Destination of the Week

Willamette Valley, Oregon

There are lots of reasons for visiting the Willamette valley but one of the best is the wines.  

It's about a sixty mile wide area with over 150 wineries along its one-hundred mile length.  The region includes Yamhill, Clackamas Corvallis and Lane counties along with Salem/Marion and Albany.  

The Calapooya Mountains are to the east and the Coast Range to the west.   The two ridges cause some interesting climatic conditions.   Basically, Oregon has a cool climate; the North Willamette Valley is affected by its proximity to the Pacific.

The location means dry summers, wet winters and cool autumns.  The south-facing slopes create an ecosystem - or terroir - that grows terrific Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris.  The South Valley is planted primarily with Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay grapes although the climate is actually warmer and a little less damp.

Grown around the 45th parallel, the same as that of Burgundy, France,  some of the wines from here are similar to the Burgundy's.  It's only partly due to the latitude.   More is attributed to the [similarly] varying climate.  This is especially true of the Pinot Noir which often rates right up at the top.  

The great thing about the Willamette Valley is the beauty is in every direction and during much of the year you can grab some cold cuts from a local grocery, stop by a winery then drive, stroll, or bike your way to a wonderful and romantic outdoor lunch.   While roaming the countryside, you'll come across over 30 covered bridges in the valley.   Originally built to protect the wood of the bridges, themselves, the arched covers create a rustic beauty that's hard to surpass.    

The best weather for that romantic encounter is around Memorial Day or Thanksgiving.   There are also some special tasting opportunities and sales held by many of the wineries around these two times.   That same weather is great for hiking or biking.   If you're really up to it - or rented a car - you can make the entire 195 mile loop that is defined by the Willamette Valley.   Most of the trip is along the Willamette River and the creeks and streams that feed it.   There're also plenty of birds and other wildlife to keep you company.

Along the way,   you'll find many of the wineries.   You'll also have a chance to shop, eat, attend a concert or festival or even play a round of golf.

Towns you go through include

•  Eugene - an art town with a fantastic symphony orchestra but don't miss the shopping at the Fifth Street Public Market

•  Springfield - next stop is a center of rafting, camping, sailing, fishing and sailing

•  Corvallis - west of town you'll get to McDonald State Forest.   In town, there's Oregon State University

•  Salem - no witches here, just the beauty you'll find hiking in Silver Falls State Park along with its 10 waterfalls or riding along highway 213.   Plenty of vineyards around, too.

•  Albany - if you're driving or biking, make this your day's destination, looking forward to the shopping, food, historic homes and free outdoor concerts.   After a good night's sleep, you can drive or ride back Eugene.

 

Do yourself a favor . . . fulfill that promise to slow down.   Do it in Willamette Valley with the rustic beauty and top rated wines that are waiting for you.

The Wine Experience Willamette Valley radio show

Got a destination in mind? Start planning your trip here.