Southern Willamette Valley Wineries Driving Tour
Sip your way around the 16 wineries of Southern Willamette Valley, with Eugene at its heart, and you’ll discover a perfect cross-section of Oregon’s wineries. Here, a three-day tour that includes some of the wineries offering special Oregon Bounty wine tasting events.
1.
Check into Eugene
Start your Southern Willamette Valley wine wandering in Eugene at the Territorial Vineyards & Wine Company. Tucked in the lush, gently rolling foothills of the coast range, this winery’s new tasting room offers an incredible Pinot gris, rosé of Pinot noir and other varietals. After you’ve had ample tastes, head to downtown Eugene, Oregon’s third-largest city. This college town (home to University of Oregon) offers a multitude of activities and attractions. For things to do in the Eugene area, check out these itinerary ideas from the Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon
Indulge yourself at either the Campbell House or the Excelsior Inn, both of which offer Oregon Bounty rates and packages. In addition, there are a host of local restaurants-Palace Bakery, Marché, Napoli Restaurant Bakery, Excelsior Inn Restaurant Italiano, or Café Zenon-featuring special Oregon Bounty menu choices.
2.
A Day of Wine Tasting
On Day 2, wind your way south on Bailey Hill Road from Eugene near the town of Lorane and visit Iris Hill Winery. Named for the wild Douglas Irises that adorn the hillside meadows and woodland edges surrounding the vineyard each spring, Iris Hill is a family-owned winery that produces small quantities of hand-crafted, award-winning Pinot noir, Pinot gris, and Chardonnay.
Less than three miles south is the French-chateau like King Estate Winery, whose beautiful new tasting room and patio overlook their 1,033 acres of rolling vineyards, orchards and organic vegetable and flower gardens. King Estate’s winemaker Bill Kremer is famous for his Pinot noir, syrah and Pinot gris.
Wind your way back up Territorial Highway toward Sweet Cheeks Winery and Silvan Ridge-Hinman Vineyards. Overlooking the Briggs Hill Valley, Sweet Cheeks Winery offers breathtaking views and old world charm – not to mention a delightful array of Riesling, Pinot noir, and Pinot gris. During October and November, both wineries offer special tasting events. Check our tasting calendar for a list of unique wine tasting/pairing culinary events.
Next, head north on Territorial Highway to Secret House Winery in Veneta. The winery is a small family-owned operation with about 27 acres of producing vines. Be sure to check their concert schedule as you might be in for a treat. Recent performers have included Death Cab for Cutie, Ani Difranco and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. End your day back in Eugene with a delectable meal at an Oregon Bounty-participating restaurant.
3.
Eugene to Corvallis
Say goodbye to Eugene and drive north toward Corvallis. Visit Benton-Lane Winery in the village of Monroe (South of Corvallis on 99W), set amidst the idyllic rolling foothills of the coastal mountain range.
After experiencing their artisan crafted Pinot noir and Pinot gris, head for Corvallis. This quaint, tree-filled college town (Oregon State University) has a distinctly Norman Rockwell feel to it. Check into either the Hilton Garden Inn or Harrison House Bed & Breakfast, both of which are offering Oregon Bounty specials, and dine out on the downtown waterfront at Sahalie Wine Cellar Wine Bar Restaurant. Be sure to check out the charming antique and clothing stores downtown, and the beautiful Benton County Courthouse.