WIML and I are going to try to visit this area in June. If anyone has suggestions for places to stay and wineries to visit , please post. I also hope to visit the coast, so suggestions for that area would be appreciated also.
Posts: 673 | Location: New home of the Dallas Cowboys | Registered: Oct 31, 2003
Don't really have any specific suggestions, but I did spend a couple of summers in the Willamette while in college, and loved the month of June. I was in a little rednecky town (Oakridge) an hour from Eugene and loved the weather both times.
A fantastic Thai place in downtown Eugene, but can't remember the name. Coast (Florence area) is lovely then too. Enjoy!
-IB
"Wine only turns into alcohol if you let it sit."---Lindsay Bluth
Posts: 6196 | Location: Naptown | Registered: Nov 24, 2006
I was there this weekend and had a wonderful meal at the Dundee Bistro in, well, Dundee. Great food and a very nice wine list that is very fairly priced. We had a 2004 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Belle Pente Vineyard that blew me away!
Depending on your budget, for a lower cost, the Shilo Inn in Newberg was just fine.
Cheers!
Posts: 1647 | Location: Seattle, WA, USA | Registered: Mar 22, 2004
Wineries: Our favorites were Sinean, Chehalem, Lemelson, Argyle, Archery Summit and Bethel Heights. The Ponzi tasting room in Dundee is worth a vist. they had guest wines that were better than Ponzi's. Domaine Serene has a really nice piece of property. It is worth visiting for the view - just don't expect them to serve you their best wines. Bergstrom, Penner-Ash, and Soter were disappointing, maily because I was expecting more.
Reasaurants: Tina's - by far the best. We also really enjoyed the Joel Palmer House and Bistro Maison. Dundee Bistro for lunch.
Lodging: You are on your own. We stayed at the Best Western in Newberg in order to save money for wine and food. Very basic.
Enjoy your trip. We can't wait to go back!
P.S. If you rent a car, Oregon has a goofy law prohibiting you from pumping your own gas. I found this out the hard way.
---------- "Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams . If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."
- Jack Handy
Posts: 1107 | Location: San Diego | Registered: Jan 17, 2006
I used to live in Portland, and if not for wanting to raise my kids near family, I would still be there. That area is a hidden gem!
When are you going and for how long? The area has a ton to do in the summer, especially around Portland.
Coast - Try and go to Canon Beach for maybe a day trip. Really cool little area, have lunch, get a glass or two, go down on the beach and check out Haystack Rock.
Be aware there are some great and not so great places along the coast. I would avoid Seaside, abit of a dump IMO. Astoria is OK, but it's a bit farther north. As with wineries, I would stick to the smaller cities.
Wine - A lot of the aforementioned and usual suspects are good, Domaine Serene, Archery Summitt, Domain Drouhin (sp)etc. are great.
However, on the small, more interesting side, I would try and get to Patricia Green Cellars, Sineann and Eyrie. You should try and meet David Lett. A classy guy and one of the founding fathers of OR Pinot Noir. I visited all three last year and they were all great.
There is also a board member who makes some pretty good OR Pinot Noir! I am sure you know who I am referencing. Check and see if he will be around, and if he can accomodate you, make it your #1 priority!
Have fun, the Willamette Valley is great.
Posts: 673 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 12, 2005
The Oregeon we-pump-your-gas applies to anyone in any car. I never have really had a problem with it.
I realize that the law applies to everyone (not just tourists). I was unaware of the law, however, until the a-hole gas station attendant essentially ripped the pump handle out of my hands at a gas station in Newberg. That might have been a useful tidbit of info that the rental car folks could have passed along.
---------- "Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams . If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."
- Jack Handy
Posts: 1107 | Location: San Diego | Registered: Jan 17, 2006
Originally posted by klymkev: When are you going and for how long?
We're going in June, I believe the 13th to the 20th.
You are going at a great time, from a weather standpoint. The rains SHOULD be subsiding, no guarantee on that, however, and everything will likely be pretty green. The temps usually don't get crazy high (not above 90 very often) and you will have very low to no humidity.
As you drive thru or around Portland, look for Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. You can see both at the same time on clear days, from certain areas of the city.
One spot that is really great is the Rose Gardens. Not where the Blazers play, but the actual garden. It overlooks the city and surrounding areas. If you catch a clear day, GO. I'm not into flowers, and never actually went there when I lived there, but went last year with my wife and kids and wished I had sooner. Great Views!.
Check out The Rose Festival in and around Portland. There are a ton of events (Art Festival, Beer Festival - think this is in July - it is a WILD time, lots of fun) going on from early June thru July, I believe. There is probably a website listing events.
The gas thing is kind of cool after a while, particularly when it's hot. It sucks when there is a line, though. From what I was told when I lived there it was a law enacted to provide jobs, and as mentioned, is pretty serious if you attempt to pump yourself.
There is plenty of great golf around teh entire state, as well you are golfers and/or have time. I am spending 4 days at Bandon Dunes over Labor Day weekend, and would recommend that resort as the #1 in the state, if not the Pacific NW.
As for restaurants, I'll list a few, but realize it's been 5+ years since we lived there, so who knows if some of these are even still around. My wife and I used to love was Fernando's hideaway downtown, on 1st Ave. It's Spanish, has great sevice (ask for Pete) and great food. Can't remember if it's wine friendly or has a good list.
There is also a placed called Opus that is unbelievable. It has a jazz bar attached to it as well and live music many night. I googled it and it did't come up, so it may not be around anymore? Check with some locals.
The Heathman Hotel's restaurant is very upscale dining. Very expensive, but top notch food and service.
Dammit I wish I still lived there!
Have fun!
Posts: 673 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 12, 2005
Some great suggestions so far. I think the Northern Willamette is pretty well covered. However, I would add JK Carriere and Shea.
Since you are going to be in the area for a week, I suggest going a little further south in the valley and hitting: St. Innocent, Cristom, Bethel Heights, Panther Creek and Brooks. The last two are in McMinnville. It is worth the trip to all of those wineries. Check with the wineries suggested by myself and others. Many require appointments.
If you like to hike, there are some wonderful spots in the gorge. It is the opposite direction of the coast. You can fish for Chinook (king) salmon in the Columbia just north of the city. A whole lot to do in the area in June.
I'd also recommend spending a couple of nights in Portland. There some great wine bars and restaurants. The Saturday morning market in the south park blocks is definitely worth hitting. Have a great trip!
Posts: 234 | Location: Portland, OR | Registered: Feb 18, 2004
WIML - Sorry about that. You are right. I forgot that the only time I tasted Shea in the valley was during Thanksgiving weekend when all the wineries are open. If you do want to taste Shea, Oregon wines on Boardway in Portland usually has a bottle or two open for by the glass pours.
BTW, if it does turn out that you guys will be spending a night or two in Portland, let me know. We may be able to pull to together a small offline of some local forum members.
Posts: 234 | Location: Portland, OR | Registered: Feb 18, 2004
Originally posted by DrinkumAll: BTW, if it does turn out that you guys will be spending a night or two in Portland, let me know. We may be able to pull to together a small offline of some local forum members.
Sounds great. Let's plan on it! PURPLE definitely wants to spend some time in Portland. Not sure when we'll do that or what we'll do but an offline would great. Right now I think we're leaning towards 1-2 days in Portland, 2 days on the coast someplace and maybe 3-4 days mostly in the northern Willamette Valley area.
Joe ----- Wine is like potato chips around me...if it's open, it's gone.
Come visit me sometime at http://www.winexiles.com/
also - if you get some free time, drive an hour and a half nw to the oregon coast to a town called cannon beach - we vacation there all the time - some really nice restaurants and a wonderful place to unwind.
Posts: 2542 | Location: Seattle, WA | Registered: Dec 31, 2002
There are a myriad hotels and inns along the road at which to stay, but our favorite is an old, restored hotel in McMinnville, The Hotel Oregon. The website is: Hotel Oregon. The phone number is 888-472-8427. It is located in downtown (a small town of some charm) McMinnville. There are some very attractive midweek rates, even in Summer, which include breakfast. Go for the suite. It's quite modestly priced and there was a 10 or 15% discount for three night stays.It is a fine base from which to explore the area, and we find it much nicer than the Travellodge/Holiday Inn/Ramada Inn type places.
There are some outstanding restaurants in the area, Many will allow you to bring in your own wine for a modest corkage fee (about $10), but they all have very good wine lists featuring the local wines at fair prices. None of these restaurants are expensive: Tina’s, 760 N. Hwy 99W, Dundee, 503-538-8880 Red Hills Provincial Dining, 276 N. Hwy 99W, Dundee, 503-538-8224 Nick’s Italian Cafe, 521 E. 3rd Street, McMinnville, 503-434-4471 The Joel Palmer House, 600 Ferry Street, Dayton, 503-864-2995- the specialty is all types of mushrooms which pair very well with Pinot Noir.
Wineries:
Start off by contacting BHVineyard for a tour and tasting.
Sineann- Sineann produces a wide variety of wines, some from varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel, from grapes grown in Washington. For me, Sineann’s strength is its outstanding Pinot Noirs, my favorite being the Resonance Vineyard. Call Peter Rosback and arrange a tasting and tour at 503-341-2698. Website: Sineann. While there, don’t neglect to also taste the sweet wines, a Zinfandel Port and the Sweet Sydney Ice Wine.
Panther Creek Cellars- located in downtown McMinnville, a few blocks from the Hotel Oregon. They produce a Chardonnay from Washington grapes and several different excellent Pinot Noirs. Call Jack Rovics at 503-472-8080 and arrange a tasting. Panther Creek
Chehalem- This is my favorite winery in the state. Others produce Pinot Noirs in the top class like these, but none, in my opinion, are as successful with a broad range of red and white wines. The owner, Harry Peterson-Nedry is a gentleman passionate about his wine and also possessing a great sense of humor. His Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, as well as his Pinot Noirs, are amongst the state’s best. Even his least expensive wines are worth purchasing. Call him to arrange a tasting at 503-538-4700. Chehalem.
Ken Wright- Ken Wright’s Pinot Noirs are amongst the state’s very finest. Call Dale at 800-571-6825 and arrange a tour and tasting. If you’re there during the Summer, you’ll be able to taste some of the barrel samples, a great experience. Dale will explain the different soils at each vineyard and their effect on the finished wine. Ken Wright.
Cristom- This one of the southernmost wineries in the Willamette area, producing very fine Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Call them at 503-375-3068 if you like, but it’s not necessary for tasting. The area is beautiful. Cristom
Bethel Heights- Located near Cristom. Their whites are very good and their Reserve Pinot Noirs are outstanding. The winery is beautiful. Call them at 503-581-2262, but it’s not necessary for tasting. Bethel Heights
Borad-O --- I'm impressed! I was going to chime in, but you called everything I would've mentioned, especially the recommendation of contacting BHVineyard.
Board-O hit the nail on the head. I would only add a couple of comments. The Painted Lady is a new restaurant in Newberg. I have not eaten there, but have heard that it is very good. Also, in the Northern end of the valley, I would definately add Lemelson as a place to visit. Lastly, if you go down to the Salem area (Cristom, Bethel Heights) you should add Witness Tree. It's one of my favorites and right next door to Cristom.
Posts: 889 | Location: STL | Registered: Dec 22, 2005
Thanks, I've always wanted to check out the Portland market, but otherwise not real familar with what there is in Portland. An Offline would be nice. Cristom, Drouhin, etc are on the list, of course checking out places that offer wine we would never see in TX is key. Thanks for the pumping gas tip.
Posts: 673 | Location: New home of the Dallas Cowboys | Registered: Oct 31, 2003
I think we're going to stay in Portland on Monday and Tuesday night, the last two days of our trip. Are there any particular areas where we should stay and any recommended hotels in those areas?
Joe ----- Wine is like potato chips around me...if it's open, it's gone.
Come visit me sometime at http://www.winexiles.com/
wiml, is there a particular reason you want to stay in Portland? It's only an hour or so from the Willamette Valley and you could take a trip in there one afternoon if you wanted. If you're not going to have enough time to visit all the wineries you'd like to see, maybe skip Portland or reduce it to one day.
That said, there is a nice old hotel in Portland. I think it was called The Governor and it's in a nice section of town, iirc.
Just one more sip.
Posts: 24979 | Location: NY | Registered: Oct 18, 2001
