Willamette Valley Private Wine Tour with Local Sommelier Guide

5.00

(3 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Fog still clung to the vines when we arrived—boots crunching on gravel, the air sharp with that earthy, green scent you only get in Oregon after a night of rain. Our sommelier, Jamie, waved us over by the old barn and handed out glasses. She knew every row of grapes by heart, and as we wandered between them, she pointed out which blocks would be picked first this season. I’d never realized Pinot Noir leaves could feel so soft.

The real surprise? We got to taste straight from the barrel in a chilly cellar that smelled faintly of toasted oak and last year’s harvest. The winemaker—Mark, with hands stained purple—explained how each vintage tells its own story. Lunch was at a cozy spot nearby; I still think about that beet salad with hazelnuts and goat cheese. The chef came out to chat about where he sourced everything (the bread was baked just up the road). If you’re into wine or just curious about what makes Willamette Valley special, this is the way to see it—up close, not rushed, and always with someone who knows the land.