Blog, Oregon Wine, Packages & Specials, Upcoming Events
The North Willamette Vintners Host 5th Annual Wine Trail Weekend
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.
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 (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.
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.
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.
Thanksgiving weekend is a very exciting time for Oregon wine lovers. Each year, wineries and vineyards all over the region will open their doors to the public for special tastings and festivities. We are best known for our Pinot noir,Pinot gris, Chardonnay and Pinot blanc. This holiday weekend is a wonderful time to experience the many flavors and delight Oregon wine has to offer from more than 160 wineries and tasting rooms
To get the most out of your weekend, we recommend that you do a bit of homework first. Research wineries, explore wine regions and download maps from the Oregon Wine Explorer and check out this guide to local wineries from Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA).
Here are some other helpful resources to plan your wine tasting adventure:
Oregon Wine Board – www.oregonwine.org
Willamette Valley Visitors Association – www.oregonwinecountry.org
Willamette Valley Wineries Association – www.willamettewines.com
We also recommend that you visit the vineyard’s site or contact them directly for information about their Thanksgiving Open House Festivities. Here is a list of some of our local wineries for your convenience. Please drive safe and enjoy your tour of Oregon Wine Country!
Apolloni Vineyards
14135 NW Timmerman Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 330-5946
www.apolloni.com
- Family-owned winery started in 1999, specializing in traditional Pinot Noir and Italian-style wines
- Follows the practices of the Oregon LIVE sustainable viticulture program
- Open 12 noon – 5:00 pm Friday – Sunday (March – December) or by appointment
Cooper Mountain Vineyards
9480 SW Grabhorn Rd.
Beaverton, OR 97007
(503) 649-0027
www.coopermountainwine.com
- Founded in 1987, first Pacific Northwest winery to embrace biodynamic viticulture (1999)
- First Pacific Northwest winery to produce all wines from 100-percent certified organic and biodynamic estate-grown grapes
- Three tiers of award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, plus Pinot Blanc and Malbec
- Open 12 noon – 5:00 pm daily
David Hill Vineyard & Winery
46350 NW David Hill Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 992-8545
- Fine estate wines and award-winning port made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer grapes; sparkling wine made in traditional French Champenoise style
- 40 acres of some of the state’s oldest vines; tasting in historic 1883 farmhouse with sweeping views
- Open 12 noon – 5:00 pm daily
Elk Cove Vineyards
27751 NW Olson Rd.
Gaston, OR 97119
(503) 985-7760
- One of Oregon’s oldest and most respected wineries founded in 1974; family-owned and operated
- Produces single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc
- · Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily except holidays
Helvetia Vineyards
23269 NW Yungen Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 647-7596
- Grapevines planted in 1982; Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay wines produced
- Visitor center and tasting room in 100-year old farmhouse of Swiss-German pioneer Jacob Yungen; display of Yungen’s original winemaking equipment
- Open 1:00 – 5:00 pm Friday, 12 noon – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday
Montinore Estate
3663 SW Dilley Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 359-5012
- 220-acre vineyard established in 1982; certified organic and biodynamic in 2008
- Five estate-grown varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Muller-Thurgau
- Open 11:00 am – 4:30 pm weekdays; 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday
Oak Knoll Winery
29700 SW Burkhalter Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 648-8198
- First and longest operating winery in Washington County
- Founded in 1970 by Ronald and Marjorie Vuylsteke, now operated by the family’s second generation
- Award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling Gewurztraminer and Muller-Thurgau
- Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily; weekdays until 6:00 pm May – September
Patton Valley Vineyard
9449 SW Old Hwy. 47
Gaston, OR 97119
(503) 985-3445
www.pattonvalley.com
- Hand-crafted, estate-grown Pinot Noir wines; certified sustainable farming practices used
- Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursday – Sunday
Plum Hill Vineyards
6505 SW Old Hwy. 47
Gaston, OR 97119
(503) 359-1946
- Family-owned winery producing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Rose wines
- Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily (starting early 2009)
Ponzi Vineyards
14665 SW Winery Ln.
Beaverton, OR 97007
(503) 628-1227
- Founded in 1970 by Dick and Nancy Ponzi, pioneers of the Oregon wine industry
- Operated by second generation: Michel, Maria and acclaimed winemaker Luisa Ponzi
- Renowned Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and White Riesling wines
- Oregon LIVE Certified vineyards – the world’s highest standard for sustainable viticulture
- Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily; tours by appointment
Purple Cow Vineyards
52720 NW Wilson School Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 330-0991
- One of Washington County’s newest wineries producing just 500 cases per year
- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and unusual grapes such as Marechal Foch and Tempranillo
- Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday only
SakéOne
820 Elm St.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 357-7056
- The only American-owned saké brewery
- Produces traditional craft saké, fruit- and herb-infused saké and specialty saké
- Only producer of certified organic sake carrying the USDA organic seal
- Leading producer of “Ginjo” (premium) grade saké in the U.S. under its Momokawa label
- First company to bottle a new category of flavor-added saké under its Moonstone label
- Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily; tours available at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm daily
Shafer Vineyard Cellars
6200 NW Gales Creek Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 357-6604
- Begun in 1973 by the Shafer family as a solely grape-growing operation; winemaking since 1978
- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Muller-Thurgau wines
- Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Tualatin Estate Vineyards
10850 NW Seavey Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 357-5005
- Established in 1973 – one of the oldest vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley
- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, plus dessert-style Muscat and Gewürztraminer
- Open 12 noon – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday (March – December)
By Appointment or Designated Days:
Alloro Vineyard
22075 SW Lebeau Rd.
Sherwood, OR 97140
(503) 320-5696
www.allorovineyard.com
- Artisan producer of small production, handcrafted wines
- Open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays and by appointment
Ardiri Winery and Vineyards
35040 SW Unger Rd.
Cornelius, OR 97113
(503) 628-0955
www.gypsydancerestates.com
- Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines, plus Pinot Blanc in 2009
- Open by appointment
Beran Vineyards
30088 SW Egger Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 628-1298
- Limited production of handcrafted Pinot Noir from old vines
- Open by appointment – please call for information.
Freja Cellars
16691 SW McFee Pl.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 628-0337
- Boutique producer of fine artisan Pinot Noir wines
- Open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays only
Garden Vineyards
12960 NW Dick Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 547-9046
- Wines available by e-mail request only
- Open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays and by appointment
J. Albin Winery
19495 Vista Hill
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 628-2986
· Open by appointment only
Quailhurst Vineyard Estate
15031 SW Pleasant Hill Rd.
Sherwood, OR 97140
(509) 427-5132
- Award-winning Pinot Noir, Rose, white varietals and Pinot port wines made from French wine grapes with traditional French wine-making methods
- Open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays and by appointment