Visitors to Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory have a new way to find, explore and enjoy the wineries throughout the region with the Mt. Hood Territory Wine Trail.
This is a free mobile passport that offers great discounts at 16 wineries, from the Willamette Valley to the base of Mt. Hood. Participants who redeem an offer at eight locations can then pick up a Mt. Hood Territory Wine Trail stainless steel wine glass at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive & Visitor Information Center in Oregon City.
“Our area offers an incredibly diverse range of family-run and operated wineries,” said Annie Austin, public relations manager. “Each one is so passionate about their craft, and they act as stewards of the land.”
Wineries along the trail include longtime favorites, as well as newcomers to the Oregon winemaking tradition. St. Josef’s Winery in Canby is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. It was one of the first vineyards in the state and winemaker Josef Fleischmann is considered a pioneer in the industry. Conversely, in 2017 two new tasting rooms opened in West Linn, Tumwater Vineyard and Campbell Lane Winery. Both offer great wine paired with amazing views.
As for the wine, Pinot noir will always be a favorite in Oregon, but it is joined by a wide variety of other reds and whites including Pinot gris, Chardonnay and Riesling. In addition to these, many of the wineries feature rare varietals or put their own spin on traditional favorites. King’s Raven Winery in Oregon City offers four rare types including Phoenix, a white wine grape of German origin and very rare in the US, with the only known plantings at King’s Raven and a vineyard in Arizona. At Hanson Vineyards in Canby, they grow Golubok, a southern Russian cool-climate red, which is unlike most red grapes in that the color pigment is not only located in the skins, but also in the pulp.
“We hope the Wine Trail makes it easy for guests to discover new locations, taste delicious wines they might not have known about and inspire more gatherings with friends,” said Austin. “And with great hotel, vacation rental and bed and breakfast options throughout The Territory, stay and make it a wine tasting weekend.”
Participating wineries on the Mt. Hood Territory Wine Trail include: Alexeli Vineyards and Winery, Boring Winery, Buddha Kat Winery, Campbell Lane Winery, Christopher Bridge Winery, Forest Edge Vineyard, Hanson Vineyards, King’s Raven Winery, Oswego Hills Winery, Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery, St. Josef’s Winery, Terra Vina Wines, Tumwater Vineyard, Villa Catalana Cellars, Whiskey Hill Winery & Postlewait Vineyards and Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm & Vineyards.
For more information and to download the free Wine Trail visit www.omht.us/winetrail.
