2019WVVG_final.indb 1 6/12/19 10:45 AM 2019WVVG_final.indb 2 discover what makes this area world-renowned by planning atrip to any oneofover wineries. 550 wine enthusiast magazine named the willamette valley aswine region ofthe year in2016. visit the interactive map at www.oregonwinecountry.org/map-explorer to find awinery. Visit hundreds of wineries of hundreds Visit 6/12/19 10:45 AM

Taylor Higgins top events january Oregon Truffle Festival (Jan.-Feb.) Contents OregonTruffleFestival.com wilsonville newberg march starters canby mcminnville SIP! McMinnville Wine & Food Classic 2 trip pairings SipClassic.org Wine is just the 99w i-5 april beginning. Get a SALEM taste of the valley’s silverton Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest (March-May) WoodenShoe.com/tulip-fest many adventures. independence may 99w detroit features albany McMenamins UFO Festival 5 a story in every sip corvallis UFOFest.com 20 Uncork Polk County There’s more to Oregon ExplorePolkCounty.org/uncork wine than what’s in brownsville sweet home july the glass. monroe 20 da Vinci Days 99w 7 taste the seasons i-5 daVinciDays.org Molalla Buckeroo Tips for enjoying a winery eugene springfield MolallaBuckeroo.com tour any time of year. 126 Oregon Country Fair OregonCountryFair.org 9 two-wheeled Salem Art Fair & Festival cottage grove touring SalemArt.org/art-fair Stand by Me Day A guide to riding the oakridge HistoricBrownsville.com/what-to-do/ epic, 134-mile Willamette 58 attractions/stand-by-me Valley Scenic Bikeway. august Swan Island Annual Dahlia Festival itineraries (Aug.-Sept.) 12 yamhill county Dahlias.com/annualdahliafestival.aspx Visit the towns of Yamhill Junction City Scandinavian Festival ScandinavianFestival.com County, a land of culinary Bounty of Yamhill County delights in the northernmost 20 corvallis area BountyOfYamhillCounty.com section of Willamette Valley Northwest Art & Air Festival wine country. Home to Oregon State NWArtAndAir.org University, Corvallis has the september 14 mt. hood territory charm of a historic downtown Corvallis Fall Festival The small towns on the west and the beauty of national CorvallisFallFestival.org side of Mt. Hood entice forests. november you with outdoor adventure, farm tours and fields of 22 eugene, springfield & Christmas in the Garden (Nov.-Jan.) OregonGarden.org/ blooming flowers. cascades area christmas-in-the-garden

The southernmost section december 16 salem area of the Willamette Valley is Albany Annual Christmas Parlour Tour Oregon’s capital region a destination for mountain AlbanyVisitors.com/history abounds with green parks, bikers, hikers and University art and culture. Nearby towns of Oregon Duck fans. are gateways to natural wonders and wine tasting. 24 oregon wine country map 18 albany area Navigate the Willamette The Willamette Valley – Oregon Wine Set in one of the lushest Country guide is published by the Valley wine regions, scenic Willamette Valley Visitors Association stretches of the valley, Albany (WVVA) and MEDIAmerica, Inc. Every byways & bikeways and more. effort was made to ensure the accuracy of is a living-history museum, the information in this publication. However, due to the passage of with more than 800 historic time and the anomalies inherent in the publishing process, we cannot be responsible for errors or incorrect information. 120,000 printed. homes and buildings. On the cover: Winderlea Vineyard and Winery by Andréa Johnson © 2019. 866.548.5018 oregonwinecountry.org 1

2019WVVG_final.indb 1 6/12/19 10:45 AM trip pairings Get a taste of the valley’s many adventures winning wine country When the esteemed Wine Enthusiast magazine announced its Wine Region of the Year in 2016, the Willamette Valley claimed the crown — outranking such illustrious vino territories as Sonoma, Champagne and Provence for the top prize. So what makes the valley such a world-class destination for wine touring? Of course, there’s the wine: Pinot noir and Pinot gris grapes famously thrive here due to the Burgundy-like climate of the Willamette’s seven distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) — celebrated annually during Oregon Wine Month (May), Memorial Weekend in the Wine Museum of Natural and Cultural History Country (May), the International Pinot Noir Celebration (July) and Wine Country Thanksgiving (November). But what really sets the valley apart is a humble spirit and a relaxed pace. Even as they earn more acclaim, the lion’s share of the 500-plus wineries past and present remain small, family-owned operations. When you step into one of The Willamette Valley has long captured their tasting rooms, chances are furry winery dogs will give you a imaginations. And how could it not? Its tail-wagging welcome at the door and the vintners themselves will quiet country roads, rolling hills of emerald pour your flight. That’s simply how Oregon does wine. Find a map conifers and colorful patchwork of fruitful of wineries and plan a tour at OregonWineCountry.org/wineries. fields seem to wait for plein air artists to set up their easels. From small-town galleries

Stoller Family Estate on classic Main Streets to finely curated pioneer museums, a dedication to arts and heritage defines communities big and small. Two major cultural institutions, Salem’s Hallie Ford Museum of Art and Eugene’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon, put the Pacific Northwest’s artists and natural landscapes in context. Curators breathe life into the valley’s diverse history at such heritage sites as the Benton County Historical Museum in Philomath, the Willamette Heritage Center in Salem and the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum in Cottage Grove. Historic city centers double as surveys of 19th- and 20th-century American architecture, notably Albany’s four designated historic districts. And buzzing annual events showcase the area’s contemporary culture, including the World Beat Festival (June), the Oregon Bach Festival (June to July) and the Northwest Art & Air Festival (August). Find more culture and heritage inspiration at OregonWineCountry.org/wine-culture. from left: Mike Haverkate; courtesy of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History History and Cultural of Natural courtesy Haverkate; of the Museum left: Mike from

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2019WVVG_final.indb 2 6/12/19 10:45 AM foodie heritage Oregon native and iconic gourmand James Beard frequently wrote about his love of the fresh ingredients the valley is famous for. Long before farm-to-table trended in the culinary world, chefs in the Willamette Valley quietly sourced local goods direct from farms, orchards, fishers and artisan producers as a matter of convenience. It’s the way of life in a land where food has such a traceable link back to its source. To get a taste, you only need to pull up a chair: Much-lauded restaurants have set up shop in the heart of wine country, such as the mushroom-and-truffle-centric Joel Palmer House in Dayton, The Painted Lady in Newberg and Sybaris Bistro in Albany. A few wineries even operate on-site restaurants — try Willamette Valley Vineyards near Turner and King Estate Winery outside Eugene. Join other gastronomes for some of the valley’s most sumptuous culinary events, including the Oregon Truffle Festival (January to February), Taste Dundee (April), Bounty of Yamhill County (August) and Septemberfest (September). You can even brush up with cooking classes at The Kitchen at Middleground Farms, a recreational culinary school

The Painted Lady in a converted barn near Wilsonville. More tasty trip ideas await at OregonWineCountry.org/wine-food. on the farm The same alluvial soil and temperate climate that defines the Willamette Valley’s distinct terroir also makes it one of the lushest agricultural regions in the United States. And the farm scene isn’t something you only experience on the plate. Growers and producers here dazzle with rainbow fields of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pumpkins, hops and more. You can get a quick glimpse at one of many colorful farmers markets, such as Lane County Farmers Market in Eugene, Polk County Bounty Market in Dallas, Salem Saturday Market and Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Markets. Take an agritour of a designated farm loop: notably the Molalla Country Farm Loop, which stops at the iconic Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, and the Marion Farm Loop, which includes U-pick peaches at Meyer Orchards and the on-site farm store at E.Z. Orchards Farm Market. Unsurprisingly, the valley also turns out the quintessential wine companion: top-notch cheeses from creameries such as TMK Creamery, Ochoa’s Queseria and Briar Rose Creamery. And you can’t get much closer to the source than dining on the farm at standouts such as certified- organic Gathering Together Farm near Corvallis and Alesong Brewing south of Eugene. Find on-the-farm trip ideas at OregonWineCountry.org/wine-farm.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm from top: Courtesy of the Painted Lady; Susan Seubert Lady; Susan top: Courtesyfrom of the Painted oregonwinecountry.org 3

2019WVVG_final.indb 3 6/12/19 10:45 AM kid approved There’s so much in the valley to keep curious families on the go. A rite of passage for many Oregonians, the Enchanted Forest near Salem brings fairy tales to life with its whimsical, storybook attractions — a theme park that the Tofte family has built by hand and expanded since 1971. Ride a waterslide out of a Boeing 747 at the indoor Wings & Waves Waterpark in McMinnville, which sits on the same campus as the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, a can’t-miss spot for budding aviationists. In Wilsonville, World of Speed Motorsports Museum is dedicated to everything fast, with interactive exhibits and a historic collection of notable cars, bikes and boats. There are plenty of playful museums sure to captivate minds of all ages, including the Gilbert House Children’s Museum in Salem, the hands-on Eugene Science Center and the fully ADA- accessible Albany Historic Carousel & Museum, where you can take a whirl on the immaculately restored vintage ride. Find more kid-approved adventures at

OregonWineCountry.org/wine-family. Albany Historic Carousel & Museum

Spencer Butte wild wonders Wine clearly pairs well with gobsmacking views, but keep in mind that the Willamette Valley’s sweeping vistas aren’t just for looking at. This is a territory where trails lure hikers to 10 cascading waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park, road riders pedal on the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, paddlers glide for 180-plus river miles along the Willamette Water Trail and clothing-optional pools beg a dip at Breitenbush Hot Springs. You’ll find more scenic treks than you can point a walking stick at — lace up boots for upward climbs at Marys Peak near Corvallis or Spencer Butte in Eugene, which reward with pan- oramic viewpoints. Avid birders join ama- teur wildlife watchers spotting seemingly countless resident and migrating species at dozens of spots on the Willamette Valley Birding Trail, with a few highlights including the Sheridan Wetlands Park, Baskett Slough and Ankeny National wildlife refuges, and Talking Water Gardens. Find more outdoor adventures at OregonWineCountry.org/wine-outdoors. from top: AO FIlms; Chris Pietsch FIlms; AO top: from

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2019WVVG_final.indb 4 6/12/19 10:46 AM a story in every sip There’s more to Oregon wine than what’s in the glass pend some time in the willamette valley and you realize a few things. for one, Syou understand why adjectives like “scenic” and “panoramic” get repeated so often. a mosaic of farms and vineyards, the countryside seems like it was tailor- made for wine touring. and after sipping a few ounces in a tasting room, no doubts remain that the valley’s cool climate and rich soils produce some of the world’s finest pinot noir. but that’s just skimming the surface.

Oregon wine isn’t only defined by sweeping views a taste of history or the valley’s distinct terroir, although those are During his storied career, Lett’s father, David, earned certainly a big part of it. It’s the winemaking ethos of himself the nickname “Papa Pinot.” He was the first the pioneering vintners who, five decades ago, bucked winemaker to plant Pinot noir in the valley and the first conventional wisdom and stubbornly planted vines that in North America to plant Pinot gris, which today are still make the wine experience here different from other the two most-grown grapes in the state. regions on the West Coast. In the early 1960s, against the advice of almost “I see three things that set Oregon wine apart,” says everyone, David came to Oregon to plant vines with vintner Jason Lett of the Eyrie Vineyards, “the climate, the goal of starting a winery of his own. Shortly after, the geology — which is young, vibrant and active — he and his wife, Diana, opened Eyrie Vineyards in the and, especially, the culture. We make a tiny amount of red hills outside of the town of Dundee, producing wine compared with other states, but we occupy many their first vintage in 1970. column inches in every wine publication.” “It was Dad’s research project to find a region that The freethinkers in the early days of the industry would produce wines that could reach the same worked together to make great wine without pretension, heights as those grown in Burgundy,” says Jason. and you’ll still encounter examples of that collaborative “Pinot noir has a very particular climate that isn’t very spirit nearly everywhere you go. Don’t be surprised if common anywhere else in the world.” the winemakers themselves even pour your glass — He found the ideal conditions here, and the Letts, so, yes, swirl and sip, but also take this as a chance to along with other pioneers like Charles Coury and Dick get the inside story straight from the source. Erath, quickly put Willamette Valley wines on the map. In 1979, the 1975 Reserve Pinot noir from the Eyrie Vineyards shocked the world by placing in the top 10 of the Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiad international blind-tasting competition — going head to head with the finest Burgundies. A few short years later, in December 1983, the Willamette Valley established the first AVA in Oregon. Today it is the largest of Oregon’s 19 AVAs and home to two-thirds of the state’s wineries — more than 500 at last count. To get a sense of Oregon’s ageability, pop into the tast- ing room at Eyrie Vineyards in McMinnville for a pouring of their vintages. “We give you a one-on-one experi- ence,” says Jason, who leads special tastings of their Pinot through the decades. “It’s a taste of the state’s

Bethel Heights Vineyard history,” he says — one you won’t get anywhere else. Andréa Johnson oregonwinecountry.org 5

2019WVVG_final.indb 5 6/12/19 10:46 AM from bud to bottle “It’s deeply ingrained in what we do,” says Mark Many of the wines in the valley are estate grown and Nicholl, owner of Oregon Wine LAB, citing examples produced, giving vintners an unusually high level of such as loaning equipment during harvest to help a influence on the final product. This hands-on, “bud-to- neighbor in a pinch, as well as a general willingness to bottle” approach exemplifies the meticulous standards share skills and knowledge. Oregon winemakers are famous for. A native of Australia, Nicholl is part of a new wave In the distinct Eola-Amity Hills AVA, a subappellation of vintners. He’s worked in wine regions around the of the Willamette Valley AVA, Witness Tree Vineyard world for nearly two decades. In 2006 he answered the takes this approach. Named for an ancient oak tree call of a winery that needed a winemaker in the valley, used as a surveyor’s landmark in the era of the Oregon and he left France to come to Oregon. It didn’t take Trail, the boutique winery located northwest of Salem him long to launch his own label, William Rose Wines, produces wines solely from estate-grown grapes. which he operates not in a pastoral vineyard setting “By virtue of not having to source fruit, every decision but out of Oregon Wine LAB in downtown Eugene. I make in the vineyard relates to the wine we produce,” He describes the LAB as part urban winery and says Steven Westby, who’s worked at Witness Tree quasi collective, and the name implies an experimental since his friends Dennis and Carolyn Devine acquired it spirit while also doubling as an acronym for “local in 1994. “I’m not worried so much about margins; I’m artisan brands.” focused on growing the best possible grapes.” A willingness to work together and pool resources — The vineyard currently comprises around 50 planted values many in the valley share — inspires Nicholl’s busi- acres (20 ha), and the winery produces about 6,000 ness moves. With Oregon Wine LAB, he aims to show- cases annually — a small number when compared to case wine from vintners that remain too small to operate large out-of-state wineries but typical here in the valley, their own tasting rooms, and he even welcomes food where the majority of vintners produce only a few trucks to set up shop and serve fare to hungry visitors. thousand cases a year. The focus in Oregon remains on “We’re part of a movement of breweries and a few perfecting every stage of the process rather than large- other urban wineries here in Eugene,” says Nicholl. “I like scale expansion. the idea of bringing the product closer to the consumer. Westby likes it this way. “The fact that I manage both And what we’re really trying to do is have that commit- the winery and vineyard gives me a lot of control,” he ment to quality while making wine more accessible.” says. “I get to take things from beginning to end, from That’s a theme in the Willamette Valley that transcends stem to stern.” generations, and it’s something you see wherever you go — from an urban wine collective in the heart of the community matters city to a postcard-perfect tasting room with sweeping Today there’s one word many winemakers use to vineyard views. It’s all part of the unfolding story of describe working in the Willamette Valley: camaraderie. Oregon wine. There’s a community-centric mind-set here that stems from the early years, and it’s evident even as the industry Visit OregonWineCountry.org/wine for information grows and new wineries dot the landscape. on wine tasting.

Eola Hills Legacy Estate John Valls John

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2019WVVG_final.indb 6 6/12/19 10:46 AM Brooks Wine taste the seasons Tips for enjoying a winery tour any time of year here’s not one best time to plan a tasting tour of the willamette valley — there are Tfour best times, as each passing season shows off a different side of oregon wine country. you can’t deny the sunny allure of summer, of course, when visitors unfold blankets for vineyard picnics and tuneful festivals stretch into the starlit hours. but summer gives you only a taste of the valley experience. the complex character of this world-renowned region means you shouldn’t stop at the first sip. from bud break in spring through the bustle of harvest and into the cozy celebrations of winter, here are a few secrets of the valley’s distinct seasons.

winter: cellar season vintners resting after a busy harvest as R. Stuart & Co. in McMinnville Cellar season is full-bodied, toasty and fireplaces crackling in many of and King Estate near Eugene host and even a little spicy. The forecast the region’s tasting rooms. regular cellar tours and tastings. may call for cool and drizzly days, Expect special events and Annual culinary festivals like the but slip on waterproof boots and releases dotting the calendars Oregon Truffle Festival (January don a comfy rain jacket, and you’ll of many favorite spots, including and February) and wine celebra- find that it’s one of the best times vintage Pinot tastings at Winter’s tions like Bubbles Fest (Valentine’s to plan a tasting tour. Hill Estate in Dayton, live music at Day Weekend) give you even more After the last plump grapes get Brooks in Amity, and special food- reasons to raise a glass and toast plucked off the vines, the misty and-wine pairings at Left Coast Oregon wine. months of winter make the Estate in Rickreall, to name only a Willamette Valley feel even more few. This is also the ideal season to spring: bud break relaxed. You’ll see an especially get a behind-the-scenes look at the Fans of a good comeback story will intimate side of the valley, with production process; wineries such love spring in the valley, when vine- Andréa Johnson oregonwinecountry.org 7

2019WVVG_final.indb 7 6/12/19 10:46 AM yards awake from their slumber and have fun on their lawns. You can Vista Balloon Adventures the growing season begins anew. roll bocce balls at such wineries as The big event happens quietly as Cana’s Feast in Carlton, Arcane the warming earth and lengthening Cellars in Salem and Methven days awaken vines for “bud break,” Family Vineyards in Dayton. Pack which refers to the tiny leaves picnic provisions to bring along too, shooting out of the buds on the as many vintners — like Iris Vine- vine. In a few short weeks, typically yards near Eugene, Youngberg Hill in late April, entire vineyards trans- in McMinnville and Piluso Vineyard form into fresh shades of green. and Winery in Aumsville — welcome Many wineries post photos and your blankets and wicker baskets. updates on social media that indicate Throughout the season, nearly the vintage has begun; it’s beautiful every winery hosts special wine to witness firsthand, perched in a dinners, weekend food-and-drink tasting room with sweeping views, pairings, and musical events and including WillaKenzie Estate in festivals, so check their calendars Yamhill, Cherry Hill Winery in Rick- and make it a date. reall and Sarver Winery in Eugene. Wineries band together for fall: crush celebrations such as Taste. Learn. The crisp air buzzes with energy Celebrate., a daylong festival as autumn rolls around. “Crush” hosted by Cascade Foothills Wine- in wine country lingo refers to the growers that features winemaking magical time of year when vineyard demonstrations and tastings from hands pick plump grapes and wine- more than 15 wineries. Spring also makers get to work crushing them. brings a marquee statewide event: It’s a well-orchestrated symphony Oregon Wine Month in May, when that showcases the teamwork wineries host special tastings and necessary to produce Oregon wine offer promotions. Wine Month and the community spirit present in comes to a resounding close with the local industry. Memorial Weekend in the Wine Popular fall festivals like the vino adventures Country, when more than 150 Carlton Crush Harvest Festival wineries participate in the valley- (September) feature food and Tasting tours in the Willamette Valley wide celebration. wine vendors along with live music are anything but typical. Here are a few out-of-the-ordinary wine adventures and stomping competitions. These to add to your itinerary. summer: al fresco grape stomps are a juicy highlight, Summer is the season of walks when teams of barefoot competitors zip in a helicopter soar in a hot-air through hilly vineyards, winery challenge each other in fruity duels. balloon Get a different view of the picnics and late balmy nights sipping Many wineries host their own Willamette Valley with What’s more romantic Tour DeVine by Heli. Their than a hot-air balloon vino on a patio. It’s the season of competitions, with a long-running terroir-focused chopper ride? A hot-air balloon the open air, when farm-to-table favorite being the Oregon Grape tours introduce you to the tour of Oregon wineries. dinners spill outdoors and rosé truly Stomp Championship at landscapes and wineries Fly high above Willamette of the region’s distinct Valley vineyards on an all- does flow all day. Willamette Valley Vineyards in grape-growing regions, inclusive, three-hour trip Summer shows off the Willamette Turner (September). including Chehalem offered by Vista Balloon Mountains, Eola-Amity Adventures and Triangle Valley’s party side. And the party is Some wineries even welcome Hills and McMinnville. Wine Country, whose not only about the wine. Often it’s visitors to get a firsthand look at the certified guides introduce giddy up on you to local vintners. wine and hiking — what some harvest hustle. Björnson Vineyard horseback cleverly call “wiking.” Would-be near Salem hosts a Crush Lunch Ride through the Red Hills roll in the party bus “wikers” will find many trails on series throughout the peak months of Dundee on the back of a trusty Tennessee walking Amp up the fun in a limo- winery grounds. Try guided vine- of September and October, when horse, hopping off and style party bus complete yard hikes at Sokol Blosser near you can enjoy a meal with the crew hitching up for tastings with a booming stereo at some of the valley’s system, flashing lights Dundee, strolling the 160 acres at and get a backstage tour of the top producers. Or arrive and, yes, even a dance Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard vineyard and production space. in style in a horse-drawn pole. My Party Bus maps west of Salem, and walks through Special holiday events cap the carriage. Equestrian Wine out tours of the valley Tours offers both. that start in Eugene, native wetlands and woodlands at season, most notably Wine Country including the award- Tyee Wine Cellars outside Corvallis. Thanksgiving, when wineries in winning wineries on the Territorial Wine Trail. Summer also means wine and all corners of the valley open for games, as many wineries let you special tastings, releases and more. Andréa Johnson

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2019WVVG_final.indb 8 6/12/19 10:46 AM Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway two-wheeled touring Ride the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway ere in oregon, we love bicycles. cycle oregon — Wilsonville Han annual weeklong bike sojourn — leads people Newberg Dundee around the state through hundreds of miles of back champoeg state Canby heritage area roads. mountain bike oregon bombs down single-track St.Paul McMinnville Woodburn trails in the hills of oakridge for two action-packed Molalla weekends. our fiercely loyal urban bike commuters

brave the elements day after day, all year round. and Keizer in the willamette valley, we’ve got something truly Salem unrivaled: the willamette valley scenic bikeway. Independence

The Willamette Valley Scenic While it is possible for a strong Bikeway is a 134-mile (216-km) cyclist to complete it in one day, Albany state-designated road-bicycle route. the bikeway invites people to Loosely established in 2005, not go slowly and enjoy the journey. only is it the first of its kind in the Phillips recommends two days at Corvallis

state, it is the first in the nation. minimum and three for plenty of r e v i Running along country roads exploring. Side trips along the R e t t e Brownsville

and through small towns, the corridor wander through small m

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i bikeway highlights the charm and towns, farms, vineyards, orchards W beauty of the Willamette Valley. “It and parks, which encourage mean- really shows off everything that dering and sightseeing rather than Harrisburg first drew and continues to draw hammering out the miles. people to the valley — the vine- Camping options are available at Coburg yards, the hop farms, small towns Champoeg State Heritage Area, armitage park and the river,” says Alex Phillips, Willamette Mission State Park, Eugene Springfield bikeways and waterways coordi- Brownsville’s Pioneer Park and nator for the Oregon Parks and Armitage Park. B&Bs and hotels Recreation Department. provide more options for multiday willamette valley scenic bikeway Jen Sotolongo Jen oregonwinecountry.org 9

2019WVVG_final.indb 9 6/12/19 10:46 AM Alsea Falls rides. And people get creative with section 3 (40 miles/64 km) how they use the bikeway: Some Albany to Brownsville ride down the Coast to Eugene and From the town of Albany into then take the bikeway northward; Brownsville, the ride covers 40 others ride south from Newberg to miles with scenic views of rye- Eugene for the football games and grass fields, Coastal to Cascade then take Amtrak home. Mountains and the Willamette However you choose to ride, River. Albany has several good Oregon Parks and Recreation rec- restaurant and hotel options (for ommends four distinct sections. overnight riders who don’t want to rough it), as well as a bike shop. section 1 (30 miles/48 km) “Outside Albany is one of the prettier Champoeg to Salem sections,” says Phillips. “It is really The northernmost section, from neat country out there.” Thompson’s Champoeg State Heritage Area Mills State Heritage Site makes a to Salem/Keizer, runs for 30 good rest stop and offers a glimpse miles along country roads and into the history of the state’s oldest past hop fields. This section is water-powered mill. popular because it’s flat and pic- turesque. “You pass everything section 4 (24 miles/39 km) the Willamette Valley is famous Brownsville to Armitage Park for — the hop fields, the vineyards, The southernmost section of the the marionberries,” says Phillips. ride — from near Brownsville to “It is really beautiful.” Willamette Armitage Park — covers 24 miles scenic routes Mission State Park is a great place and includes the biggest climb to rest as a halfway mark or a good You don’t need to be an avid cyclist to take in (about 600 feet/183 m). At the turnaround for an out-and-back ride. the Willamette Valley’s lush landscapes. start, enjoy the quaint town of Here are a few officially designated byways Brownsville with a sweet city park, to inspire your next Oregon road trip. section 2 (38 miles/61 km) camping and a great bakery. “You Salem to Albany just want to sit on a park bench The section from Salem to Albany silver falls cottage grove with a cup of coffee,” says Phillips. tour route covered bridge explores the capital city, follows About 2 miles (3 km) in, the lung- tour route This 55-mile (88.5-km) the Willamette River and passes buster of a hill climbs up with drive loops through rolling Lane County claims more the Ankeny National Wildlife valley vistas and then turns into farmland on its way to covered bridges than its namesake Silver Falls anywhere else in the Refuge before reaching the town a welcome descent. It’s scenic, State Park. You can easily West. You’ll pass a half- of Jefferson. For campers, Salem is diverse and lengthy, but the complete the route in an dozen on this charming afternoon, but take a lei- and bikeable 20-mile a convenient stopover for supplies Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway surely pace to explore the (32-km) tour, which and lunch. The route then leads is not just for experienced riders. small towns of Woodburn, loops around Dorena back to a rural area as you ride Mt. Angel, Silverton, Reservoir and concludes The mostly flat terrain is acces- Stayton, Aumsville and at Chambers Bridge, one by the wildlife refuge. Between sible to cyclists of all levels. “It is a Turner. of the only remaining Jefferson and Albany, the bikeway railroad covered bridges great place for folks just starting to in the country. climbs up Scravel Hill Road to the venture out on this sort of thing,” over the river & through the woods pioneer cemetery for great views she says. scenic byway marys peak to of the valley. The enthusiasm spawned by the pacific scenic byway Watch Oregon’s land- Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway scape transform on this One of the state’s newly 66-mile (106.2-km) byway, designated tour routes, has led to the development of which passes through a this 72-mile (115.9-km) more bikeways, including the lush swathe of the val- byway inspires you to ley and then climbs into slow down and take in Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, the forests and rivers the valley views on the the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway of the western Cascade way to the Oregon Coast. Mountains. Budget time The route highlights and the Cascading Rivers Scenic for the many diversions in Corvallis’ agricultural Bikeway. Other great bike rides the towns of Brownsville, heritage and notable in the Willamette Valley include Crawfordsville, Sweet natural landmarks such Home and Cascadia. as Marys Peak, the Alsea Canby’s epic Pioneer Century and River and Alsea Falls easier tours through Newberg and Recreation Site. Dundee. Near Eugene, check out the Blackberry bRamble in August. Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge From far left: Greg Vaughn; Courtesy of Travel Salem CourtesyTravel of Vaughn; far left: Greg From

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2019WVVG_final.indb 10 6/12/19 10:46 AM valley secrets Embark on a road trip through the cultural heart of Oregon

How long does it take to see the Willamette Valley? laid-back tasting rooms, taking in historic city centers Spend about two hours driving on Interstate 5 and you on foot, hiking leafy trails to misty waterfalls — the list can follow the course of the Willamette River for more goes on. than 100 miles, zipping from vineyard-dotted hills south of Portland through verdant countryside and sprawling fields Thankfully for road-trippers, the diverse but concentrated all the way to Eugene. But such a speedy tour only gives topography means you can easily dig into a sampler you a blurry glance of Oregon’s most bountiful region. of valley life. This what-to-do rundown slices the area into six sumptuous servings, each with its own flavor. The full picture won’t come into view until you pull Tackle one piece at a time on a quick getaway or string off the main roads and ease your foot off the pedal: together a multiweek grand tour. The choice is yours, cruising along quiet lanes lined with farms and just come with a thirst for trying something new and nurseries, savoring flights of world-class wines in a hefty appetite for adventure.

Gallon House Bridge Taylor Higgins Taylor oregonwinecountry.org 11

2019WVVG_final.indb 11 6/12/19 10:46 AM Yamhill County

Imagine floating through the clouds in a hot-air balloon yamhill gliding over vineyards (Vista Balloon Adventures), high carlton above oenophiles trotting along rows of ripening grape- newberg vines on a horseback tour (Equestrian Wine Tours). That’s mcminnville the essence of Yamhill County, which draws visitors dundee and Portlanders alike from the nearby metro area for a 47 99w

full immersion in Oregon wine country. It may be only dayton

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an hour’s drive southwest of the city, but this is far e v amity i r more than a mere day trip. e 18 t t e More than 250 estate wineries, vineyards and tast- m a i-5 willamina l ing rooms dot the landscape, which encompasses the il w walkable towns of McMinnville, Newberg, Dundee, sheridan Dayton, Carlton and Amity — all popular jumping-off points for wine-touring jaunts as well as arts and culinary restaurant famous for cooking with wild mushrooms. And destinations on their own. Carlton claims the most tasting for a nearly religious chocolate experience, stop at The rooms per capita in the United States, with nearly two Brigittine Monks Gourmet Confectionery in the small dozen in the town alone. Restaurants, breweries, antique burg of Amity, where monks craft fudge and truffles with stores, galleries and tasting rooms pack downtown local nuts, fruits and more. Amity’s petite downtown has McMinnville, especially along Third Street, the town’s other tasty diversions, including the wood-fired fare at main drag. In Newberg, the upscale Allison Inn & Spa The Blue Goat restaurant, The Common Cup espresso sits on 35 groomed acres (14 ha) with a state-of-the-art and waffle bar, and a little cluster of tasting rooms. spa, the renowned JORY Restaurant and a sculpture A tour of Yamhill County doesn’t end with its tasting garden presenting work from Pacific Northwest artists; rooms. The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in you can even borrow a Lexus and take a complimentary McMinnville shares its campus with the year-round, spin. Pick up provisions for a vineyard picnic at the Red indoor Wings & Waves Waterpark. Eight miles (12.9 km) Hills Market in Dundee or cap a day of tasting at the of trails connect historic sites in the Champoeg State Joel Palmer House in Dayton, a multigenerational family Heritage Area near Newberg and Dundee.

Equestrian Wine Tours

Wings & Waves Waterpark Sionnie Lafollette (2) Sionnie

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2019WVVG_(11-23).indd 12 6/14/19 10:59 AM Saffron Fields Vineyard sip stops meet a few of the area’s craft-beverage producers

carlton winemakers studio saffron fields vineyard elizabeth chambers cellar When it opened the doors in 2002, Visiting the design-focused Saffron Founded by the late Liz Chambers, the Carlton Winemakers Studio Fields Vineyard feels like walking a second-generation Oregon vintner, pioneered a first-of-its-kind model into a gallery. The tasting room this boutique winery opened in for a shared winery, a communal exhibits the owners’ exquisite McMinnville in 2013. Its state-of- production space and tasting room collection of contemporary art, the-art tasting facility is housed in where more than a dozen unique including multimedia light sculptures, a converted industrial space that labels crush, age and bottle wines and overlooks exterior gardens once served as a power plant. Today using the same equipment. You created by the renowned Japanese the operation keeps Chambers’ can get a taste of the innovative landscape architect Hoichi Kurisu. love of Pinot noir alive under the project in the shared tasting room, Saffron Fields’ wine turns heads thoughtful guidance of head wine- which pours vintages from some too, earning inches of praise in maker Drew Voit. 15 tiny producers. major wine publications. stoller family estate argyle winery Elizabeth Chambers Cellar Stoller Family Estate tops a lot of With its original winery in a converted lists: In 2018 it ranked first in the hazelnut-processing plant and its USA Today poll for Best Tasting tasting room formerly the Dundee Room in the Nation, and it lives up City Hall, Argyle has a clear link to to the hype with truly panoramic Oregon’s heritage. And in the past views of its vast vineyard in the four decades, it has added to the Dundee Hills. Its vintages routinely state’s pioneering history with its crown wine critics’ lists. And the celebrated wines. You can get a estate’s eco-friendly winery was taste of Argyle’s legacy in guided also the world’s first to receive tastings and classes, which are LEED Gold certification. hosted in their two remarkable wine libraries. Andréa Johnson (2) Andréa Johnson oregonwinecountry.org 13

2019WVVG_final.indb 13 6/12/19 10:47 AM Mt.Hood Territory

In the northeast corner of the valley — a short drive south wilsonville of Portland — a cluster of historic cities and countryside oregon city towns form an area known as the Mt. Hood Territory. 205 Named for the iconic snowcapped peak shimmering estacada in the distance, it’s just a hop away from the Mt. Hood 213 r i-5 e

National Forest. The landscape here is defined by v canby

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Equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers hit a maze i w hubbard of trails near the town of Molalla in the Molalla River woodburn 211 Corridor Recreation Area, a mixed forest preserve of Douglas fir, big-leaf maple, alder, hemlock, cedar and molalla dogwood. It’s also a popular spot for birders, who keep their eyes peeled for ducks, herons, woodpeckers and more feathered species. Nearby, the Molalla River State Park sits at the confluence of three waterways: the Willamette, Molalla and Pudding rivers. Fishers and pad- around 15 stops at farms, ranches, nurseries and vine- dlers can put in at the park’s boat launch. Pack a picnic, yards. The most iconic spot may be the Wooden Shoe hike the trails and let the dog off the leash in the pet Tulip Farm in Woodburn, which hosts an Instagram- exercise area. Just downstream near the community famous tulip festival each spring. The loop is only an of Canby, the Canby Ferry crosses the Willamette introduction to a region with deep roots in this alluvial soil. River — one of only three vehicle ferries still operating in You can talk about terroir with vintners at wineries such as Oregon. Nearby, tour the World of Speed Motorsports Hanson Vineyards near Canby and Terra Vina Wines in Museum, which displays more than 100 iconic and Wilsonville, a town also known for its suds scene (check antique vehicles. out Ordnance Brewing and Vanguard Brewing, to name Trace the agricultural heritage of this slice of the valley only two). You can even boost your own culinary skills on the Molalla Country Farm Loop, which includes with classes at The Kitchen at Middleground Farms.

Molalla River Corridor Recreation Area Courtesy of Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory (3) Territory Mt. Hood Courtesy of Oregon’s

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2019WVVG_final.indb 14 6/12/19 10:47 AM St. Josef’s Winery sip stops meet a few of the area’s craft-beverage producers

beckham estate vineyard wooden shoe vineyards vanguard brewing The word “handcrafted” has several The iconic Wooden Shoe Tulip Housed in an industrial space with a different meanings for the vintner Farm is best known for its 40 acres 15-barrel brewing system, Vanguard and owner of Beckham Estate of flowers, which blossom each largely focuses on brewing classic Vineyard. A formally trained potter, spring during the Wooden Shoe beers in traditional style, with a Andrew Beckham merged his two Tulip Fest. But its garden campus crisp pilsner and well-balanced IPA passions when he revived the also includes a small-lot winery, always on draft. But there’s also ancient art of fermenting wine in having planted 6 acres of grapes in space for experimentation on the terra-cotta vessels, which he crafts 2009 and bottling its first vintage tasting room tap list, where you can in his own studio. The tasting room in 2012. Stop in for a flight and a spot a wider range of seasonal and doubles as a gallery for his ceramics. tour of the colorful grounds. limited releases. st. josef’s winery whiskey hill winery and The story of Oregon wine begins postlewait’s vineyards with upstart vintners planting vines Opened in 2014, Whiskey Hill is one in what once was an unexpected of the newer wineries in Mt. Hood region, then taking over the world Territory, but the roots of the family with award-winning Pinots. That’s that operate it go much deeper. also the story of St. Josef’s Winery. Lifetime Oregon farmers, Gary With its first vineyard planted in and Carolyn Postlewait met on the 1978, the family-owned winery neighboring farm in high school. celebrates more than four decades Today they’re planting wine grapes as one the valley’s vino pioneers. in that same soil and crafting small- While Pinot noir remains its sig- batch estate Pinots, which pair best nature, St. Josef also turns out with the vineyard views from their sparkling Riesling, Syrah, Merlot tasting room. and other varieties. Wooden Shoe Vineyards

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2019WVVG_final.indb 15 6/12/19 10:47 AM Salem Area st. paul Whatever you’ve come to Oregon for, chances are woodburn you’ll find it in Salem, the state’s capital and second- keizer most-populous city: Lush green spaces define the grand ronde99w i-5 mt. angel cityscape; acclaimed chefs make magic in the kitchen 18 SALEM 214 silverton with local ingredients; creative types work in studios 22 and galleries; and fruitful countryside rings the city, independence

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monmouth t stayton Björnson Vineyard) and farms (like Cherry Country e detroit m 99w a san l tiam l jefferson river Orchard & Chocolate Factory) are mere minutes away. i w 22 The neoclassical architecture of the Oregon State Capitol building, circa 1938, certainly merits a stop, but the historic downtown fills its walkable blocks through the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area in with way more than legislative business: Stroll in any the Willamette National Forest. A stone’s throw from direction and you’ll spot third-wave cafes (Archive Historic Downtown Silverton, the 80-acre (32-ha) Coffee & Bar), galleries (Bush Barn Art Center), an Oregon Garden displays the astonishing botanical eclectic variety of museums (ranging from the Hallie diversity of the Pacific Northwest in 20 specialty gardens. Ford Museum of Art to the Gilbert House Children’s The garden is also home to the Gordon House, the only Museum) and ambitiously planned parks (the Peter Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building in the state. Courtney Minto Island Bridge connects three urban The city of Salem is split between Marion and Polk parks with more than 20 miles of trails). Nearby, the counties, both agricultural wonders that lead the state Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health in productivity. Get a taste of this culinary goodness was the primary set for the landmark 1975 movie “One at the area’s farmers markets — one good reason to Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” based on the novel by explore the picturesque downtowns of Monmouth, Oregon writer Ken Kesey. Independence and Dallas. Take a tour of a hop farm Within a short drive from the city center, you’ll and enjoy a sampler tray of classic brews at Rogue encounter some of the most iconic natural sites in the Farms Chatoe Tasting Room. And while you’re there, Pacific Northwest, most notably Silver Falls State Park get your Salem Ale and Cider Trail passport stamped. near the town of Sublimity. There you can actually The trail hits craft breweries, cideries and tap rooms in walk behind waterfalls on the fantasy-esque Trail of Ten and around Salem — highlighting the region’s hops- Falls. Explore ancient forests on miles of trails lacing growing, beer-making and fermenting heritage.

Oregon State Capitol Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge at Salem’s Riverfront Park from left: Nickie Bournias; Ron Cooper Bournias; Ron left: Nickie from

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2019WVVG_final.indb 16 6/12/19 10:47 AM Illahe Vineyards sip stops meet a few of the area’s craft-beverage producers

illahe vineyards and Pinot gris to Müller-Thurgau and The husband-and-wife team at dry Gewürztraminer. It’s also the kind Illahe Vineyards takes the concept of spot you want to spend hours at, of natural wine to another level. where you’re encouraged to bring For their signature 1899 Pinot noir, a picnic and dogs are welcome to they use historical techniques and swim in the pond. electricity-free equipment such as an old-school, wooden-basket wandering aengus ciderworks press. This results in a terroir-driven Since 2005 Wandering Aengus has wine made with few chemical or been a key player in Oregon’s craft- technical interventions. cider revival. The cidery presses and ferments rare, organic and region- aurora colony vineyards ally grown heirloom apples. Visit Borrowing its name from a 19th their tasting room to try a flight of century utopian settlement, Aurora ciders, which include single-origin Colony Vineyards aims for vino varietals and artisan blends. bliss. Its small-batch wines are best enjoyed in the barn-red tasting silver falls brewery room, paired with the house-made Where should you stop for a beer pizza and weekly performances by after a visit to Silver Falls State Park? local musicians. Why not a small-batch craft brewery inspired by those same wondrous airlie winery waterfalls? In fact, Silver Falls Proudly women owned and operated, Brewery, just 13 miles from the park Airlie Winery stands out for its wide itself, brews post-hike refreshments variety of award-winning wines, that pair perfectly with pub grub from ranging from semi-sparkling Riesling the on-site food cart. Silver Falls Brewery from top: Easton Richmond; courtesy of Silver Falls Brewery top: Easton Richmond; courtesy Falls from of Silver oregonwinecountry.org 17

2019WVVG_final.indb 17 6/12/19 10:47 AM Albany Area

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sant The stroll-worthy streets of Albany are a living-history albany jefferson iam river museum. A longtime commercial hub at the confluence so u

t of the Calapooia and Willamette rivers, the city’s down- h 226 s a nt ia town comprises three historic districts, which fit more m

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v than 800 restored structures into a 100-block area. Take a e r tour on foot for a full-scale exhibit of late-19th- and early- 34 lebanon waterloo 20th-century American architecture, with varied styles brownsville

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l a 228 m and Second Empire. Don’t miss the first frame structure e 99e t t e sweet home r in Albany, which has been carefully restored as the i v e Monteith House Museum, where you can take a step r i-5 back into Oregon’s pioneer days. And dive into the city’s industrious past at the Albany Regional Museum. Today, Albany packs its city center with acclaimed the Covered Bridge Coffee House. Farther south in chef-owned restaurants such as Matt Bennett’s Sybaris Sweet Home, pack provisions for a picnic at Sankey Bistro and Cody Utzman’s Frankie’s Restaurant. Funky Park, where the 120-foot-long (37-m) Weddle Covered shops, art galleries and museums keep browsers on Bridge was relocated to save it from destruction. Turn the prowl. Pop into the 20,000-square-foot (1,858-sq-m) back the clock more than 150 years at the one-of-a-kind Albany Antique Mall to peruse everything from turn- Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site near Tangent, of-the-century furniture to comic books to collectible which preserves the state’s last-remaining water- coffee mugs; upstairs, old-school fashions are arranged powered mill and offers daily guided tours. Celebrate by decade. Take a spin on the lovingly restored 100-year- Oregon’s berry heritage at Lebanon’s century-old old ride at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum, Strawberry Festival, which serves the world’s largest adorned with a menagerie of animals hand-carved and strawberry shortcake each June. painted by community volunteers. A straight shot south of Albany, Brownsville’s historic Albany sits in the middle of one of the broadest and Main Street might look strikingly familiar to some first- lushest stretches of the valley. Take a drive on quiet time visitors. The town was the setting of the acclaimed country roads to see nine covered bridges. A half-dozen 1986 coming-of-age film “Stand by Me,” which residents bridges span rivers and creeks near the teensy town and movie buffs alike commemorate each July with of Scio; take a pit stop for an espresso and pastry at Stand by Me Day events.

Sybaris Bistro Shawn Linehan Shawn

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2019WVVG_final.indb 18 6/12/19 10:47 AM Springhill Cellars Winery sip stops meet a few of the area’s craft-beverage producers

marks ridge winery with traditional German beers. And and, yes, a tap list of much-loved Perched high in the foothills of the over the years, she’s returned on craft brews. The brewery turns out Cascade Range, Marks Ridge claims vacation with her husband, Klint, some novel creations such as the the title of highest-elevation winery who was an avid home brewer prior popular Chili Beer, which is flavored in the Willamette Valley. This creates to opening 3 Sheets Brewery in with Anaheim, serrano, and a distinctively cooler microclimate for 2012. Visit their downtown Albany jalapeno peppers. its 58-acre estate, which is ideal for tap room to get a taste of what growing the Riesling, Gewürztraminer they’re currently brewing. and Pinot noir grapes planted on-site. This elevation also gifts tasters with deluxe brewing company and sweeping views. sinister distilling company Behold, Albany’s first-ever “brew- springhill cellars winery stillery,” a distillery and 15-barrel This small family-run winery near brewery under one roof. Sinister Albany specializes in producing uses a traditional pot still from small batches of oak-aged Pinot Portugal for its gin, grappa, rum noirs, including some interesting and single-malt whiskey, while variations such as a Port-style Deluxe focuses on easy-drinking Pinot. But its big annual party,the lagers and ales. Taste craft bever- Federweisser Festival in November, ages from both in their relaxed focuses on pairing the German-style riverfront tasting room. federweisser — that is, young and still-fermenting Riesling — with calapooia brewing bratwurst, live music and dancing. Housed in a sprawling warehouse that once was home to a beer-keg 3 sheets brewery distributor, Calapooia Brewing has Co-owner Beth Sheets was stationed all the trademarks of a locals’-favorite in Bavaria while she served in the hangout: a cozy tasting room, a U.S. Army. There she fell in love menu of classic pub grub, live music Sinister Distilling Company from top: Conner McLain; courtesy Distilling of Sinister top: Conner McLain; from oregonwinecountry.org 19

2019WVVG_final.indb 19 6/12/19 10:47 AM Corvallis Area

kings valley There’s no defining line where nature ends and urban adair village s o begins in uber-green Corvallis, a progressive college uth

s a n corvallis t town (home to Oregon State University) whose apt i am r i name comes from the conjunction of the Latin words 20 v

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a alsea l l a cold brew or an espresso drink at Tried & True Coffee i monroe w Company, and then browse the eclectic independent storefronts, which range from Peak Sports to Mod Pod. Dozens of Benton County growers and producers truck i-5 their dew-kissed fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, raw honey and organic meats to the Corvallis Farmers Market, which takes over First Street twice a week the east. Access two rumbling cascades at the Alsea (Wednesday and Saturday, April to November). On sunny Falls Recreation Site, which also has 12-plus miles of days, picnickers spread out blankets in the adjacent mountain-bike trails. Old-growth trees tower in the Riverfront Commemorative Park, where kayakers McDonald-Dunn Forest. A dozen trails zigzag through the and canoers launch for in-town paddles. Recognized by William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,325-acre the League of American Bicyclists as one of the most (2,155-ha) nature reserve that provides winter habitat to cyclist-friendly cities in the nation, Corvallis has more migrating waterfowl, especially the dusky Canada goose. than 100 miles of bike paths and an easy-to-use bike- Vintners crush grapes at more than a dozen wineries share program, Pedal Corvallis.You can take your bike in the surrounding countryside, but the craft-beverage on the city buses, which are free to ride. scene only starts with vino. Sample the best of it on the Hikers can hit the trails in a matter of minutes, with lush Mid-Valley Sip Trip, which spotlights craft breweries, natural areas mere minutes from the center of town. The distilleries, cideries and even a meadery. Cap off a tasting most iconic mountain to trek up is Marys Peak, the tallest tour with dinner at one of many farm-to-table restaurants in the Coast Range at 4,097 feet (1,249 m). You’ll catch such as Gathering Together Farm in Philomath, an views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the valley to organic farm with a restaurant and market.

Marys Peak

Oregon State University from left: caleb wallace; Greg Vaughn left: caleb wallace; Greg from

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2019WVVG_final.indb 20 6/12/19 10:47 AM Spindrift Cellars sip stops meet a few of the area’s craft-beverage producers

spindrift cellars siuslaw brewing marcotte distilling company Matthew and Tabitha Compton Heading south on Highway 34 Inspired by the homemade spirits fulfilled a dream of operating their toward the Oregon Coast, you’ll dis- originating in Appalachia, Marcotte own boutique winery when they cover this rural farmhouse brewery Distilling Company launched one of produced Spindrift Cellars’ first just outside the small community of the first lines of flavored moonshine vintage Pinot noir in 2003. Today Alsea. Bordered by the Alsea River in the Pacific Northwest. Pop into the Philomath-based operation and surrounded by the Siuslaw their Philomath tasting room on epitomizes everything that defines National Forest, Siuslaw Brewing Fridays and Saturdays for tastings, the character of the wine industry is a true farm-to-glass operation, as with varieties ranging from hazelnut in the valley — producing widely the team grows their own hops and and coffee to coconut and straw- acclaimed wines on a small barley for their small-batch brews. berry lemonade. scale in a family-owned vineyard Stop by with a few growlers to fill, setting. Call ahead to make but call ahead to ensure they’re tasting reservations. open, as they keep varied hours. block 15 brewing company cardwell hill cellars One of the most established The simple pleasures of Cardwell breweries in the Corvallis craft-beer Hill Cellars reveal themselves scene, Block 15 Brewing Company when you grab a seat on the patio is also among Oregon’s most inno- and soak in the views of the hilly vative brewers, with an extensive vineyards, the Cascade Range and and ever-changing variety of wild/ Marys Peak. After enjoying a flight in sour beers as well as cask-aged the tasting room, you’ll want to bring rarities. The tap list looks different home bottles of the stellar estate on every visit to its downtown pub wines, which have earned accolades and tasting room in south Corvallis. from top critics at Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Block 15 Brewing Company from top: Willamette Valley Visitors Association; courtesy 15 Brewing of Block Visitors Valley Willamette top: from oregonwinecountry.org 21

2019WVVG_final.indb 21 6/12/19 10:48 AM Eugene, Springfield & Cascades Area

mckenzie bridge junction city blue river belknap hot springs Bounded by the Cascade Range to the east and the 99w coburg leaburg vida Central Oregon Coast to the west, the sprawling southern springfield er eugene mck iv swathe of the Willamette Valley lays claim to low-trafficked en zie r veneta 126 wine roads, more covered bridges than anywhere in the

West and a dynamic mini-metropolis at its heart. Neck i-5 lowell and neck with Salem for the title of Oregon’s second- creswell largest city, free-spirited Eugene is the state’s de facto cottage grove westfir capital of athletic cool. Dubbed “TrackTown USA,” 58 oakridge

Eugene is the birthplace of Nike and home to the r e iv r e historic track-and-field stadium Hayward Field — future t t e

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l host of the 2021 IAAF World Championships. i The presence of the University of Oregon (home w to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the Hult Center which follows the course of the steely blue river for for the Performing Arts) lends the city a youthful vibe. 34 miles (55 km). Road cyclists hit the 36-mile (58-km) The Eugene Ale Trail links more than 20 breweries, Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, which follows the several within walking distance of each other (Hop Valley Row River and passes six historic covered bridges; the Brewing Company, Ninkasi Brewing Company and bikeway ends in Cottage Grove, a quintessentially Oakshire Brewing) in the revived Whiteaker neighbor- Americana town known as the “Covered Bridge Capital hood (aka “the Whit”). Take the Unofficial Simpsons of Oregon.” The Territorial Wine Trail strings together Tour in the compact center of Springfield, which a dozen family-owned wineries, where tasting rooms “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening said inspired perched on hills overlook rolling vineyards and evergreen the city in the hit animated series — don’t miss the forests. East of Eugene, hikers on the 26.4-mile (42.5-km) official Simpsons mural on the west wall of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail within the Emerald Art Center. Homegrown events such as the Willamette National Forest pass viewpoints overlooking Oregon Country Fair (July) in Veneta and weekly Sahalie, Koosah and Tamolitch falls (known as the Eugene Saturday Market (April to November) in the Blue Pool). Other waterfalls in the national forest include Park blocks show off the area’s counterculture heritage. Proxy and Salt Creek falls. Nearby, Oakridge has more Scenic trails crisscross the region: Take in the sights than 300 miles of single-track trails, earning it the nick- on the newly designated McKenzie River Scenic Byway, name “Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest.”

Simpsons mural in Springfield Thomas Moser

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2019WVVG_final.indb 22 6/12/19 10:48 AM King Estate sip stops meet a few of the area’s craft-beverage producers

king estate oregon wine lab which has emerged as Eugene’s The self-declared “king of Pinot” Oregon Wine LAB, an acronym for “Fermentation District.” Drawing has a culinary program to match “local artisan brands,” captures the inspiration from co-owner Emily its grand nickname. Styled after familial spirit of Eugene’s urban Jensen’s long summer days at the the chateaus of Burgundy, the King winery scene. Both a wine bar and Oregon Country Fair, the Thinking Estate winery complex includes winery in the Whiteaker neighbor- Tree team uses local produce and an award-winning restaurant, open hood, the tasting room pours vino botanicals to imbue its signature for lunch and dinner daily, serving from the house label, William Rose, spirits — vodka, gin, rum and Pacific Northwest dishes that pair as well as from other small producers eventually whiskey — with Oregon perfectly with its Pinot noirs, gris in the Willamette Valley. flavors. They also source grain from and other food-friendly wines. It’s the local Camas Country Mill to one stop on the Territorial Wine Trail. wildcraft cider works craft a true farm-to-flask spirit. Eugene’s first craft cidery shows off iris vineyards the city’s eco-conscious and artisan Overlooking vineyards on an 870- sensibilities. WildCraft produces its acre estate in the Lorane Valley, often dry and complex ciders with Iris is another standout spot along whole fruit that would otherwise go the South Willamette Wineries to waste — much of it harvested Association’s Territorial Wine Trail. from old homesteads, abandoned It’s one of those wineries where orchards and Lane County parks. the views from the tasting room are And in the same locavore vein, the nearly as good as the wine itself. urban taphouse serves a full farm-to- Iris produces small lots of acclaimed table menu. Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Chardonnay and more — vintages that keep thinking tree spirits distillery nabbing medals at North America’s Thinking Tree is one of the new distill- major winery competitions. eries in the Whiteaker neighborhood, WildCraft Cider Works from top: courtesy of King Estate; Joni Kabana top: courtesyfrom of King Estate; Joni oregonwinecountry.org 23

2019WVVG_final.indb 23 6/12/19 10:48 AM 2019WVVG_final.indb 24

Willamette Valley Sub-AVAs Chehalem Mountains AVA An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the United States’ offi cial designation of wine-growing regions. Portland AVAs are demarcated by geography; sections of wine-growing regions with the same climate, soil, elevation 47 Ribbon Ridge Mountains AVA and physical features are assigned an offi cial AVA designation. The Willamette Valley Wineries Association was 99W Yamhill-Carlton AVA the fi rst offi cial AVA in the state of Oregon. Since its designation in 1983, seven sub-AVAs of the Willamette Newberg Dundee Hills AVA Valley have been established: Chehalem Mountains, Ribbon Ridge Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton, Dundee Hills, McMinnville 221 McMinnville, Eola-Amity Hills and the Van Duzer Corridor. The nature of the Oregon wine industry is down 99W 5 McMinnville AVA home and collaborative; some wineries group together in partnership for marketing, events and collaboration, 22 Eola-Amity Hills AVA most often based on a geographic area. These groups have not gone through the rigorous process of getting an Salem offi cial AVA designation. The associations in the Willamette Valley include: Cascade Foothills Winegrowers, Van Duzer Corridor AVA Heart of Willamette Wineries and the South Willamette Wineries Association.

⊱ Visitor Centers Willamette Valley AVA Wine Associations Forest Grove 26 205 Mountain Biking 84 8 Portland Gresham West Cascades 47 Scenic Byway Gaston Silver Falls Tour Route Lake Oswego Milwaukie Over the Rivers & 219 Sandy Yamhill 99W West Linn Through the Woods Oregon City 26 Scenic Byway to Mt. Hood Wilsonville Cottage Grove Covered Carlton Estacada Bridge Tour Route Newberg Dundee Marys Peak to Pacifi c Canby Lafayette 99E Scenic Byway 211 McMinnville 5 224 McKenzie River Dayton St. Paul Woodburn Aurora Scenic Byway Colton MT. HOOD Pacifi c Crest Trail Sheridan NATIONAL FOREST 221 Gervais CASCADE Molalla Amity 213 18 FOOTHILLS Willamina WINEGROWERS Molalla River Corridor Grand Ronde Mt. Angel Keizer Cascading Rivers 22 Silverton Scenic Bikeway 6/12/19 10:48 AM Rickreall Salem 214 E Dallas

G Black Rock Monmouth MtiBiki Turner N G Black Rock Monmouth 2019WVVG_final.indb 25 Mountain Biking Turner N Independence Stayton Willamette Valley A Scenic Bikeway Mill City Lyons Detroit R 99W 223 5 Idanha HEART OF Jefferson 226 E WILLAMETTE T WINERIES G

S WILLAMETTE N 22

A NATIONAL FOREST 20 Albany A Dan’s Corvallis O Trail R 34

C Philomath Marys Peak Lebanon E SIUSLAW D NATIONAL FOREST 99E 34 A 20 Alsea C 20 McKenzie Sweet Home Brownsville S River Trail Hoodoo 228 Ski Area A Monroe 126 Harrisburg C

McKenzie Pass Junction City Belknap Springs Scenic Bikeway

36 Vida Blue River 242 McKenzie Bridge Coburg Leaburg Veneta Springfield 126 Walterville

126 Eugene SOUTH WILLAMETTE WINERIES ASSOCIATION Creswell Pleasant Lowell Lorane Hill Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway 58 IMBA Oakridge Cottage Grove Area Ride Center Dorena Westfir Oakridge DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST Willamette Pass Ski Area 6/12/19 10:48 AM UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST Contact our partners to learn more about the Willamette Valley:

Trave l Sale m Visit Corvallis 800.874.7012 800.334.8118 503.581.4325 541.757.1544 TravelSalem.com VisitCorvallis.com

Albany Eugene, Visitors Cascades Association & Coast 800.526.2256 800.547.5445 541.928.0911 541.484.5307 AlbanyVisitors.com EugeneCascades Coast.org

Oregon’s Visit Yamhill Mt. Hood County Territory OregonWine Country.org/ 800.424.3002 yamhill-valley MtHoodTerritory.com

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