Returning to Oregon meant we could continue our vine-filled explorations of the Willamette Valley, the state’s leading wine region. The valley is home to two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards. Fortunately while in Eugene for a Wine Media Conference #WMC21 we participated in a South Willamette Valley post-conference excursion. We were picked up at our hotel and finished the same day at Eugene's Fifth Street Public Market. Along the way we ate lunch, did multiple wine tastings, and learnt about the Cascades Raptor Center. Above all, we experienced South Willamette Valley Wine Country at its best.
Mural by Ila Rose, Eugene © Spaswinefood
Next, we were off to one of the city's parks to view their collection of roses. What wine lover would not enjoy a brief walk through the Owen Rose Garden?
Our tour continued with a drive past the newly reimagined Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
This world class track and field facility is why Eugene is called “Track Town USA”.
Let's Tour South Willamette Valley Wine Country
The South Willamette is home to those wineries and vineyards that surround Eugene. We were introduced to three of those wineries over lunch.
1. Lunch at the Chambers Railroad Covered Bridge
After touring Eugene the bus continue on to the Chambers Railroad Covered Bridge located in Cottage Grove, Oregon.
Indeed, we ate a most delightful lunch, paired with wines from Bluebird Hill Cellars, Brigadoon, and Iris Vineyards, on the only remaining covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi. The Chambers Railroad Covered Bridge was constructed in 1925, moved and restored in 2011. What a stunning setting for lunch!
Ready for Lunch, Chambers Railroad Covered Bridge © Spaswinefood
After being spoiled at lunch our wine country explorations continued.
2. King Estate Winery
Our first winery stop after lunch was King Estate, the largest Biodynamic® vineyard in North America. Justin King, a third-generation family member, and his wine making team introduced us to some very fine Willamette Valley wines.
We began with a Pinot Gris for which King Estate is best known.
As we took in the spectacular views, we enjoyed sumptuous small plates of cheese and charcuterie and other bites, prepared by their farm-to-table kitchen.
3. Sweet Cheeks Winery
On the way back to Eugene, we visited Sweet Cheeks Winery, a family winery. We were happy to discover the story behind this South Willamette Valley gem. Dan Smith planted a vineyard on a rolling hillside in Crow, Oregon in 1978. He christened the vineyard Sweet Cheeks based on its shape. While he dreamed of a winery, he continued to supply Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling grapes to local wineries. In 2003 when a building in Junction City came up for demolition he took a chance and relocated it atop the vineyard. Thanksgiving of 2005 the tasting room opened, marking the beginning of Sweet Cheeks Winery & Vineyard.
Our visit included a short walk in the vineyard, and learning how raptors are used in a vineyard setting (Cascades Raptor Center). After introduction to the Sweet Cheeks hills we enjoyed a wine tasting on the patio by led Jessica Thomas, granddaughter of the late Founder, Dan Smith.
If you want a winery to take in those South Willamette Wine Country views this is the place.
After a most delightful visit to Sweet Cheeks Winery we returned to Eugene.
Eugene Continued
When we arrived back in Eugene we concluded our tour at the Fifth Street Public Market's newly opened Gordon Hotel.
We were one of the first groups to ever toast on the rooftop where a new restaurant is slated to open later this summer. Here we meet up with Capitello Winery's winemaker and owner, Ray Walsh who shared a few of his wines before the group went off into the night. We began with a sparkling wine toast.
Many of us would continue to explore Eugene's wine and food scene. You will find that here are a number of urban wineries to visit. Some of the dining suggestions included Marche in the market area, the eclectic Whiteaker Neighborhood favorites, such as Tacovore or Izakaya Meiji, or dining at George + Violet's or Tavern on Main in downtown Springfield.
For sure we were treated to South Willamette Valley Wine Country at its best. Right at the top of South Willamette Valley wineries to visit includes Bluebird Hill Cellars, Brigadoon, Iris Vineyards, King Estate, and Sweet Cheeks Winery. Also, do not forget to checkout Capitello Winery, one of Eugene's urban tasting rooms. Wine country visitors soon discover there is so much to do in around Eugene. If time permits checkout the Cascades Raptor Center. Special thanks to Jessica Thomas, General Manager of Sweet Cheeks Winery for her leadership in arranging this tour. We would also like to thank Sarah (Sally) Murdock (Oregon Wine Board) and Stephen Hoshau (Travel Lane County). We invite you to join us in our travels in Oregon Wine Country and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
No comments:
Post a Comment