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. And many of these wines are crafted just 45 minutes southwest of Portland in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With more than 200 wineries, this area is known as one of the premier Pinot noir-producing areas in the world, though it's gaining recognition for its Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Syrah and others.

Among the growing number of wineries in the northern Willamette Valley, many have tasting rooms and wines for sale on-site, as well as picnic areas, live music in the summer, and tours of their facilities.

Ponzi Vineyards, an internationally-recognized, family-owned winery located in the northern Willamette Valley, makes for a great day excursion. Guests are welcome to visit the historic winery in Beaverton, where second-generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi produces cool-climate varietals, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Or travel Oregon's wine route of Hwy. 99 to discover the winery's second tasting room and regional restaurant in beautiful Dundee.

The Ponzi Wine Bar features Ponzi wines in addition to some of the valley's finest producers. Wines are presented by tastings, rotating flights, bottle or case. Also, an appetizer menu is offered, making the visit even more enjoyable. Next door, The Dundee Bistro offers an award-winning wine list and menu featuring classic Willamette Valley style cuisine. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, ideal for a mid-afternoon break from wine tasting.

For a unique wine country experience, visit the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and Evergreen Vineyards. The winery started with a few Pinot Noir vines more than twenty years ago and has since expanded into Chardonnay and Riesling. Today their vines populate more than 240 acres of the Valley, including the Spruce Goose Vineyards located in front of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. Stop by the tasting room in McMinnville to sample their latest vintage.

Dundee, McMinnville, Albany and other historic towns within the Willamette Valley wine country are well-known for their charming bed and breakfasts, excellent restaurants, and antiques and specialty shops that draw visitors year-round. In historic downtown McMinnville, you'll find McMenamins Hotel Oregon, a friendly pub with 42 antique-filled guestrooms. The Hotel's Cellar Bar serves regional wine, handcrafted ales and spirits, and features live music on the weekends. You can't leave this property without visiting the legendary Rooftop Bar (with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the valley), which offers lunch and dinner in addition to their handcrafted ales, wines and spirits.

Another McMenamins property, Grand Lodge, is located in Forest Grove, just north of wine country. This former Masonic Lodge was built in 1922 and now houses 77 European-style rooms, multiple restaurants and small bars, the relaxing Ruby's Spa and outdoor soaking pool, movie theater and 10-hole disc golf course. This is an ideal place to bring family and friends for an enjoyable lunch at Yardhouse Grill on the sweeping front lawn or live music in the mosaic-tiled basement.

The town of Albany is host to many exciting wine country events throughout the year. In the spring, don't miss the Upstairs Downtown Loft Tour and Wine Walk (May 6, 2011) and be sure to sample tasty treats at The Nosh Tour happening throughout the summer. Albany is also home to some of the valley's most unique wineries, including Mark's Ridge Winery and Springhill Cellars.

Take a tour of Wine Country with Singing Planet e-bikes and pedal as much or as little as you like!

Click here for a handy map of Oregon's Wine Country or browse our wine listings.

Ponzi Vineyard

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