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 Oregon’s wine industry is just a few decades old, but vintners are already producing wines that compete with—and often outshine—some of the world’s best labels. Many of these wines are crafted just 45 minutes southwest of Portland in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s leading wine region and home to two-thirds of the states wineries and vineyards (more than 200 at last count). The area is known for its Pinot noir, though it’s gaining recognition for Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Syrah and others. The Willamette Valley wine region hosts numerous events throughout the year, but oenophiles won’t want to miss the two main events: Wine Country Thanksgiving and Memorial Weekend in Wine Country, when more than 140 wineries are open to the public. Festivities include tasting of new releases and older vintages, barrel tastings, specialty foods and sales of limited quantity wines. Ponzi Vineyards—an internationally-recognized, family-owned winery—is conveniently located in the northern Willamette Valley, 15 miles from downtown Portland. Guests are welcome to visit the historic Estate Winery and Vineyard in Beaverton, open daily for tastings of current releases. Discover a second tasting room and regional restaurant in Dundee along Hwy. 99. The Ponzi Wine Bar features Ponzi wines in addition to a selection of rare Oregon wines. Next door, The Dundee Bistro offers an award-winning wine list and a menu featuring classic Willamette Valley-style cuisine. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, ideal for a mid-afternoon break from wine tasting or a comfortable dinner among friends and family. Another standout is WillaKenzie Estate, located just 35 miles southwest of Portland in the foothills of northern Willamette Valley's Chehalem Mountain range. Sustainability is practiced in all aspects of their vineyards and winery, emphasizing respect for the environment and the balance of the entire ecosystem, comprising 420 acres with slightly over 100 acres of the best slopes planted to vineyards. The majority, about 70 percent, is Pinot noir. Pinot gris accounts for another 18 percent while the remaining acreage is divided between Pinot blanc, Gamay noir, Pinot meunier and a small amount of Chardonnay. WillaKenzie Estate encourages wine lovers to come, visit, and discover the source of great wine. Just an hour east of Portland via I-84 sits the Columbia River Gorge wine region. Here, an extraordinary combination of climate, soil and geology create distinctly different “micro-climates” that are perfect for growing premium grapes of almost every variety. From Albarino to Zinfandel, this viticulture brings distinctive taste, balance and vibrancy to a wide range of classic varietals. Your Columbia River Gorge wine tour would not be complete without visiting Cathedral Ridge Winery. Pick up a bottle of their 2006 Rock Star Red, 2006 Syrah or 2007 Pinot Gris—all recommended in the Spring 2009 issue of Wine Press NW—and enjoy a picnic with an unsurpassed view of the region. Add stops at Pheasant Valley Vineyard & Winery, recipient of six Gold medals at the Northwest Wine Summit, and Maryhill Winery – a unique venue that features many fun events, including a Summer Concert Series with the magnificent Columbia River Gorge as a backdrop. Looking for the real dirt on Pacific Northwest wine? Check out Wine Dirt Tours and taste your way through your choice of wine regions: Willamette Valley, Columbia River Gorge and Southwest Washington. Owner and friendly expert Mary Alfieri Studt has over 30 years experience in the wine industry. Her knowledge and passion will introduce you to the exciting and ever changing world of wine! Click here for a handy map of Oregon's Wine Country or browse our wine listings.
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