Quite often when wine enthusiasts talk about wine tours, common places come up time and time again. Napa, France and Spain all top many wine tour lists. Yet there are many unique and exciting places that can add a refreshing change in the normal places of wine tours. One such place is Oregon.
There are 303 wineries in Oregon currently. Most are near the city of Portland while others are in various different valleys. Many would be surprised to learn that wines have been produced since the territory was settled in the 1840’s. At the famed Saint Louis World Fair in 1904, an Oregon winemaker won the top prize. The state of Oregon has made great strides in protecting the land for vineyards, this state truly takes pride in their wineries.
Pinot Noir is the most popular wine produced in Oregon and is considered to be one of the best areas in the world for this wine. Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling round out the production list. If any of these wines are not on your list, don’t fret. Most wineries do produce other varieties of wine in smaller quantities.
Unlike popular places like California, Oregon is much more rural and slow paced. Yet don’t let that deter you. You will avoid the crowds and your wine tour will become more personalized. Many of Oregon’s wine tours follow the typical schedule in which you may sample wine at two or three wineries a day. Yet your group will be smaller which allows you to ask any questions you may have about wine, many visitors feel that they received vast amounts of information here. Most tours will also take you behind the scenes. Visitors are able to see up close how wine is produced and can take a relaxing stroll through the actual vineyards.
Many wineries offer private day tours for just two people, a unique and rare opportunity.
If you like history and story telling, Oregon is a perfect fit for you. Vineyard owners in Oregon are famous for and take pride in telling the history of families who worked the vineyards and the history behind it.
Don’t be surprised if you make a few new life long friends during your winery tour, it is quite often that visitors are asked to stay for dinner or simply welcomed each time they see them on the street. It will be a wine tour that you will talk about for years.
BIO: This article is brought to you by Wine Club Guide.