Oregon Chapter Wine Tour

The North Willamette Valley is home to beautiful farms, estate wineries, quaint towns, curvy roads, and of course some of the best wines in the world. We’ve planned a progressive wine tasting tour along an amazing route you’ll be sure to enjoy.

This tour is a multi-stop, self guided adventure. The idea is to set your own pace and run with impromptu small groups or go solo. The route map shows a recommended route and stops, plus shortcuts and “longcuts”, all with mileage and suggested  “time windows” at each stop.  All our winery stops will offer an “express flight” in addition to their regular tasting flights. You may share a flight, each person can pay separately, and tasting is of course optional. Just be sure to tell them you’re with the BMW group.  Each of our host wineries will offer special day-of-event discounts for wine purchases.

Tour Start

The tour starts at Raptor Ridge Winery at 11 a.m. Situated on the flanks of Chehalem Mountain, Raptor Ridge offers long range views of Mt. Hood, Adams, and St. Helens. The open-air tasting room features an expansive terrace looking out on rolling hillside estate vineyards and old growth forests. Maps will be available and the route and options explained in more detail.

To Dundee

Whenever you’re ready, leave Raptor Ridge and ascend Chehalem Mountain for a fun jaunt along its twisty roads. Enjoy breathtaking views to and from Bald Peak State Scenic Area. Twist your way down the mountain through historic Newberg to Dundee for our second stop.

Panther Creek is one of Oregon’s most well-known and highly acclaimed brands featuring tastings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Viognier. After Panther Creek, roll into central Dundee to the Red Hills Market. This charming general store features gifts and wines as well as fresh sandwiches, coffees, meats, and cheeses.

To Carlton

Next head up into the Red Hills for some roller-coaster inspired fun, then descend into the Chehalem Valley for a fun country run featuring picturesque scenery, gentle sweepers and smooth blacktop. You’ll traverse Laughlin Road, passing some of the regions most regarded and awarded wineries.

Quickly becoming the center of North-Willamette wine country, Carlton is a former farming and logging town enjoying a renaissance.  Sample award-winning Pinot Noirs at Carlton Cellars and delightfully refreshing sparkling wines at the Kramer Tasting Room. You’ll also want to stroll the old main street lined with specialty shops and eateries. Mothers’ Day is next Sunday, and gift shopping opportunities abound.

To McMinnville

Next it’s an easy country drive to McMinnville, consistently voted one of the best small towns in America. For your final tasting, sample a luscious flight of big bold reds at Terra Vina. These amazing, sumptuous wines are like liquid red velvet. There are more shopping opportunities for Mom along picture-perfect historic 3rd street.

After a busy day you’re sure to have an appetite for a fabulous dinner in McMinnville. A unique and sumptuous dining experience awaits our group at the Gem / LaRambla restaurants. They will maintain a large table for us from 6-10pm, so that you may come in and join the table at any time.  If you’d like to extend your stay, McMinnville offers some charming overnight options.

Enjoy as much or as little of this progressive tour as you’d like. Join us for a day of driving amazing roads, enjoying fabulous tastes, and celebrating with friends!

 

Be sure to check back for changes as we approach the tour date.