WildAire Cellars

WildAire Cellars tasting room is located in downtown Carlton.  Dan and I stopped in briefly before a dinner a Cana's feast to try their wines (free tasting which is not the norm).  We enjoyed our visit with the owner, Matthew (pictured), whom he and is wife, Jean, we learned are the two solely running and producing their wines in this small boutique shop.  We bought a bottle of their 2008 Timothy Pinot noir, but now it sold out so we can't recommend you try that one, but there could be one among the many they produce you may like.  Kristen

Folin Cellars

Six of us stopped in to this tasting room in downtown Carlton before dinner at Cana's Feast this past Saturday night.  Wow, what a treat of mostly Southern Oregon wines, and one local Pinot Noir (Ken Wright, winemaker on the Pinot). We were treated with great hospitality by our pourer, Carole Stevens (pictured), who even stayed open a bit later for us.  I wanted to buy all the wines (wish I could afford to do that!) but purchased one that was unique and different, and a varietal I have never heard of called Mouvedre at $34/ bottle.  I would have brought the Syrah, too, but think my friends picked up that one and another (so we will get together again for a Folin Cellars tasting).  Their main winery is located in Gold Hills, Oregon, just off I-5 near Grants Pass.  They feature Tempranillos, Syrahs, Grenaches and Viogniers.  Definately stop in as think they have very tasty and bold wines.  When you like them all, I believe that says something about the winemaker.  We will be back.  Thanks Carole again for such super service!  Kristen & Dan

Colene Clemens Vineyards

This is a beautiful newer winery established in 2010.  It is a drive to get there on a long gravel road, so bring a picnic lunch with you and enjoy the views (there is nice seating overlooking rolling hills).  We visited on Labor Day weekend, and they were just pouring two Pinot Noirs which is all they have at the moment (I was a little disappointed after the drive, but surely they will have more in the future!).  If you are out tasting at Trisaetum winery then this drive to Colene Clemens is maybe another 10-15 mintues from them, so perhaps take in those two at the same time.  Kristen   

Trisaetum (tris-say-tum)

Dan and I visited this beautiful winery and art gallery over the 2011 Labor Day weekend.  We were first time visitors, but many of our guests have tasted here (Linda often recommends them!).  We were greeted by the owners parents, gracious and welcoming (a family run winery), and then off to taste six wonderful wines, mainly Reislings and Pinot noirs.  We first met Greg McClellan near the "cave" barrels, one winemaker raised in and around the wineries of France, and who had a hand in the making of the Reislings. Both Reislings were excellent, and my favorite was the 2010 Coast Range Medium-Dry. Then off to taste Pinot noirs; their 2009 Trisae was tops for me out of them all.  On the upper level we viewed the beautiful paintings by the owner and  winemaker, James Frey (pictured).  Not only is this winery amazing outside surrounded by lush vineyards on all sides, but the gallery inside with walls of paintings are a must see as James mixes his vineyard's soil into some of his works--fascinating.  Our favorite winery of the three we visited this weekend, and we will continue to recommend it to others.  Kristen

White Rose Wines

In my opinion this winery probably has the best views...almost a 360 degree view of Yamhill and surrounding valleys.  Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helen can be seen on a clear day (bottom photo I took had a haze covering Mt. Hood).  White Rose Wines have excellent wines.  Last night they hosted an industry event so we could taste their 2009 releases.  The winemaker, Jesse, poured the wines as we were surrounded by large stainless steel vats in the cellar below ground.  We also took a look at their new updated tasting room (no windows though--can you believe that!) and is simple but nice.  White Rose is open 10-5pm daily, and has a $10 tasting fee.  My favorite wine was their $30 bottle 2009 White Rose Estate "Willamette Valley" Pinot Noir.  We tasted a $90 bottle of Pinot noir, but between the two, I liked the $30 bottle just as much  :)
Kristen

Cana's Feast Winery

Cana's Feast Winery & Cucina once again hosted the local Bed & Breakfasts a few weeks back to fine wine AND an amazing dinner prepared by Executive Chef Lisa Lanxon. The food paired with their wines were "to die for." We started with amazing appetizers paired with a 2010 Rosato (and for $14 a bottle it is such a great price and guaranteed favorite, and I had a couple of glasses :) Then, we moved onto bottles of Conoise and a Pinot Noir with dinner--both superb, too. Amy Cummins, Cana's Feast Events/Tasting Room Manager and Dan Duryee, the Assistant Winemaker, also made the evening special for all of us with good conversation and appreciation to the B&B's, who love to send guests their way all year long. The wines and the food at this winery are well worth the visit, and you won't be disappointed. Once again, thank you Cana's Feast...we felt appreciated and pampered! Kristen

Troon Vineyard

Troon Vinyard has a tasting room located in the heart of Carlton, and they feature wines (and grapes) from the southern Oregon region.  A group of eight in our party stopped in to try them out last Saturday for a mother's day weekend outing!  Our favorite wine was their Druid Fluid.  For only $18.00 bottle you know you're going to have a good bottle of wine and not that expensive!  It's also their most popular best seller.  Here's the description of this red wine:  a rich, fruit forward blend--vintage of 48% Merlot, 33% Syrah, 14% Zinfandel, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

In the busy summer season they are open until 6:00pm which is nice for those of you who like to taste until the last minute! A tasting fee of $5.00 is waived if you buy 3 or more bottles of wine.  Kristen & Dan

Argle Winery

Since 1987 Argyle has produced world-class champenoise Sparkling wine, barrel fermented Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  Many visitors taste here as their tasting room is located in the heart of Dundee on Hwy 99 in a quaint, home-like building (pictured). The tasting room is usually quite busy, especially in peak season because of their great location and their popular wines which you can find in many stores. We feature their Sparkling Brut at the Inn which we pair with beautiful flowers and Moonstruck Chocolates in a special package for guests upon request (package prices range from $59 for Brut & Chocolates to $89 that also includes the flowers).  Not many in the valley produce sparkling wines, but this is a place to stop if you enjoy a fine bubbly.  Kristen

Anam Cara Cellars

Dan and I stopped into this new tasting room in Newberg on Saturday.  The tasting room is easy to find-- located on Hwy 240 just before heading out to the country and more wineries.  Anam Cara Cellars is a small, family owned winery where they grow and harvest all of their own grapes.  Nick and Sheila Nicholas are the owners, and Sheila was our lovely host who poured our wines on this sunny, Oregon day.  And wow, what a treat that was in store for us!  She poured three Pinot Noirs, and then poured one of the best Gewurztraminer's I've ever tasted (now on my "Favorite Wine's" list to the left)!  She also poured a Reisling, which was just as outstanding as the Gewurztraminer.  However, all the wines were delicious Dan and I mentioned to one another while tasting.  Their wines we came to learn are all highly rated--most are 90 points and up as noted in Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast publications to name just a few.  We left with a wonderful purchase of their 2007 Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir for $30, and we look forward to sharing with friends.  I don't know of other wineries that make a Gewurtrazminer in the valley, but if you like this wine and a good Reisling too, make sure to stop in here to taste and buy.  The tasting fees start at $10 and "refunded" if two or more bottles are purchased.  There are also three sitting areas to enjoy the wine and view the beautiful artwork on display as well. Kristen & Dan

Coehlo Winery

Coehlo Winery is located in dowtown Amity, which is a small town located a few miles south of McMinnville. The tasting room is a large, craftsman style building, with a beautiful extended wine bar to sit and sip your wines.  People can rent this tasting room for a party or event, and I would think it would be a fun place to hold one here. They showcase a variety of wines (below), and out of them all I enjoyed the 2008 Syrah the best. They served bread with a yummy cheese with your tastings, which is a nice bonus as most wineries do not offer this treat.  Here's the wines and flight pricing below.  Kristen & Dan

White and Rosé Tasting Flight $5
2009 Renovação Pinot Gris, 2008 Apreciação Chardonnay and 2009 Divertimento Pinot noir Rosé

2008 Red Tasting Flight $10
2008 Estate Paciência Pinot noir, 2008 Tradição red wine, 2008 Espontâneo Maréchal Foch and
2008 Antecipação Petite Sirah

Port-Style Tasting $6
2007 Aventura Portuguese Varietal Dessert Wine and 2006 Serenidade Maréchal Foch Dessert Wine

Stoller Vineyards

Dan and I stopped in this weekend to taste at Stoller Vineyards.  The views were beautiful (a double rainbow appeared on the property while there, just magnificent, and everyone got their cameras out!).  The tasting room is small for how big the winery is it seemed, but the staff were nice with smiles!  They were featuring four wines to taste, two Chardonnay's--one Chardonnay fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, and the other in oak barrels. I tend to prefer stainless steel Chardonnay's better than oak, but I liked the oak-aged one better this time. 

The other two wines featured were Pinot Noir's, and we bought their $25 dollar 2007 JV Estate Pinot Noir.  Here's the description from Stoller's website: "Beautifully ripe and brimming with sweet cherry and berry flavors coupled with earth and spice, the JV Estate is an elegant, spicy Pinot Noir in an extremely approachable style."

The oversized windows in the tasting room showcase their vineyards on the hill. The wines are good and the views memorable. You'll want to stop in.  Kristen & Dan
 

Laurel Ridge Winery

Dan and I have visited this winery several times.  We like their port, 2004 Cabernet Frac the best, and have bought several bottles in the past to share with friends and fill our port container at home!  Their tasting room is easy to find located off 240 & Kuehne Road.  If you like ports, this is the place to visit.  Dan & Kristen

Et Fille Wines

Dan and I sampled their wines this busy memorial wine tasting weekend in Willamette Valley, and enjoyed all of them!  We bought a bottle of their 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot noir to take home with us.  Jessica and her father are the owners and winemakers for this small family-run winery (et fille means "and daughter").  You can find them just up the road at August Cellars just off Highway 99.  Jessica will even pour by appointment only.  Some of our guests love to meet the owners and learn about winemaking and the whole experience of owning a vineyard, and Jessica would certainly be someone we'd suggest for them to visit and learn from.  Kristen & Dan

Lemelson Vineyards

What a pleasant surprise to find a winery that has been around a while, but now open to the public without appointment.  Dan and I stopped in at the last minute as they were about to close, and the gracious wine tasting room manager poured for us.  The winery features Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, a dry Reisling and many Pinot noirs.  They are close to Willakenzie Winery and Lenne.  EVERY wine we tasted we liked (rare!).  Wines are priced from $19 for the Pinot Gris up to $48 for a Pinot noir.  Give them a try and let them know we sent you!  Kristen & Dan

Dobbes Family Estate

Located in the heart of Dundee, Dobbes Family Estate is a smaller winery but uses grapes from many regions in Oregon.  They produce a variety of wines from Pinot gris and Vigoniers to Pinot noir and Syrahs.  They always treat are guests well, and with free tastings.  What also makes them unique is they give back to many charities.  We often get emails from them on the new charity they will be supporting that month.  Pretty cool.  Give them a try and tell them The DreamGiver's Inn sent you.  Kristen & Linda

K&M Alchemy Vineyard

K&M is located about a mile from the Inn.  Ken and Mauro, the owners (thus the intials for the winery, K&M) have recently entered into producing wines over the last year or so.  However, the grapes on their property have been long established and seasoned (planted in 1983). Their small, boutique tasting room is in a beautiful setting, and usually to taste is by appointment only on weekends.  It is worth going as they are friendly, and will educate you on wine--without the crowds.  No snobbery here!  They currently feature a 2006 Pinot noir and 2006 Chardonnay.  Tell them The DreamGiver's Inn sent you.  Kristen & Dan

Cana's Feast Winery

Just a few blocks outside of quaint, downtown Carlton, Cana's Feast Winery features a tasting room and restaurant, or "cucina," that serves lunch and dinner (Fridays thru Sundays only). The winery looks like it has been plucked right out of Tuscany, and they derived their name from the biblical story of Jesus turning water into wine at Cana. In summer you can dine outside under umbrellas for a tasty lunch. The food is yummy and there are a host of wines to enjoy (Pinot noir, Syrah, Rosato, Sangiovese and more).  We've tasted several times at the winery, and with so many wines to taste and choose from, you are sure to find one that you'll want to take home with you.  Check out their website as they have other events you may want to attend--a chef's supper, cocktail party or antipasta and wine tasting to name just a few. The tasting room is open year round from 11 to 5 pm daily.  Kristen & Dan  

The Four Graces

This tasting room & vineyard is located just before entering the town of Dundee. Their label and marketing materials including their website are beautiful! The tasting room is nicely appointed, a bit on the smaller side and can be crowded at times during peak season, but our guests like this winery and several have become wine club members. The Four Graces feature Pinot noir, Gris & Blancs. Jason, the tasting room manager, has often stopped by the Inn to speak with us and drop off wine tasting cards for our guests to sample their wines for free (usually $10 tasting fee). We recommend the winery because the wines and service are great. Tasting room is open daily from 10 to 5pm except some holidays.  Kristen

Sokol Blosser Winery

Sokol Blosser is one of the more popular wineries in the area, and was established in 1971. You can find their wines in numerous restaurants and retail outlets across the United States.  Located in Dundee, just off the main highway (Hwy 99), you take a short drive uphill to arrive at the winery. They have picnic benches outside that overlook views of the southern valley so one can enjoy a boxed lunch and a bottle of wine.  The tasting room is a little older but always a busy one, and tasting fees range from $5-15, depending on what you are tasting.   At the Inn we offer for purchase their amazing white varietal blend called Evolution, Lucky Edition.  It is Sokol Blosser's most popular wine (sold 65,000 cases last year alone of this wine!)  The staff is always friendly, and we have never had a bad experience there.  Guests will always be treated with politeness as they value customer service.  This is one winery that we are thinking of becoming wine club members, their wines are that good.  Kristen & Dan

Vista Hill Vineyard & Winery

Vista Hill Vineyards is located just a short drive from the town of Dundee. This vineyard and tasting room share the same driveway with other nearby wineries--Domaine Drouhin, White Rose Wines and Winter's Hill Vineyards. This is a newer tasting room, maybe a few years old, but the owners first crush, a Pinot Gris, was produced in 2000.  Currently they feature five wines, mostly Pinot noirs that are rich and bold, and one Pinot Gris. Tasting fees are $10/person. The views can be breathtaking (bring your camera as this winery and White Rose Wines around the corner have some of the best views we think!), and many brides/grooms hold their weddings here (Vista Hills is also a wedding venue with a nice banquet room).  So, beautiful views with good wines all come together in a spectacular tasting room.  You'll want to see this one.  Kristen & Linda