Ok, seriously people, what’s the deal with everyone saying it’s the end of summer?! It’s only mid-August! Now, I’m not one for the 90+ degree weather either and I’m all about Oregon Ducks football season and scarves, but still I love summer and am not ready for it to be over. I’m all about dining al fresco, taking walks around town, eating too much of everything at the Farmer’s Market, and the cheery sunshine.
One of my other favorite summer activities is going wine tasting. We are really spoiled in the NW with wine country so close. A short jaunt in the car, and there you are, with gorgeous views and impeccable wine. I am particularly a sucker for wineries that have great outdoor seating and games like bocce.
With that in mind, we’ve got all things wine today! And because we are loving this #ThursdayToursPDX series so much we’re bringing you two weeks in a row – booya! (Yes I just wrote that.)
We’ve got two lovely ladies sharing their favorite wineries – Erin of Platings & Pairings and Kelsey of Kelsey Malie (formerly Ladies in Navy). I ran into Erin’s blog first via the Portland Bloggers Facebook group, which is an amazing way for the community to connect. We have not yet met in real life, but I can’t wait to meet her at Feast or another event soon. Her blog not only has beautiful photos but also delicious recipes and of course awesome tips on wine pairings. As she definitely knows wine country well, she seemed like a perfect fit for this edition of Thursday Tours.
How much does this photo make you want a glass of pinot and enjoying the sunshine right now?!
If you are looking for eats to offset the booze (always a good idea!), my favorite is the Red Hills Market. They’ve got top-notch salads, sandwiches, cookies and local goodies. You can eat in their cute dining area or in the picnic tables outside, or get it to-go and enjoy at the winery of your choice!
Now here are Erin’s recommendations, all of which are in Dundee, OR, just 50 minutes from downtown. All photos are courtesy of Erin Lynch.
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Stoller Family Estate
With its sleek modern building, opening up to sweeping hills and a large vineyard, Stoller is a quintessential Dundee visit. Plenty of adirondack chairs line the yard, along with picnic tables, making this a great spot for a summer picnic. The large grass field directly in front of the winery is home to a frisbee golf course (frisbees provided). Very family and pet-friendly, it’s hard to think of a better place to spend a weekend afternoon.
Argyle Winery
If you’re looking for something a bit different on your wine tasting journey, definitely check out Argyle Winery – They’ve got bubbles!!! One of VERY few wineries in Oregon that produce sparkling wine and also one of the very best. Insiders tip: Ask if they have the Black Brut open for tasting – It’s a sparkling pinot noir, deep red in color, and totally different from anything else you’ve tasted before. If they’re not pouring it, be sure to pick up a bottle to take home anyways – It’s excellent!
Chapter 24 Vineyards
http://chapter24vineyards.com/
Focusing on a select few pinot noirs, Chapter 24 is new to the Dundee scene and is entering in a big way. It’s delicate yet sophisticated pinots are amazing. Named the year’s best Pinot Noir by Wine & Spirits Magazine, May 2014.
De Ponte Cellars
Somewhat hidden in the Dundee hills, De Ponte Cellars pours some wonderful pinots, along with their signature white wine, DFB Melon de Bourgogne. With a nose of sweet fruit, mango, and banana accented by notes of jasmine and honeysuckle, and finishing with a mineraly-salty character, this is a perfect summer sipper.
Four Graces
Located on the east side of Dundee, and one of the first stops you’ll find when entering the town, is Four Graces. Pouring a selection of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating, plus a couple of small barns that have been beautifully renovated to provide additional seating during the rainy season. Pack a picnic and stay a while to enjoy the lovely grounds. You can even play a game of corn hole while you’re at it.
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#ThursdayToursPDX is a collaborative series between Portland, OR bloggers {Erin} Bakery Bingo + {Meredith} Martha Chartreuse. In a city filled with amazing restaurants, artisan experiences, and fantastic tastemakers the inside scoop is a must. We will be asking our friends and fellow bloggers for their recommendations and tips for all the City of Roses has to offer.
Great tips! I’ve never had the sparkling pinot noir from Argyle and now I want it!!
Thanks Meredith! I love sparkling wine in any form – White, Rosé, and the ever-elusive Red 😉
Agreed! That sounds fun! Not sure if I had heard of that before!
Since returning home to Oregon, wine tasting has been my favorite past times and exploring the wineries you listed are some of m faves. thanks for sharing
Wine tasting is such a fun activity! We are lucky to have so many great places right in our “backyard.”
We are hoping to get out this weekend, so your post is perfectly timed! Thanks for the tips, especially about the sparkling wine at Argyle – we will definitely be sure to ask about it!