Don Lange talking Pinot

Leading wine trips has been in the back of my mind for the past couple of years. Six years of immersion into learning and appreciating wine has given me some knowledge, experience, and certain contacts in the wine industry.

I helped leading a group to France in June through my regular job. I was in charge of four days in Southern France visiting wine country. After that trip, and consulation with a few wine friends, I thought I could start doing one trip a year and then perhaps 2-3 annually in the future.

I’ve put together a trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, June 9-14. This will be a boutique type trip for people serious about wine. Frankly, this trip could be done a little less expensive but we’re going to eat well and stay in a really fabulous Bed and Breakfast when we’re in the Willamette.

Our lodging – Black Walnut Inn

Before I go any further, the brochure is linked in the left rail on this page and right here!

The trip does NOT include transportation to and from Portland. The trip beings Monday night, June 9 with a reservation in your name at the Hilton Doubletree Inn, downtown Portland. We’ll travel Tuesday morning out to the valley and begin with a tour, tasting and lunch at Lange Estate Winery. We hope to have Jesse or Don Lange join us to talk about Lange wines.

After lunch its the very nice, and very upscale, Alexana Winery which is nearby. Then we’ll check into the stunning Black Walnut Inn. That night we’ll head to McMinnville and dine at one of local winemakers favorites spots – Nick’s Italian Cafe.

Wednesday’s action includes an Oregon Pinot/Burgundy side-by-side tasting at Domaine Drouhin. We’ll have lunch at a great boutique winery – Winderlea. And we’ll visit one of my personal favorites, Vidon in the afternoon. We might even squeeze in one more. Dinner that even will be more on the lighter side.

On Thursday we’ll break the routine and head out to take in the stunning Columbia River Gorge. It think it’s one of the prettiest areas in our country.

Columbia River Gorge

We’ll stop at Multnomah Falls and have lunch in Hood River.  That night we’ll have a grand dinner at the fabulous Recipe restaurant in Newberg.

Friday’s lineup includes tasting at another boutique winery, a visit to the great ladies at Republic of Jam, and lunch in Carlton. We’ll have an extra hour or so in Carlton to visit some of the great little shops on your own – or even visit a few of the tasting rooms in town.

Mid afternoon we’ll head back to Portland where a room at the Doubletree will be reserved in your name. The trip officially ends. You are on your own Saturday to head home or enjoy more of what Oregon has to offer.

That’s a quick overview. Check the brochure for more details and cost.

I wanted to get this post up to link up some blogs and photo albums from previous visits to the Willamette Valley.

July 29, 2011 newspaper column on Oregon Trip. Four photo albums from that trip here, here, here, and here.

Here are my blog posts from that trip: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4.