North Willamette Valley Winery Tour
This Forest-Grove-based tour features picturesque wineries, an authentic sake brewery and a lively lodge.
John Patrick Pullen
Starting from Portland, head west on Highway 26 for about 30 miles (48 km) to reach Forest Grove. Among the soft, rolling hills near town are plenty of family-owned wineries to choose from.
Located within an historic 1883 farmhouse, David Hill Vineyards & Winery offers views of the Coast Range that rival their wines. Try the 2018 Estate Gewurztraminer, which bursts with aromatics of lemongrass and pistachio and contains notes of ginger and sweet spices.
To the north is Tualatin Estate Vineyards, one of the region’s oldest winemakers, which offers many varietals, including several full-bodied pinot noirs.
Apolloni Vineyards, further north and back on Route 6, also crafts pinot noir, as well as traditional Italian wines bursting with flavor.
After sampling a couple of these wineries, head back to Forest Grove to Urban Decanter, where local-focused fare like cheese boards and panini pair perfectly with wine tasting and will fuel the second half of your day.
After lunch, head over to SakéOne to sample a different type of local vintage. If you’ve only had the Japanese fermented rice beverage served warm in sushi bars, you’re in for a treat. The sakes made here are served chilled, like white wine, and pair surprisingly well with a range of foods – and cocktail mixers. Try a flight of craft Oregon sakes in the tasting room or tour the kura (brewery).
Montinore Estate, less than three miles south, features a tasting room that feels like a family room. From their gewürztraminer to their grape juice (a great substitute for cooking vinegars or cocktail mixers), there’s a unique taste in every bottle sold here.
From there, it’s only a short drive to McMenamins Grand Lodge, where the welcoming, whimsical hotel will tempt you to check-in and take a nap immediately. But don’t give in, or else you’ll miss all the fun at this historic estate. If you’re compelled to burn some calories, the onsite disc golf course will keep you moving, or if you’re ready to get off your feet, cool your heels in the soaking pool. With four bars and the Ironwork Grill restaurant, there are plenty of settings to select from for a hearty dinner before settling into one of the lodge’s rooms for the night.
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