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Oregon's Wine Country Comes Alive with Annual Tour Event

Sokol Blosser Winery

(McMinnville, Oregon) - It's "Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country" tour time again, May 26 – 28, marking the 17th year of the twice-yearly event. No longer is it just limited to Yamhill County and the Oregon coast range - as if that wasn't large enough already. Now, the massive Wine Country tour encompasses the whole of the Willamette Valley, featuring wineries in the Portland, Salem, Polk County and Corvallis areas, as well as rural Yamhill County. More than 120 member wineries are open between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. - some closed the rest of the year but only opening their doors for these events.

Although recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir producing areas in the world, Oregon’s Willamette Valley also produces varietals from Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc to Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah and Merlot. This event draws wine lovers from around the country to explore the hamlets and towns of the Willamette Valley and taste the fruits of their labors. Visitors can see firsthand some of the region’s small, family-owned wineries often closed to visitors, as well as larger wineries and tasting rooms offering new releases, barrel tasting, gourmet food and limited quantity wines.

Some feature food, music and other interesting events. But all host wine tasting, with many charging a tasting fee.

You'll find them all over Yamhill County/Coast Range towns and rural areas, like Dundee, Newberg, Carlton, Dayton or Gaston. They're also in Hillsboro, various parts of Portland, the hills of West Salem, Philomath, Monmouth and dozens of other areas with names you've probably never heard of.

Big and small wineries abound. There's Beran Vineyards in Hillsboro, Hip Chicks do Wine in SE Portland, Lachini Vineyards in Newberg, Antica Terra from Gaston, Pheasant Court Winery in Philomath, Dundee's Domaine Serene and Duck Pond Cellars, and Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn in McMinnville, to name a few.

Other events sometimes come with the wine tasting. Aside from the ecstasy-inducing wine, Sokol Blosser Winery, in the Dundee area, goes completely bonkers and not only features new releases but music by the Bobby Torres Ensemble, along with catered lunch provided by another stunning culinary coups. (Highway 99 W, 503-864-2282).

For a literary twist, local writer Christina Melander and photographer Janis Miglavs will sign copies of their newly released illustrated guide to northwest wine-producing regions at various wineries in the valley. Their book, “Pacific Northwest: The UItimate Winery Guide” is published by Chronicle Books ($22.95) and features detailed profiles of 30 wineries and over 100 color photographs. It’s quite a guide to wine areas of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. This region is known not only for its popularity as a tourist destination, but for its maverick winemakers and award-winning wines. Christina and Janis will sign at the following Willamette Valley wineries during Memorial Day in Wine Country: Adelsheim, Argyle, Bethel Heights and Carlton Winemakers Studio.

Another special treat includes the debut of a wine glass made for Oregon wines. Visitors to some of the Willamette Valley tasting rooms during Memorial Day in Wine Country will be able to sip and swirl in Riedel’s new wine glass designed specifically for Oregon Pinot noir. A group of winemakers, wine writers, and sommeliers played a key role in the development of the new glass. After extensive research, the prototype for the glass was delivered with a large-bowled, tulip-shaped glass that flares out gently at the top to focus the aromas. “Willamette Valley Pinot noirs have their own distinctive style, and Riedel’s new glass was designed to showcase that style,” said Cole Danehower, wine editor, Northwest Palate Magazine.

Other celebrations happen at various wineries, including live music and food. At St. Innocent Winery in Salem, their food menu expands with wine friendly treats: grilled salmon, herbed Oregon leg of lamb, French white beans, Oregon and imported cheeses, breads from Cascade Baking Co., and strawberries with chocolate ganache. 1360 Tandem Street NE. Salem, Oregon. 503-378-1526.

For a wine touring map with winery listings, lodging and dining, call the Willamette Valley Wineries Association at 503-646-2985, send an email to info@willamettewines.com or visit www.willamettewines.com.

Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com.

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