During my incarceration, I was often asked, “What do you do for a living?” When I said I was a wine writer and educator, people often started picking my brain, or go “Oh, that’s cool!” (see this post for my reply to people who say that)
One of the gentlemen (yes, there are gentlemen in jail…in fact, I was surprised to see the chivalry that was there!) I met in there asked me one night, “So what do you think of Oregon’s wine country? Specifically, what do you think of the Dundee area?”
When he asked me that, I laughed and replied, “Oh, you mean my personal playground?” He got a sly smile on his face, and then I said, “I love it down there. I have spent a lot of time and money down there. I have also cultivated a lot of friendships down there due to my livelihood.”
And it’s true. I have traversed the Willamette Valley numerous times. Especially Yamhill County, which includes the cities of Newberg, Dundee, McMinnville, Carlton, and Sheridan, just to name a few.
Where do I go when I’m in Yamhill County? Oh boy. I think a better question is where haven’t I been. However, I have my “must stops”. They include, but are not limited to:
Anam Cara Cellars – Beautiful wines, amazing tasting room, and a lovely Scottish owner. Need I say more?
Dobbes Family Estate – One of the friendliest tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley. No question is too ridiculous for the staff here.
Angela Estate – Lovely wines, amazing staff, AND you get bubbly!!
I could honestly continue with my list. However, I think that you’re more interested in what I have to say next.
How would you like to experience Oregon Wine Country yourself? The Oregon Wine Board is giving away a 4 day stay in Oregon’s Wine Country. You will spend time in beautiful Ashland, Oregon, home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. During your stay, you will experience a variety of Oregon wines at a wine pairing dinner prepared by Chef Franco Console of Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, a private vineyard tour and tasting at Irvine & Roberts Family Vineyards, a VIP tour and tasting at Rogue Creamery, and a host of other amazing opportunities!
What does Ashland and Southern Oregon have to do with the Willamette Valley? With sponsor Alaska Airlines, your access to Willamette Valley is no more than hour-long flight away!
Why not enter today to take a trip to beautiful Oregon Wine Country? Enter here! I’ve already put my entry in!
