{"id":48186,"date":"2020-05-23T13:42:59","date_gmt":"2020-05-23T17:42:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/?p=48186"},"modified":"2020-05-24T08:50:26","modified_gmt":"2020-05-24T12:50:26","slug":"oregons-peak-destinations-for-food-wine-and-golf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/oregons-peak-destinations-for-food-wine-and-golf\/","title":{"rendered":"Oregon\u2019s Peak Destinations for Food, Wine and Golf"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Nestled in a pastoral Oregon valley between the Cascade Mountains and the Coastal Range lies some of the best cool-climate wineries in North America. While some would say the terroir of the Willamette Valley rivals that of Burgundy, that claim can only be tested when tasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the Willamette Valley and these diverse areas are home to over 800 wineries with the vast majority in the hills of the north. For the most part this region is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals with a growing reputation for Pinot Gris, all of which enjoy great structure derived from the soils and micro-climates that make the valley a benchmark for cool climate wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get the best feel for what the pinnacle of Oregon wines can be, there are three different properties that stand out as distinct reflections of their terroir and the highest dedication of both viticultural acumen and winemaking skills. These are the top destinations for discovering the synergy of fine wine and culinary excellence. Let\u2019s start from the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Domaine Serene<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An hour\u2019s drive through the countryside from Portland lands you in the corridor between Newberg and Dundee where copious tasting rooms await thirsty visitors. Serious wine aficionados must arrange for a comparative tasting at the iconic Domaine Serene right in the heart of the Dundee Hills sub-AVA. And for those who are seeking a unique experience, Domaine Serene has something special in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Clubhouse at Domaine Serene<\/strong>
Photo Credit: David Skinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 45th<\/sup> parallel tasting program is designed to compare the wines from Oregon and Burgundy when presented with a variety of delicacies. The chef prepares small plates ranging from salads to sweets and each offering is accompanied by a wine from the Oregon portfolio and one from the Burgundian properties owned by Domaine Serene. Anyone partaking of these pleasures will quickly gain a better understanding of wine and food matching principles and how different terroir using the same varietals can enhance the dining experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from this particular tasting there are other offerings that will please the palate, all served in a grand Tuscan-style clubhouse that overlooks the surrounding countryside. Artwork and artistry in winemaking are found in abundance here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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45th Parallel Tasting at Domaine Serene<\/strong>
Photo Credit: David Skinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tasting Notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maison\nEvenstad, Santenay Premier Cru Beauregard Chardonnay (2016)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Domaine\nSerene, Clos du Soleil Vineyard Chardonnay (2017)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maison\nEvenstad, Meursault Chardonnay (2016)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Domaine\nSerene, Evenstad Reserve, Chardonnay (2017)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chateau\nde la Cr\u00e9e, Santenay Monopole Clos de la Confr\u00e9rie, Pinot Noir<\/a> (2016)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Domaine\nSerene, Evenstad Reserve, Pinot Noir (2016)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maison\nEvenstad, Nuits-Saint-George Les Fleurieres Pinot Noir (2016)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Domaine\nSerene, Aspect Pinot Noir (2016)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time to head southward and immerse yourself in the sub-AVA of Eola-Amity Hills, but a slight detour through the most interesting town of McMinville is well worth the slight effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hotel Oregon
Photo Credit: McMenamins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There is a distinctly laid-back feeing to this tiny town in\nthe middle of Yamhill County. Even though it is the county seat and bills\nitself as the largest city in the region, don\u2019t let that fool you into\nenvisioning a bustling metropolis. This is a town with flair for food and is\nsimply one of the most hospitable destinations along the wine route. Top\nrestaurants line the main street (La Rambla and Bistro Maison are two of the\nbest) and the historical Hotel Oregon presides over the center of town making\nit easily accessible for all visitors.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Willamette Valley Vineyards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The hillsides get steeper the further south your travels take you and arriving at the gates of the Willamette Valley Vineyards, you climb along the lane amid the stretched terraces of estate plantings. At the summit the tasting room awaits within meters of the wine-making facility and vines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Willamette Valley Vineyards Entrance<\/strong>
Photo Credit: David Skinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Inside, warm fireside seating is almost as popular as the extensive stand-up tasting bar. Dining options include a terraced patio, inside seating overlooking the sunset through massive windows and seating for a bespoke chef\u2019s wine and dine offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The food and wine parings prepared here shine a light on\nfood and wine enhancements presenting \u201cmicro-plates\u201d packed with concentrations\nof flavors such that a little goes a long way. Wine offerings are selected with\ncare to ensure that varietal characteristics are featured in addition to\nshowcasing the winemaker\u2019s skills in crafting distinct WVV labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a delicious repast, many visitors retire to the\nfireside for one last sip. With so much cozy hospitality, it is difficult to\nleave this wonderful winery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Micro-Plate Tasting at Willamette Valley Vineyards<\/strong>
Photo Credit: David Skinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tasting notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Willamette\nValley Vineyards Vintage 43 Chardonnay (2016)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yamhill\nCarleton AVA Pinot Noir (2015)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin\nCreek Cabernet Franc (2016)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Willamette\nValley Vineyards M\u00e9thode Champenoise Brut (2015)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

King Estate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, north of Eugene, lies one of the best properties in the State for variety, craftsmanship and gourmet dining pleasure. King Estate has one of the largest acreages on a single site and not only produces amazing offerings from the vines set below the winery, but they also bring grapes from other sites owned by the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Winery, Restaurant and Vineyards at King Estate<\/strong>
Photo Credit: King Estate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winding roads and tree-lined lanes mark the path toward King Estate. As the verdant roadways dissolve into agricultural land, an impressive estate emerges atop a massive hillside framed at the entrance with a stone gateway. On the pinnacle of this prominence both wine making and hospitality seamlessly integrate to blend both form and function that accentuates a relaxed pleasure reflecting the nature of the wines and the facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the largest biodynamic winery in the United States\nand this commitment to sustainability and quality shines through on all their\nofferings. Whether you are tasting a bottle derived from grapes at the doorstep\nof the winery or one whose grapes are grown in Washington State, there is such\na spectrum of superior bottlings, you are bound to discover libation guaranteed\nto become a life-long companion. And once you\u2019ve met that new friend, etiquette\ndemands that you invite them to dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there\u2019s no need to look further for a fine\ndining experience. The King Estate tasting room is integrated into one of the\nabsolute best dining facilities in the state. Actually, it may just be one of\nthe best in all of the States where care and craftsmanship entwine gustatory\ndelights with creativity in wine pairings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pinot Noir Pairings at King Estate<\/strong>
Photo Credit: David Skinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tasting Notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

King\nEstate Sparkling Pinot Gris (2008)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

King\nEstate Nicholas Vineyard Pinot Noir (2014)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

King\nEstate Freedom Hill Pinot Noir (2015)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

King\nEstate Backbone Pinot Noir (2013)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bandon Dunes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These three wineries produce some of the top wines but also provide tasting environments rivaled by no other property in the Northwest. For those seeking legendary Oregon experiences beyond the grape, this region has become famous for a particular piece of land along the coastal cliffs just south of Eugene. Bandon, sits at the confluence of the Coquille River and the Pacific Ocean and is home to one of the world\u2019s top golf resorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Mike Kaiser decided that a wind-swept stretch of coast\nwould be ideal for a links golf course, he would find the decision to develop a\nresort here would be a stroke of genius. It has been 20 years since the\nfacility first opened its doors to golf enthusiasts and Bandon Dunes reputation\nwas immediately cemented (it debuted at number 10 on the list of America\u2019s\nGreat Golf Courses). In the ensuing two decades and with the expansion to four 18-hole\nlayouts, this resort is now a mecca for those wishing to enjoy some of the\nworld\u2019s best golf and the fine food and wine program on offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding to the stable of designs by Tom Doak, Bill Coore and\nBen Crenshaw, the property will open it\u2019s fifth great track in 2020. Known as\nthe Bally Bandon Sheep Ranch, the new course has a curious history; but a\nglorious future. In 2001, Tom Doak set out 13 greens along the cliffs just\nnorth of the Old Macdonald Course and it was something of an enigma to many\nsince there were no teeing grounds and players simply decided the routing\naround the landscape that they thought would be the most fun or greatest\nchallenge. Every round was unique but this diamond in the rough would take 15\nyears to come alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes<\/strong>
Photo Credit: David SKinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Under the careful custody of Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, this track will become one of the legendary cliffside courses to rival Old Head in Ireland and New Zealand\u2019s Cape Kidnappers. Unlike other courses that feature a signature hole, it would be hard to select just one hole as the feature icon of the Ranch. A  plethora of breathtaking holes crisscross the expanses of sandy cliffs and rolling terrain and fully half of the 18 greens are precariously perched atop the cliffs overlooking the beach and rolling waves that stretch to the horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes<\/strong>
Photo Credit: David Skinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most players will notice very quickly that there isn\u2019t a bunker in sight. Perhaps an unusual feature, by no means does this make the challenge any less. Depressions where a body of sand would normally guard greens and fairways still exist, but they are full of native grasses that are likely tougher to escape from than a normal bunker. At least there is no need for any rakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faces rosy from the day on wind-swept fairways, the bar in\nthe Lodge is a popular gathering place before dinner. For those seeking a\ngourmet dining experience, the Pacific Grill has a menu that focusses on local\nseafood and other delicacies. The sommelier has selected some of the best\nOregon wines to pair with the exquisitely prepared dishes and there is no doubt\nthat the choices proposed are bound to enhance your dining pleasure. Although\nthe fine dining option is resort casual, there is McKee\u2019s Pub for those who\nwant to roll in after 36 and grab a brew and a burger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting to Oregon is the simple part. The Portland Airport is an easy-going modern facility with plentiful airline services while the train station is a well-maintained reminder of civilized travel at a more relaxed pace. No matter how you arrive, the biggest challenge will be to decide on what amazing experiences you\u2019ll have. But for those looking to enjoy the best of what the region has to offer, these four destinations represent the pinnacle of the Oregon experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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David Skinner<\/strong>
\nWine & Travel\nColumnist, Sommelier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

David Skinner\u2019s passion is to share extraordinary food and wine\nexperiences with those in search of flavorful memories. That first led him to\nthe Algonquin College Sommelier Program where he graduated with the Sommelier\nAward of Excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He then attended master classes at London\u2019s prestigious Wine and\nSpirit Education Trust (WSET) to build a stronger appreciation for the grape.\nHowever, becoming a certified sommelier was just the beginning of a search for\na stronger understanding of what the wine and food world has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Searching for even more challenging wine experiences, he studied\nat the University of Californian at Davis (UC Davis) to become a certified\nCalifornia wine judge. That experience in the heart of Napa and Sonoma bred a\nhunger for wine-related travel that continues today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelling the world in search of great wine experiences gives David the opportunity to share his favourite stories of the vine on NatalieMacLean.com as well as in other lifestyle magazines.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Nestled in a pastoral Oregon valley between the Cascade Mountains and the Coastal Range lies some of the best cool-climate wineries in North America. While some would say the terroir of the Willamette Valley rivals that of Burgundy, that claim can only be tested when tasted. There are seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the Willamette Valley and these diverse areas are home to over 800 wineries with the vast majority in the hills of the north. For the most part this region is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals with a growing reputation for Pinot Gris, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":218234,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[444,113,1248,946,1275,1616,1082,726,295,372,321,446,445,24,394,3,1016],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48186","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-red-wines","category-best-wines","category-biodynamic-wine-wine-articles","category-chardonnay","category-david-skinner","category-oregon-wine","category-oregon-wines","category-pinot-gris","category-pinot-noir","category-red-wine","category-sparkling-wine","category-top-red-wine","category-top-red-wines","category-wine-travel-to-wine-regions","category-white-wine","category-wine-articles","category-winery-tasting-room"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48186","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/218234"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48186"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48186\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49071,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48186\/revisions\/49071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48186"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48186"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48186"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}