Oregon - Wine, Coffee & Beaches: Wine Tasting

A trip to Oregon's Willamette Valley wouldn't be complete without a little wine tasting. Since I only had a few days, we decided to hit a few of the smaller wineries in this up-and-coming wine region that produces some of the best wines in the country.

Eola Hills Winery in Rickreall, west of Salem, is a great little winery with lots of atmosphere. I loved the 2006 "Lodi" Sangiovese and brought home a bottle of 2005 "Late Harvest" Reserve Viognier. Visit Eola Hills Winery at 501 S. Pacific Highway, Rickreall, Oregon. Call 800-291-6730 or visit them online at http://www.eolahillswinery.com. 

After Eola Hills we traveled to Amity Vineyards. This quirky little vineyard on top of a hill at the end of a dirt road is worth the trip. I loved the Madrona View Vineyard Marechal Foch but my favorite is the Eco-Wine Pinot Noir. Not only is it smooth, it's organic and sulfite-free. Amity Vineyards is located at 18150 SW Amity Vineyards Road (follow the signs) in Amity, Oregon. You can call them at 503-835-2362 or visit online at http://www.amityvineyards.com.

We made a quick stop at Coelho Winery. The beautiful tasting room is perfect for a tasting flight, available for $5-$7. You can visit the winery and tasting room at 111 5th Street in Amity, Oregon. It's right downtown and the roadside signs make it easy to find. You can call them at 503-835-9305 or visit online at http://www.coelhowinery.com.