Blog, Oregon Wine, Outdoor Adventures, Packages & Specials, WCVA

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.

Tulips in full bloom at the Woodburn Tulip Festival

Spring is in full bloom in the Willamette Valley. Birds, flowers, music, food and drink converge to create truly unique and enjoyable experiences for people of all ages.

For wine lovers, enter to win our Oregon Wine Tour package, and experience the best the Willamette Valley has to offer:

* free night’s stay in one of our beautiful jacuzzi rooms, plus a late checkout!
* $50 certificate for dinner at Agave Grill
* complimentary buffet breakfast
* vouchers for four premier wineries in the area

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 areas wineries as well as local farms and spectacular mountain views.

Looking for family fun? The Woodburn Tulip Festival is has extended its season until May 8th, and offers some of the most spectacular varieties of Tulips anywhere! In addition to the breathtaking flowers, visitors can also take part in a variety of fun activities:

* pony rides
* steam tractors
* Tulip Cafe
* kids play area

For bird lovers, the Tualatin River Bird Festival, formerly the Migratory Songbird Festival, runs from May 12- 15th at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. This is a newly expanded three-day event with lots of great hands on activities and experiences for kids and adults:

* family canoe paddles
* guided birding walks
* tours
* live music
* Native American presentations

We are pleased to offer a discounted rate to those who mention Tualatin River Bird Festival when booking a reservation. As always, our friendly staff is waiting to assist in finding the right activity for you!