Thursday Tours: Wine Life

Hello and happy October! Fall is now officially upon us!

While it may be time for pumpkin-spiced everything, we are still getting some fabulous weather out here so don’t pull out the rain boots just yet. With the blue skies on the forecast, the beautiful changing leaves and grape harvest in action, this is the perfect time for another trip to wine country.

My friends and I are taking advantage of all that with a trip to Dundee for a tour of Dobbes Estate and Hyland Estates this Sunday. I have never been to either, so I’m really excited to check out somewhere new. As there will likely be a lot of wine drinking, it’s a good thing we’ve to Bridge City Limos to help us get home safely! I have no doubt we will take full advantage of that DD…

Meredith and I have also got one more #ThursdayToursPDX for you on the wonderful world of wineries (here’s Wineries episode 1 in case you missed it). Today, I’m featuring recommendations from Jenna Winkler of Endless Eats blog (and also Marketing/Events for the killer empire that is Ava Gene’s, Woodsman Tavern and Roman Candle Baking). Jenna used to work for the Allison Spa & Resort in Newberg, right in the heart of wine country. As such, she definitely got to know that area and has some great recommendations. I love that Jenna includes more than just wineries. There are a lot of good places to eat and things to do. I definitely have added Republic of Jam to my list now!

Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter as well at @JennaWinkler. And after reading this, head over to Martha Chartreuse to get more wine recommendations from Andy, the winemaker behind Saint Reginald.

Photos are all courtesy of Jenna Winkler.

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Oregon’s Wine Country will always hold a special place in my heart because I spent almost six years driving the backroads to and from work, right in the heart of it. Over the years, I got to experience grand openings of new restaurants and wineries, which was always a treat.

Although there are hundreds of wineries and new eateries popping up constantly, here are some I frequent more than others. Cheers!

Stoller Family Estate

http://stollerfamilyestate.com/

16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton, OR 97114

As if tasty Pinot Noir and beautiful views aren’t good enough, this winery has a tire swing and a disc golf course. I love spending sunny afternoons sitting outside enjoying a bottle of wine followed by a quick disc golf competition. It is truly a picturesque setting with a welcoming staff.

Have a special event? They have a commercial kitchen so they know how to throw one heck of a party.

Red Hills Market

http://www.redhillsmarket.com/

155 SW 7th St, Dundee, OR 97115

My go­to spot for lunch in wine country, hands down. Wood­fired oven pizzas, sandwiches, salads and coconut macaroons. Not to mention, they have daily seasonal specials and a full market full of artisan food and beverage goodies. But seriously, get the macaroon…it is gooey, delightful and you won’t regret it. If you are on a wine tasting schedule, grab something to­go and take it to your next winery stop. If you have time to spare, play a quick game of bocce ball on the court right outside the restaurant.

Republic of Jam

http://www.republicofjam.com/

211 W Main St, Carlton, OR 97111

Need a wine tasting break? Treat your tastebuds to a jam tasting at Republic of Jam in Carlton. The flavors and combinations are unique and incredible! I mean, where else can you find flavors like this ­ Mango Basil Viognier, Rosemary Rhubarb or Marionberry Espresso Jam? Sample as many as you would like and TRY not to walk out with at least three jars. I use the Rosemary Rhubarb on roasted pork tenderloin. YUM!

South Store Cafe

http://southstorecafe.com/

24485 SW Scholls Ferry Rd. Hillsboro, OR 97123

I drove by this cute spot for an entire year before I finally decide to stop. It is a sweet cafe with a lovely patio, serving breakfast and lunch. Their pastries…oh my gosh. In the fall, I had a pumpkin scone and a vanilla latte weekly. They are made fresh daily in house, change constantly and the sell out almost every day. My advice, take your gluten free friend. Best gluten free scones I have ever had. Also, there is a line out the door on weekends so get their early or take a weekday trip and enjoy the quieter cafe with a few locals.

 

Debbie’s Dahlias

23755 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123

So, there is no food or drink at Deb’s but, it is a great stop on your way in or out of wine country. It is a u­pick dahlia farm right off SW Scholls Ferry road near Smith Berry Farm, you can’t miss it. You just pull off the side of the road, grab a pair of scissors, snip your favorites, drop off some cash in the bucket (honor system) and be on your way!