Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

De Ponte Cellars Wine Tasting

Tucked into the heart of the Dundee Hills is De Ponte Cellars. It’s not as fancy as some of the other wineries out there – I’m talking to you Sokol Blosser and Stoller. But, the wines are just as good, if not better than those of the popular kids.

Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

De Ponte doesn’t have sweeping, floor to ceiling windows, an expansive patio, or a massive tasting room. Rather, you’ll find it tucked away, amongst the vines in a nondescript small red building. Once inside, you’ll notice the adobe tiled floors, leather couches and small-ish tasting bar. You may not know what you’re in store for.

Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

You’ll notice immediately that it’s a much more personal tasting experience. Because you’re removed from the crowds, the staff has much more time to talk about the wine making process and vintages. They’ll even make time to pet your dog – Sammie is always welcome. The best part? They’ll greet you with their signature wine, the Melon de Bourgogne.

Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

The DFB Melon de Bourgogne ($25), is especially unique. I’ve not seen it poured anywhere else. This wine has a bright acidity and a mineral, salty characteristic. Notes of mango and banana mingle with floral aromas. This wine would be amazing with seafood. We’re always certain to bring a couple bottles home with us.

Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

As a fan of lighter Pinot Noirs, I’m a huge fan of their Clay Hill. It’s nicely balanced, easy to drink and incredibly food friendly. The 2013 vintage is sold out, but be on a lookout for the 2014, being released Memorial Day weekend!

Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

Moving on to the bigger, bolder Pinots, be on a lookout for the Dundee Hills Pinot Noir ($44) and the Estate Pinot Noir ($60).

The 2012 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir has refined tannins, hints of toffee and plum, and an elegant finish. Super food friendly from the offset, it will continue to develop over the next several years.

Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

The 2012 Estate Pinot has a much deeper color, along with soft, rich flavors of chocolate, cherry and baking spices. Be sure to set aside a bottle of this one for aging another 8-10 years.

Wine Tasting at De Ponte Cellars in Dayton, Oregon - This lovely winery is in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley | platingsandpairings.com

I highly suggest visiting this hidden gem in the Dundee Hills for some truly amazing and unique wines. Their tasting room is open 7-days a week from 11am – 5pm. Tasting fee is $15.

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Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.com

Alexana Winery – Wine Tasting #WineWednesday

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines. 

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.com

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.comRick and I have been wine club members of Alexana Winery for just over a year. Every time we go there, I am swept away by their amazing wines. The winery was born of Dr. Madaiah Revana’s love of the great wines of Burgundy. In the spring of 2005, he began a search for both the ideal region and an experienced winemaker with the goal of producing Pinot Noirs that could rival those from Burgundy. His search ended in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where he met Lynn Penner-Ash. A match made in heaven was born.

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.com

When you’re greeted at the tasting room, you’ll be given a selection of five wines to taste, along with a bonus pour of your choice. For my pick, I always go for their Riesling. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while now, you may know that I’m a huge fan of Riesling. It’s an awesome wine for pairing with a diverse variety of foods. Alexana is pouring a really elegant off-dry Riesling. Every time we visit, I pick up a bottle.

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.com

A word of warning – After the Riesling ($29), things tend to lean on the pricey side. The second wine you’ll most likely taste is their Signature Chardonnay. The 2012 is easily the best Chardonnay I have ever tasted – Aged on 60% new oak, it’s oaky, but not overly so at all, and is a bit creamy with notes of almond and caramel. It garnered 90 points from Wine Spectator. This bottle clocks in at a whopping $75. I’m always very, very tempted…

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.com

Moving on to the reds, the Pinot Noir tasting is where it really gets interesting. Alexana Winery’s 80-acre property possesses an incredibly diverse series of soils and exposures. Eighteen soil types spread over a combination of rolling hills, steep slopes and rugged terrain.

You’ll see them displayed as layers along their expansive 20-foot bar. How pretty is that?! It’s like fancy sand art.

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.com

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.comTheir terrior specific bottling allows you to taste the differences that the type of soil and amount of sun can make. Even though these grapes may just be growing steps from each other, they taste incredibly distinct. Everyone will have their particular favorites – I prefer the lighter varieties, which tend to receive less sun, others may prefer the bigger Pinots, which come from a warmer, more sun exposed location. (Most of their Pinots are priced around $65.)

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.com

Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, is a quick 30-minute drive from Portland. It's the perfect place to enjoy a diverse tasting of Willamette Valley wines | platingsandpairings.com

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Raptor Ridge Winery – Wine Tasting

I recently had the opportunity to try some lovely wines from Raptor Ridge Winery and was pulled in immediately by their Pinot Gris. Located in Newberg, Oregon, and just a quick drive from Portland, I decided that a visit to the winery was in order. I rounded up some girlfriends on a Saturday, we hopped in the car, and we were greeted at one of the most lovely vineyards in the area.

Raptor Ridge in Newberg, Oregon - A Day of Wine Tasting | platingsandpairings.com

Raptor Ridge Winery - Wine Tasting in Newberg, Oregon | platingsandpairings.com

Although it was foggy, rainy, cloudy – all things Oregon – on this particular day, we did have a couple dry spots where we were able to step outside and enjoy the lovely views. Scott Shull, founder and winemaker, tells us that on sunny, clear days, there is a fabulous view of Mount Hood.

Raptor Ridge Winery - Wine Tasting in Newberg, Oregon | platingsandpairings.com

It was a good day to come – A local musician was playing guitar, Scott was pouring barrel tastings, and the tasting room was quite full. In speaking with Scott, you can easily get a grasp of his true passion for the winemaking process. Up with the sun, and spending hours on the tractor. It’s a job of passion, creativity, and down and dirty hard work. That enthusiasm really comes through in the wines being poured.

Raptor Ridge Winery - Wine Tasting in Newberg, Oregon | platingsandpairings.com

Raptor Ridge Winery - Wine Tasting in Newberg, Oregon | platingsandpairings.com

We all had our favorites – My friend Meghan and I leaned towards the 2014 Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris ($20), a medium-bodied wine with aromas of orange, apricot and lemon. It was a good vintage for the winery, the ideal weather led to their largest production to date.

Raptor Ridge Winery - Wine Tasting in Newberg, Oregon | platingsandpairings.com

Another favorite of mine, and my friend Laura, was the 2013 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir ($45). I’m a fan of light pinots, and especially lean towards the 2011 and 2013 vintages. This pinot gives us flavors of cherry, pomegranate, and plum with a backbone of baking spices and chestnut, and bright acidity.

Raptor Ridge Winery - Wine Tasting in Newberg, Oregon | platingsandpairings.com

Deann leaned towards the bigger pinot –  The 2012 Reserve Pinot Noir ($45) has a nose of ripe fruits – blackberry, dark cherries, plum, with a bit of licorice and black tea to round it out.  (92 points Wine Spectator)

Raptor Ridge Winery - Wine Tasting in Newberg, Oregon | platingsandpairings.com

Also, not to be missed is the 2013 Folin Vineyards Tempranillo ($35). While the pinots tend to lean towards the more feminine side, this tempranillo carries the more masculine aromas of tobacco, pine sap, and charcoal, but it’s rounded out with hints of strawberry and cherry as well. Be sure to pair this one with your Mexican food!

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Lange Estate is located high in the Dundee Hills with an amazing view of Mount Hood on a clear day. It’s one of my favorite spots to have a picnic and enjoy the views in wine country | platingsandpairings.com

Dundee, Oregon Wine Tasting

Dundee, Oregon Wine Tasting | platingsandpairings.com

When I say I’m going wine tasting for the weekend, that typically means I’m headed for wine tasting in Dundee, Oregon. Just a quick 30 minute drive outside of Portland, Oregon, and with over 29 wineries to explore, it’s a great place for a spur of the moment trip to do some tastings.

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Walla Walla - Things to Do & See platingsandpairings.com

Walla Walla Wine Tasting Trip – Days 3 & 4

Check out DAY 1 and DAY 2 of our Walla Walla wine tasting adventure.

DAY 3

A Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! An extensive overview of my places to see and things to do in Walla Walla, Washington. | platingsandpairings.com

The boys started the day off with golf at Wine Valley Golf Club. So for us girls, that meant time for breakfast and shopping … We took a stroll into town for the farmer’s market, browsed the local shops along Main Street, and spent this day tasting entirely in downtown Walla Walla.

Walla Walla Bread Company is a great spot to stop by for brunch – Not only do they have wonderful baked goods (perfect for toting along on a day of wine tasting), but they also have dishes like Breakfast Calzones, Corned Beef Hash and Sourdough Pancakes. This lively spot is a great first stop of the day. Be sure not to miss their Bloody Mary’s made with saké!

A Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! An extensive overview of my places to see and things to do in Walla Walla, Washington. | platingsandpairings.comA Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! An extensive overview of my places to see and things to do in Walla Walla, Washington. | platingsandpairings.comA Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! An extensive overview of my places to see and things to do in Walla Walla, Washington. | platingsandpairings.com

Our first wine visit of the day was to Doubleback. Doubleback is owned by former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe and you know what? He knows how to make wine! Offering only a Cabernet Sauvignon, Stolen Horse Syrah and Family Red – They were all excellent! You do need a tasting reservation, so be sure to call ahead. Before visiting, I had pictured this tasting room to be a bit uppity based on that fact, and the fact that it’s owned by a football player – But, the opposite was true. The friendliness of Walla Walla was evident, as it has been every place we’ve visited on our trip, and we were greeted with an beautiful cheese & fig plate to accompany our tastings. Be sure to check out the awesome walls which, from far away look like stone, but are really made from the slats of old wine barrels.

A Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! An extensive overview of my places to see and things to do in Walla Walla, Washington. | platingsandpairings.com

Charles Smith & K Vintners were next on the list. You may recognize their bold black and white graphic labels. The Charles Smith brand is widely available – Eve Chardonnay, Kung Fu Girl Riesling, The Velvet Devil Merlot and Boom Boom! Syrah are produced under their label. K Vintners wines carry over the same black and white theme, yet are less widely produced – We grabbed a couple bottles of The Boy Grenache to take home with us. Their tasting room is spacious and has garage door style windows which open wide in the summer so that you can enjoy the streetside patio.

A Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! An extensive overview of my places to see and things to do in Walla Walla, Washington. | platingsandpairings.com

By now, the boys were famished from a long day of golf – We headed to Brasserie Four for some bubbles, brews, AMAZING pommes-frites and artisan pizza. The summers are amazing in Walla Walla and, because we went for a late lunch, we we able to get a spot on the patio and do some Main Street people watching while enjoying our meal.

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Walla Walla - Things to Do & See platingsandpairings.com

Walla Walla Wine Tasting – Day 1

A Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! Extensive overview of places to see & things to do in Walla Walla, Washington & how to plan your trip! | platingsandpairings.comOur weekend trip to Walla Walla, Washington was full of wonderful wines, perfect weather, good friends, and amazing food!!! We were spoiled all the way around. You may know Walla Walla for its sweet onions, but there is SO much more to this fantastic little town:

  1. Wine – Over 125 wineries and tasting rooms in the valley, with thousands of wines scoring 90+
  2. Food – In 2012 and 2013 Walla Walla was a runner-up in the best food category for the Best of the Road
  3. People – In 2011, USA Today selected Walla Walla as the friendliest small city in the United States

Located in the southeastern portion of Washington, it’s about 4 hours from Portland and Seattle. Over the last three decades, Walla Walla has seen a tremendous boom in its wine industry and has become a premier wine destination. I think that a huge part of this has to be contributed to the community – Such a supportive and tightly knit group of farmers and wine makers who really take an interest in what each other are doing and have no hesitation in promoting one another.

A Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! Extensive overview of places to see & things to do in Walla Walla, Washington & how to plan your trip! | platingsandpairings.comThe tasting rooms are laid back, relaxed and friendly. To me that is SO important. A fun environment where wine is meant to be enjoyed. I know so many people who feel intimidated to go wine tasting – “I don’t know what wines I like“, “I don’t know what to taste for“, “Why are there spit buckets“…? Just do what you want, taste the wines you think will be appealing to you, and maybe surprise yourself with some that sound out of your norm, pour out what you don’t like… You don’t need to pick up aromas of honeydew and band aids from a wine, maybe you’ll get cherry and pepper aromas. Everyone has a taste of their own. Oh, and those spit buckets…  I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone actually spit out a wine. It is however, perfectly acceptable to pour out what you don’t want after tasting. It’s a actually a good idea – You’re probably going to be doing quite a bit of tasting!

A Walla Walla Wine Tasting trip not to be forgotten! Extensive overview of places to see & things to do in Walla Walla, Washington & how to plan your trip! | platingsandpairings.comAnother great part about wine tasting in Walla Walla? The tasting room fees are REALLY reasonable. You may not believe this, but I have NEVER been to Napa. (I know, I know, I NEED to go… Someday – It’s definitely on the list). I do, however, know plenty of people who do go to Napa on the regular. I’ve heard rumors of tasting fees that run $30+. In Walla Walla, most tasting fees are $10, and that fee is refunded if you purchase a bottle of wine. We bought A LOT of wine, like a lot a lot. We planned ahead and ordered a couple of new wine coolers before the trip, but they’re full already. We need a couple more, we have a problem… #GoodProblemToHave #NotComplaining

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