The Willamette Valley is bustling this spring with plenty of events to satisfy any enophile! Check out the below listings and head on over to Willamette Wines for more information.
Valentine’s Weekend in Wine Country (February 11-12, 2012, hours vary)
Chocolate pairings, live music and special releases at participating wineries and tasting rooms; try local port alongside a rich truffle or learn to tango in the company of tapas. Satisfy your sweet tooth with ice wines or sample side-by-side couplings of new world and old world wines.
Equinox in the Eola Amity Hills: (March 24, 2012, 7-10 PM)
Nearly 30 wineries from the celebrated Eola-Amity Hills AVA converge on Zenith Vineyards in Salem for wine and pairings to greet the changing season. Principal winery representatives will be on hand to elaborate on the vintages at hand, poured next to bites from local eateries. More info at www.eolaamityhills.com.
North Willamette Vintners Wine Trail: (March 31 & April 1, 2012, 11-4 PM)
Two dozen producers residing just outside of Portland will offer barrel tastings and creative pairings, for everyone from the novice to the expert. Area hotels and restaurants will be offering special deals for the festive weekend. More info at www.northwillamettevintners.org.
Dundee Hills Passport Tour: (April, 2012)
Wineries from one of Oregon’s most talked about sub appellations devote the month of April to small-batch wines and discounted tastings for passport holders. The passport is good for deals at area restaurants and inns as well and can be redeemed for a special prize drawing at the end of the month. Visit www.dundeehills.org for more info and to purchase a passport.
Chehalem Mountains Winegrowers Mountains to Metro: (April 19, 2012, 5-9 PM)
Chehalem Mountain and Ribbon Ridge wineries and metro area restaurants take over the Heritage Ballroom of Portland’s historic Governor Hotel for a memorable evening of premier pairings. Emphasis will be placed on the appellation’s unique blend of soils, elevation range and corresponding flavor profiles for its many grape types. Visit www.mountainstometro.com for more info.
Yamhill Carlton AVA Spring Tasting (May 5, 2012, 11-4 PM)
Anne Amie Vineyards hosts chefs and local wineries for an open house and expansive tasting of locally crafted wines. Attendees can take the trolley from the charming nearby town of Carlton. More info available at www.yamhillcarlton.org.
Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country: (May 26-28, 2012)
A perennial tradition, decades in the making, this three-day weekend marks the beginning of Summer in the Willamette Valley. Vertical wine tastings, live music and cheese platters are just a few examples of what the WVWA will be offering this holiday stretch. A portion of the proceeds benefits Ecotrust’s Farm to School program. More info at www.willamettewines.com.
Photo credit: http://tacomakitchengarden.blogspot.com
