Trip Overview: This was a relatively short 7 day trip to Oregon's Willamette Valley wine country, refreshing our taste buds with direct vineyard tastings of the earthy and terroir-based Pinots that the region is famous for. We also found some interesting Chardonnay's in the Valley which you can read about here. Visiting Oregon's Willamette Valley made me think of what Napa Valley must have been like 20 years ago, a budding terroir full of promise. However, the wine business has changed considerably since that period, and while I am not implying that Napa's cult wines went from boom to bust, I am not sure the business can support a new crop of cult wines. Also, while the terroir is based in volcanic soil, as is Napa's, Oregon's Willamette Valley's terroir is far less rich and more rocky. This has long favored a more reserved approach to wine making, the result of which still provides a treasure trove of value, with most wines ranging in price from $25/btl to at most $100/btl. Leading producers in the area include Shea Wine Cellars, Ken Wright Cellars, Evening Land Vineyards , Bergstrom Wines and Beaux Freres.
Please see my notes below for information on where we stayed and some of the local hot spots for foodies.
Please see my notes below for information on where we stayed and some of the local hot spots for foodies.
.here To Stay: There is a wide variety of bed & breakfast and small inn's available for lodging in the Willamette Valley, but only one all inclusive resort & spa, the Alison Inn & Spa. The Allison (pictured above) is a fabulous property that features, a top notch spa, fine accommodations, art adorned grounds and a top-scale restaurant (The Jory). If you have spent any time in the Oregon wine country you have certainly heard of the facility. The spa features 12 treatment rooms that are separate from the nail and pedicure salon, both of which are nearby to the spacious female and co-ed waiting rooms. See a full list of their treatments and services here. After a luxurious spa treatment, the resort has ample indoor and outdoor areas to rest, or perhaps to have a glass of wine. The terrace just above the pool is one of those areas, it has two fire-pits and was the perfect place for a night cap on a beautiful June evening. I particularly liked the heated pool and Jacuzzi, and while it is largely enclosed under a glass ceiling, it has sliding glass doors at one end of the pool that open to a slate deck and grounds. Perfect to relax in or to have as a wedding/event. Last year the Allison turned over the wine cultivation and production from their 7 acres of south-facing vines to Ken Wright. Wine produced on the property has long been available at their restaurant, JORY. Within the next few months some 2017 Pinot Grigio's will be available, but the Pinot Noir will be available next year at the earliest. Also, if you come prepared, you can enjoy a loaner Lexus for the afternoon courtesy of the Allison!
Where to Eat:
Other Resources: