 By Lee Juillerat
Some of Oregon’s most accessible wine tasting is available within easy reach of Eugene in the southern Willamette Valley. Whether taking a day or two, or three, the 16 wineries within a relatively short driving range offer a tempting cross section of scenery, atmosphere, and, most importantly, wines.
The Willamette Valley begins just south of Eugene and extends north to Portland. The valley is Oregon’s coolest growing region and grows grapes bought and used by many wineries. The region is best known for its internationally acclaimed Pinot Noir, and while several wineries specialize in that variety, the offerings range from deep reds to fruity whites and even sparkling wines. Because of the proximity to Portland, the northern Willamette Valley is often the focus of attention, but the southern valley near Eugene offers superb wines and less crowded wineries.
 Using Eugene as a base, a logical starting point is Territorial Vineyards & Wine Co. The vineyards are in the rolling foothills of the coast range, but the winery and tasting room are downtown in Eugene’s historic, funky Whiteaker neighborhood. Be sure to sample Territorial’s Pinot Gris and unusual Rosé of Pinot Noir. Most of their delicious wines are certified organically grown. (541-684-9463; territorialvineyards.com)
About 20 miles southwest of Eugene near Lorane are several wineries, including the King Estate Winery, one of Oregon’s best known. King Estate is especially celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The 1033-acre estate is crowned by an elegant French-style chateau, where you will find a tasting bar and full-service restaurant serving local organic foods. The tasting room overlooks the rolling vineyards, orchards, and vegetable and flower gardens—all of which are farmed organically. On the weekends, the Marketplace offers organic produce and flowers grown on the estate, as well as sandwiches, salads, and gifts. (541-942-9874; kingestate.com)
Only a few miles north lies the Iris Hill Winery. A family-owned operation, the focus is on producing small volumes of handcrafted wines, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, made entirely from their 40 acres of vineyards. The site was first planted with vines in 1996. The first fruit was sold to a local winery, but Richard Boyles and Pamela Frye offered their first Iris Hill wines in 2002.
(541-345-1617; Iris-Hill.com)
Lane County’s oldest winery is Silvan Ridge–Hinman Vineyards, established in 1979. While the facilities 11 miles west of Eugene have been remodeled, the atmosphere remains that of a small European winery. With an annual production of 25,000 cases, the winery buys most of its grapes from northern Willamette Valley and Rogue Valley vineyards. Along with their featured Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, check out their new releases of 2006 Silvan Ridge Dry Riesling and the Silvan Ridge Elizabeth Reserve, a Meritage wine. And test some wines not typically found in the region, including early Muscat, Viognier, and the Silvan Ridge Del Rio Portage, which they’ve dubbed the “black hole of wine” because its deep purple and black color makes it appear opaque when poured. (541-345-1945; silvanridge.com)
A winery that admittedly lures visitors because of its name is Sweet Cheeks Winery. While some may make a first visit out of curiosity, repeat visits stem from its location and full-bodied wines. Located on a hill that overlooks the Briggs Hill Valley, the elegant tasting room offers expansive views. The sights inside are impressive, too, with vaulted ceilings trimmed in Oregon Chinquapin wood, stone floors, a soapstone fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen. As with many wineries in this region, Sweet Cheeks features Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, along with some easy-sipping Rieslings. (541-349-9463; sweetcheekswinery.com)
 If your thirst for great wine is not yet quenched, spend another day west and northwest of Eugene on a loop where the possibilities include Secret House Vineyards, LaVelle Vineyards, RainSong Vineyard, High Pass Winery, Pfeiffer Vineyards, and Benton–Lane Winery.
Secret House Winery, owned by the Chappel family, is located a short distance along Highway 126 leading to the coast. Along with Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes from their Bolton Hill site, the Chappels buy grapes from other Pacific Northwest vineyards to craft their Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and, especially worth tasting, Muller–Thurgau. Worth sampling, too, are their premium sparkling wines. The tasting room features a fine art gallery that complements the wines, and the beautiful grounds are a favorite spot for birders and gardening enthusiasts. Secret House is also known for hosting live music in the summer. (541-935-3774; secrethousewinery.com)
It’s just a short drive to LaVelle Vineyards, the oldest winery in the southern Willamette Valley (although its name was changed in 1994 when owner Doug LaVelle took over). Offerings include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gamay Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and sparkling wine. The winery, set among terraced lawns and gardens, has just been redone and sports a new Northwest lodge look with lots of cedar and stone. You can also sip on LaVelles’s delicious wines at their tasting room and bistro, located in downtown Eugene’s 5th Street Public Market. (541-935-9406; lavelle-vineyards.com)
At the north end of the loop, where it’s also possible to get a jump on visiting wineries in the northern Willamette Valley, is the Benton–Lane Winery. Owners Carol and Steve Girard bought the property, which had been the Sunnymount sheep ranch, in 1988 with the express purpose of producing premium Pinot Noir. The vineyard now boasts 134 acres of predominantly Pinot Noir grapes and produces award-winning wines. The Sunnymount Ranch’s name stemmed from its orientation, due east of some of the Coast Range’s highest peaks in a sunny area climatologists call the “rain shadow.” The name Benton–Lane has a story, too—the vineyard straddles the border between Benton and Lane counties. Benton–Lane’s environmentally conscious vineyard practices earned it certification under the internationally sanctioned L.I.V.E (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) program and regionally sanctioned Salmon Safe program. (541-847-5792; benton-lane.com) |
