Wine Country If you like wine, you’re in luck. Here you can explore the southern part of the renowned Willamette Valley wine region, where you’ll find wineries, tasting rooms and bottle shops galore, both in Eugene and in the countryside that surrounds it. Travel Lane County | EugeneCascadesCoast.org | 541.484.5307 33 FOOD & DRINK WINE ESTATES The South Willamette Valley’s cool, temperate climate makes it ideal for Pinot grape production. Among the best-known estate wineries in the region, King Estate is celebrated for biodynamically grown Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, served with cheese and sourdough bread at a hilltop tasting room with glorious views. Nearby Sweet Cheeks Winery serves bold reds and semisweet Rieslings in a big-windowed tasting room. In the foothills of the Coast Range near Junction City, Walnut Ridge Vineyard serves estate-grown wines on a sunny patio with views out over the vines in one of Oregon’s newest winegrowing regions, the Lower Long Tom AVA. URBAN WINERIES You don’t need to leave Eugene to get the full wine-tasting experience. Oregon Wine LAB pours a solid mix of locally produced wine and international vintages in a laid-back tasting room, complete with a covered patio. Sleek J. Scott Cellars in the 5th Street Public Market is another top choice, serving more than two dozen varietals sold by the glass, flight or bottle. Head to Capitello Wines’ downtown tasting room for a cheese plate and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, or make your way to Territorial Vineyards & Wine Company to hear live music while you taste wines from the Willamette Valley. WINE SHOPS When you’re looking for a special bottle of Willamette Valley wine, it’s wise to head to a wine shop — they offer weekly tastings and personalized service. One of the oldest wine shops in the region, Sundance Wine Cellars stocks a huge selection of wine, with over 500 Oregon Pinot Noirs along with hard-tofind bottles from around the world. Downtown’s Party Market & Wine is another great stop for wine lovers, featuring organic and biodynamic wine and tasty provisions. Broadway Wine Merchants in Oakway Center features both an extensive bottle shop and a small bistro. WINE TOURS The best way to experience the region’s wine scene is by taking a tour. Going with a guide or booking a private chauffeur is a great idea for groups without a designated driver. Options abound, from Sunshine Limo Service — which offers bespoke winery tours in sedans, buses and limousines — to Oregon Vine2Wine Tours, which hosts half-day tours and transportation services for smaller groups. Best Oregon Tours offers wine excursions along with all sorts of other adventures, from covered-bridge tours to walking and driving tours focused on Eugene’s urban highlights. King Estate Winery TURELL GROUP
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