MY NEW PASSION: WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON!

I just returned from vacation, and was so blessed to have the chance to visit Seattle and Portland for the first time. I loved them both!

Seattle is very cosmopolitan and Portland is one of the friendliest cities I had ever visited. It’s eclectic, young, hip, and everybody there was amazing. We enjoyed the best hospitality ever! Flowers everywhere are blossoming, and summer is the perfect time to go wine tasting in the Willamette Valley.

Before this trip, I did not know that Willamette Valley is the leading wine region in Oregon, and it has more than 200 wineries producing mainly world class Pinot Noir. I also had the chance to enjoy wonderful Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Roses too. This wine region is divided into different appellations known as “AVAs” (American Viticultural Areas), and they are 1) Dundee Hills, 2) Chehalem Mountains, 3) McMinnville, 4) Ribbon Ridge, 5) Yamhill-Carlton District, and 6) Eola-Amity Hills. Willamette Valley has a misty-cool climate with moderately warm summers, and winters that are dominated by strong Pacific storms. The mix of cool weather and the diverse soils make it the perfect environment to grow Pinot Noir.

Each of the AVAs has its particular soil characteristics, and it really influences the way a Pinot Noir is grown and produced. The soil type clearly distinguishes each Pinot Noir.

I had the chance to visit these AVAs and wineries during my trip:

- Chehalem Mountains with its basaltic and ocean sedimentary soil type, and has more than 100 vineyards. Wineries: Bergstrom, Lancellotti and Rex Hill.

- Dundee Hills, was one of the first areas in Oregon where grapes were planted for wine production. Wineries: Duck Pond Cellars, Archery Summit and Domaine Drouhain.

- Ribbon Ridge, known for its ocean sediment. Wineries: Penner-Ash and Beaux Freres.

- McMinnville has a charming, historic downtown, and its soil is primarily marine sedimentary with basalt and alluvial overlays. I had the chance to walk the town and enjoy its great Pinot Noirs at dinner.

- Carlton has the most ancient marine soil in the valley, and is also the town where many well-known vintners and wine tasting rooms are located. Wineries: Alexana, Ken Wright, Andrew Rich, Carlton Winemakers Studio, and the amazing Cana’s Feast which resembled the Tuscan valley in Italy.

Cana's Feast Winery

This trip began as a vacation, but it transformed into an educational adventure. I had the chance to experience and understand the balance between soil, climate and technology. In Oregon, winemakers care not only about making good wine, but also respecting and preserving the natural characteristics of their land.

This is the first in a series of posts I will be writing on the Willamette Valley. There are so many things to share with you about the wine world in the Pacific Northwest.

For the time being, The Willamette Valley has become my new passion!

TIP OF THE WEEK AT THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Best B&B: The Lions Gate Inn.

Excellent service, great location, beautiful rooms. Thanks to Sarah and the outstanding Chefs Gwenn and Lauren.

Thanks to Suzanne & Bill (Chicago), Chelsea & Michael (NY) and Kyle & Jodi (Atlanta) for sharing so many wine stories!

 Best Lunch & Dinner Restaurants: Farm to Fork (gourmet organic menu). Great service with Julie and Tracy and The Dundee Bistro with the amazing Jaime.

TIP OF THE WEEK AT PORTLAND

Best bar: Olive or Twist. Thank you Guy for all your great recommendations and Gabe for your big smile.

Best dinner restaurant: Noble Rot.

Best breakfast bistro: Mother’s Bistro.

Best lunch restaurant: Everett Bistro.