credit: ….Tim via photopin cc

Labor Day weekend is just weeks away and another summer is coming to a close. Before you put away that suitcase, there is time to book one last getaway before the summer ends.

Here are some fun local events to check out:

• Final concert of the 2012 Summer Concert Series 6:30-8:30pm in Bridgeport Village Center Court Thursday, August 30 featuring the The Beatniks (free)
• Final concert of the 2012 Tualatin Concerts on the Commons Friday, August 31 6:30-8:30 PM featuring Lino (Classical/ New Age Guitar). Concerts are held on the plaza near the lake at Tualatin Commons. (free)
• 16th annual Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival in Portland
• This event features hundreds of talented artists and is considered to be one of the top crafts festivals in the country.  Northwest Portland Park neighborhoods are filled with art, theater, music, and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
• Shopping: Labor Day Sales at Bridgeport Village

Labor Day weekend is also a terrific time to explore Willamette Valley’s Wineries.  Many of them host open house events and invite guests to come in for tastings, tours and more. You can also create your own wine tour and drive the Vineyard and Valley Tour Route (please drive responsibly):

• Anam Cara Cellars with the Chehalem Mountains Winegrowers Labor Day Weekend Annual Open House Walk through the vines, taste the grapes from individual blocks along with barrel samples of the wines before blending. We’ll also have current releases and an informal “picnic.” Friendly dogs are very welcome. Tastings just $10 which includes food and great company! Location: Nicholas Vineyard, 22222 SW Nicholas View Drive,97140,Sherwood
• Labor Day Open House at Arborbrook Vineyards 17770 NE Calkins Lane Newberg, OR 97132 Bid adieu to summer at the annual Labor Day Open House Sep 1st 2012 to Sep 3rd 2012
• Labor Day Weekend Open House at Archery Summit 18599 NE Archery Summit Road Dayton, OR 97114 Come out for a wonderful afternoon of Pinot Noir tasting tours and more. Sep 1st 2012 to Sep 3rd 2012

Source: www.chehalemmountains.org

Kick it up a notch and reserve one of our packages that combine our luxurious guest rooms and suites with some of the best that the Bridgeport, Tigard and Tualatin areas have to offer. We currently offer the following packages.  Visit grandhotelbridgeport.com for details:
“It’s Tee Time” Golf Package
Romance Package
Wine Tour Package
Bridgeport Shopping Package
Up, Up, and Away!
Lights, Camera, Action

photo credit: labicicletaverde via photo pin cc

Montinore - Image Credit: Janis Miglavs

Willamette Valley is the place to be for Memorial Day 2012! Over 150 wineries and tasting rooms will be open all over the region May 26-28, 2012 for the 22st annual Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country.

This is the perfect way for wine lovers to kick off the summer season with extraordinary tastings, vineyard tours, food, special events and entertainment.

As an added bonus, Willamette Valley Wineries will donate a portion of event fees (or other proceeds) to Ecotrust’s Farm to School Programs. These programs work to bring more locally-grown, healthy products to the school lunchroom, educate children about agriculture and support regional farmers.

Here are some tips from The North Willamette Vintners to 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 Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

Need a place to stay? 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!

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.