Blog, Upcoming Events, WCVA

It should come as no surprise that February is one of the most popular months for couples to get engaged.  In fact, roughly 10 percent of couples in the United States choose Valentine’s Day to pop the question.

If you were among the many that got engaged this Valentines Day, congratulations!

Luckily, brides-to-be have a number of dream wedding locations to choose from throughout the Portland area, especially in Washington County.  From vineyards to traditional churches to historic buildings, there is something for every taste and budget.

Here are some recommendations to get you started!

• Visit the Washington County Visitor’s Association list of local venues. The WCVA’s Wedding Wonderland Page contains great suggestions for vineyards and other unique and special locations well suited for for your big day!
• Consider Hosting Rehearsal Dinners, Showers and Parties at Bridgeport Village. We love Bridgeport Village because it is elegant, unique, service oriented and convenient to our guests.  The center also provides a variety of popular restaurants to suite any taste and budget.  You may also want to consider booking one of their specialty salons and spas to pamper your bridal party on the big day!
• Consider the Service Options Available at The Grand Hotel in Bridgeport.   There are numerous reasons we are a great choice to host your important event. Wedding guests love our amenities (Free WiFi, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Workout room, and hot breakfast buffet to name a few). Our committed staff will provide the outstanding service you deserve to make your day perfect.  We also offer special group rates when you reserve a block of rooms.
• Utilize Local Wedding Planners and Search for Vendors Recommended by the WCVA and Local Merchants.   Visit the WCVA Wedding Venue and Services Finder to locate the perfect venue and find caterers, photographers and more.

photo credit: Edgar Barany via photopin cc

photo credit: Sean Molin Photography via photopin cc

photo credit: Rubyran via photopin cc

Photo Credit: Festival of Balloons in Tigard, Oregon

Now that summer is right around the corner, it is time to plan your next getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. We are home to a diverse range of events, from garden and agricultural events to athletic adventures.

Here are some local event highlights happening this summer (complete event calendar is available online).  You can also visit the Washington County Visitors Association’s (WCVA) Facebook page or Twitter feed for the latest news and events.

Coming Up!
Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country (May 26-28, 2012) Various locations. Tasting fees vary
Each year during Memorial Day weekend, wineries throughout the Willamette Valley open their doors for a weekend of fun, food and entertainment. Taste new releases from some of Washington County’s award-winning wineries and partake in the weekend’s open house festivities.

For a complete list of participating wineries, visit the websites for the North Willamette Vintners Association, Chehalem Mountain Winegrowers Association and Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

June 2012 Events

18th Annual Spring Garden Tour (June 3, 2012)
Tour starts at the Old Train Station (Forest Grove, Oregon) Set in the heart of the agricultural community, Forest Grove is a culturally and agriculturally rich community. Each spring, Friends of Historic Forest Grove lead tours of the city’s best local gardens for one
day only. Cost is $12, includes refreshments.

22nd Annual Cruisin’ Sherwood (June 9, 2012) Old Town Sherwood (Sherwood, Oregon)
Car collectors and aficionados will fill the streets of Old Town Sherwood for the annual car show, Cruisin’ Sherwood. This show features more than 550 hot rods, classic collector calls and military vehicles, as well as automotive vendors, arts and crafts vendors and kids play area. Admission is free.

Festival of Balloons in Tigard (June 22-24, 2012) Cook Park (Tigard, Oregon)
The annual Festival of Balloons in Tigard is a summer tradition. Dozens of balloons take flight in the early morning skies, while several events and activities provide fun for the entire family. Carnival rides, helicopter scenic tours, car show and beer garden are among the festivities planned. Admission, $5-7 for a three-day pass; children ages 6 and under are free; parking is $5.

Les Schwab Bowl (June 23, 2012) Hillsboro Stadium (Hillsboro, Oregon)
2012 marks the 65th anniversary of the annual “North vs. South” high school all-star football game, where Oregon’s top graduating high school senior football players meet face-to-face. Proceeds from the Les Schwab Bowl will benefit the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association general scholarship fund, as well as Oregon’s 5A and 6A schools. Tickets are $6-15.

Tualatin River Discovery Day (June 30, 2012) Tualatin Community Park (Tualatin, Oregon)
Discover the tranquil wonders of the Tualatin River during the annual Discovery Day, presented by the Tualatin Riverkeepers. The day’s events include a paddle trip along the Tualatin River and a community fair featuring organizations that are working to protect this natural asset. Registration opens June 1.

Stub Stewart Summer Solstice Celebration (June 30, 2012)
L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park (Buxton, Oregon) Celebrate the beginning of summer, astronomy-style, at this “star party.” Beginners and experts alike can view the stars and celestial objects (weather permitting). Admission is free; parking is $5.

July 2012 Events

Hagg Lake Triathlon & Duathlon (July 9, 2011) Hagg Lake, Gaston, OR
The annual Hagg Lake Triathlon and Duathlon, one of the nation’s oldest and longest triathlon events, returns to Oregon’s Washington County for its 32nd year. Register to compete in the Olympic Triathlon, Olympic Duathlon, Sprint Triathlon and Tri-iT (novice) Triathlon. Entry fees are $45-55 per person, per team, or $80-90 for individual participants.

Oregon Lavender Festival (July 14-15, 2012) Multiple locations throughout Washington County and neighboring counties
Explore six lavender farms in Washington County as part of this annual Festival: Helvetia Lavender Farm, Jackson School Lavender, Mountainside Lavender, and Seasonal Mary Herb and Flower Farm. Each location will feature specials and events, including u-pick lavender, food infused with lavender, and lavender plants for sale. Admission to the farms is free.

Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance (July 15, 2012) Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR
Celebrate the Mercedes-Benz at this year’s annual Concours d’Elegance. The show features more than 300 antique and special-interest cars, as well as live music and food booths. Ticket prices range from $5 (youth) – $17 (adults).

Sherwood Robin Hood Festival (July 20-21, 2012) Old Town, Sherwood, OR
Sherwood continues its signature festival, which celebrates Robin Hood, his Merry Men and Maid Marian. Enjoy Renaissance reenactments, an archery contest, a parade, sword fighting, medieval kids’ area, live music, a beer garden and more. Admission to the festival is free.

Washington County Fair (July 26-29, 2012) Fair Complex, Hillsboro, OR
This annual county fair includes carnival rides, food, booths, and activities for kids. This year’s fair features shows, such as a truck and tractor pull, draft horse show and monster truck show, as well as a headline performance from Miranda Cosgrove, star of Nickelodeon’s hit series, iCarly, Friday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the fair is free; some events and shows may require separate, paid ticket; tickets to headline act are $20-25.

The Main Course (July 28, 2012) Main Street, Forest Grove, OR
This unique event showcases local food and wine with an outdoor dinner held on Main Street. Local wineries offer tastings and pairings to top off the fine dining. Participants can choose from a wine and appetizer option or the wine tasting and full dinner. Ticket prices range from $30-80.

ABOUT OREGON’S WASHINGTON COUNTY
Washington County, Oregon, is scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast, and is only minutes away from downtown Portland. The county spans 727 square miles, and includes the growing communities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Durham, 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, from lifestyle centers and mall to boutiques and antiques. For more information about the region, visit www.visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com

Warmer weather means one thing in Oregon: time to hit the great outdoors! Hopping on your bicycle and hitting one of the many bike paths and trails in our region is nothing less than blissful.

Fortunately for us, there is no shortage of bicycle trains to explore for all levels. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a newbie- there is something for everyone here.

Just remember to travel at a safe speed and follow the rules of the road!

WCVA recommends checking out the Banks-Vernonia State Trail for 21 miles of uninterrupted, car-free, smooth riding.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (featured in the above video), a 1,673 acre park where outdoor lovers are invited to explore more than 20 miles of trails. Bring your horse or bicycle and spend hours exploring the far reaches of the park.

Other tips:

• Be sure to visit the City of Tigard’s new bicycle resource featuring bike maps, links, and a listing of upcoming events.
• Visit the WCVA’s new comprehensive bike map detailing bike trails, lanes and designated paths and routes throughout Washington County,
• Check out rideoregonride.com for featured Itineraries, events, maps, recommendations and more.
• Check out the WCVA list of local Bicycle rental and repair shops

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.

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.

The Zip, Sip and Stay package in Washington Country Oregon was selected as one of Frommer’s “Last-Minute Labor Day Deals” this week! Frommer’s is one of the most trusted name in travel with over fifty years of providing authoritative travel information and high quality recommendations- so this is an exciting honor for all of us!

To learn more about and to follow up on Frommer’s recommendation, visit our Adventure Passport Page where we feature  the Zip, Sip, & Stay package.  You can also call our Front Desk for info and to make a reservation at 866-968-5757.

Zip, Sip, & Stay is your passport to Washington County Oregon’s extreme adventure, vibrant flavors, and peaceful rest.
Passport for 2 Adults $245.00 and Includes

• Deluxe Suite for (2)
• Tree to Tree Adventure Admission
• Wine Tasting + $29 Wine Voucher
• Gourmet Lunches
• Specials at Local Restaurants

We Are Proud of our Awards! Thank you WCVA!

The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) honored 14 of its stakeholders during its annual Stakeholder Appreciation Luncheon and Tourism Awards held earlier this month.   Winners of the WCVA’s 2010 Tourism Industry Awards are selected for their support of Washington County’s tourism industry, and for their continued efforts to enhance the tourism experience for visitors. Recipients represent those who have acknowledged the importance of the tourism industry, and have continued to support the industry, as well as the WCVA’s efforts to increase visitation to Washington County.

Awards were presented to a variety of businesses, each representing a key asset or market to the local tourism industry. The following awards are presented to attractions that continuously strive to provide new and exceptional experiences to visitors and guests:

• Best New Asset: Tree to Tree Adventure Park
• Agritourism Stakeholder: Smith Berry Barn
• Retail Stakeholder: Washington Square
• Specialty Retail Stakeholder: Stash Tea
• Arts & Culture Stakeholder: Bag&Baggage Productions
• Nature Stakeholder: L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park
• Winery & Brewery Stakeholder: Ponzi Vineyards

The following awards are presented to venues, facilities and organizations that have gone the extra mile to bring new business to Washington County, as well as their continued support of the WCVA’s sales efforts:

• Meeting Venue: Jenkins Estate
• Group Tour Lodging Stakeholder: The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport
• Sports Event Venue: Horning’s Hideout
• Sports Event Organizer: Tournament Golf Foundation (LPGA Safeway Classic)

The following awards are presented to properties who have continued to support the WCVA’s efforts by responding to WCVA-generated leads and sales requests:

• Top Responder (Sports Sales Leads): The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport
• Top Closer (Sports Sales Leads): Springhill Suites by Marriott Portland- Hillsboro
• Top Responder (Service Requests): Embassy Suites- Washington Square

We were delighted to learn from our friends at the Washington County Visitors Association that The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport was nominated for TWO 2010 WCVA Tourism Industry Awards: “Top Responders, WCVA Sports Sales Leads” and “Hotel Stakeholders- Group Tour.”

All nominees will be recognized during the WCVA’s annual Stakeholder Appreciation Luncheon and Tourism Awards event in Tigard, OR on Thursday, May 12th. This annual event is held in honor of National Travel & Tourism Week and celebrates Washington County’s tourism community.

Stay tuned!  We will keep you posted on the results!

About the Washington County Visitors Association
The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) is a non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO), which markets Washington County, Oregon, as a tourism destination.

Visitors to Washington County include: business, leisure and group travelers, meetings, sports and event planners, and tour operators, among others.

Destination marketing outreach includes advertising, public relations, online marketing, tourism research and other activities, as well as stakeholder and tourism development, group, tour and tourism sales, and sports sales, and more.

Did you know the wineries in our region produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir?  Here are some facts you may not know about Willamette Valley Wine Country:

• Oregon has over 300 wineries- Twenty wineries are situated here in Washington County (14 of which have regular tasting hours).
• Oregon wines have gained international attention because of their delicate flavor and relatively low alcohol content.
• Willamette Valley sits on the same latitude as France’s Burgundy wine region.
• Washington County is the home of SakéOne, the only American-owned saké brew

To learn more about Oregon Wine- visit these resources and plan your own adventure!

Oregon Wine Board – www.oregonwine.org
Willamette Valley Visitors Association – www.oregonwinecountry.org
Willamette Valley Wineries Association – www.willamettewines.com

Check out this guide to local wineries from  Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA)

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

www.davidhillwinery.com

• 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

www.elkcove.com

• 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

www.helvetiawinery.com

• 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

www.montinore.com

• 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

www.oakknollwinery.com

• 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

www.PlumHillWine.com

• 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

www.ponziwines.com

• 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

www.purplecowvineyards.com

• 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

www.sakeone.com

• 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

www.shafervineyardcellars.com

• 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

www.tualatinestate.com

• 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

www.beranvineyards.com

• 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

www.frejacellars.com

• 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

www.gardenvineyards.com

• 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

www.QuailhurstWines.com

• 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