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An Awe-Inspiring Journey Through Willamette Valley, Oregon

By Amy Lively Jensen

Because so many visitors mispronounce Willamette Valley, Oregon it has prompted locals to embrace the catchy slogan: “It’s pronounced Willamette, Dammit!” This playful mnemonic device not only helps, but also captures the region's spirited charm. This stunning area is renowned for its lush landscapes and fertile soil, making it a haven for wine lovers. With over 800 wineries, it's primarily celebrated for its world-class Pinot Noir. Beyond wine, the valley offers a treasure trove of activities that balance adventure and peaceful relaxation. Cycle the Covered Bridge Scenic Bikeway, embark on star gazing excursions, explore spectacular waterfalls, or indulge in farm-to-fork culinary delights - there's truly something for everyone.

Our journey to Willamette Valley was sparked by the 38th annual International Pinot Noir Celebration, a three-day extravaganza showcasing wines from 73 wineries worldwide. With walk-around tastings, enlightening seminars, winery tours and sumptuous meals crafted by top local chefs, it was an irresistible draw. What we discovered was the region's allure that kept visitors extending their stays to soak in its wonders.

Sampling the valley's unique and award-winning winery tasting rooms is a joy in itself. USA Today named the Willamette Valley Vineyards as the #1 Tasting Room in the country, and ranked it the #2 Wine Club. The accolades keep coming, with Wine Enthusiast Magazine hailing it as “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers.”

Imagine savoring wine in a vintage 1971 Airstream travel trailer named Floyd! Sealionne Wines has created this quirky tasting venue, complete with a refurbished, open-air barn. Owners winemaker Piper Underbrink and her architect husband Ben Stalker, shared their vision: “Going back to how the Willamette Valley was 40-50 years ago feels innovative to us.”

For unique accommodations look no further than Abbey Road Farms in Carlton where scenic beauty meets a boutique winery and luxury bed-and-breakfast. Their modern, stylish suites are cleverly housed in converted grain silos, and on-site chef Will Preisch serves up a tantalizing five-course breakfast - an experience that changes daily and is consistently touted as one of the finest in the area.

The Carlton Wine Lofts owned by winemaker Ken Wright offer spacious studios adorned with luxurious touches and treats from local purveyors. Just across the street from Ken Wright Cellars Tasting Room, guests can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting in a converted train station. Ken Wright Cellar’s wines have garnered accolades, with Wine Enthusiast Magazine ranking its Abbott Claim Vineyard Pinot Noir as the #1 wine in the world. Ken Wright himself graced the cover of Wine Spectator Magazine with a nine-page article showcasing his remarkable career.

Willamette Valley's dining scene has blossomed in recent years, bringing exceptional restaurants into the spotlight. The Joel Palmer House restaurant set in a striking historic mansion, is famed for its inventive mushroom-centric cuisine. It is worth every penny for the sublime flavors. It is a 'must-do again' restaurant.

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In downtown McMinnville, Humble Spirit restaurant highlights the region’s farmers, ranchers, fishermen/women, winemakers and artisans. Crafted by Chef Sarah Schafer, her seasonal creations made with “loving intention, purpose and joy,” are a delight to the senses. The presentation is artful and served with a sense of humor. The Dungeness Crab Raviolini paired with fennel salad and sturgeon caviar was sumptuous. The culmination of this delectable meal was a Blackberry Tart with hazelnut streusel and vanilla Chantilly.

For a farm-to-table experience, The Painted Lady restaurant in Newberg shines. From freshly picked greens to locally raised lamb, the food reflects Willamette Valley’s fertile farms. This lavish restaurant serves French-inspired New American tasting menus and Oregon wines. They serve dishes that are complex in flavor, texture and presentation. The Painted Lady’s ambiance is intimate and cozy, perfect for a special evening.

The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum displays the largest wooden airplane ever constructed. Here you can gape at the enormous and infamous “Spruce Goose” that billionaire aviator Howard Hughes designed and built. In World War II, there was a critical need to transport troops and equipment across the Atlantic, so Hughes took on the challenge. It flew just once in 1947 and when the 23-million-dollar craft was completed, it was no longer necessary for the war effort. It was kept out of the public eye for 30 years before coming to this museum.

Outdoor lovers will find endless activities in Willamette Valley. The Willamette River offers kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. Parks abound with hiking trails and 10 stunning waterfalls. The majestic Willamette Falls is the largest and widest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest.

Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the Covered Bridge Scenic Bikeway, a picturesque route that meanders through peaceful landscapes, dense forests, the sparkling Row River and lush vineyards. Iconic covered bridges are a special addition to the bike ride. The gentle hills make it accessible for cyclists of all ages and ability levels. Along the way, riders can delve into the area’s rich gold mining history at the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum.

Stargazing at the Carlton Observatory is a memorable family activity, thanks to its dark skies, away from urban light. Public events allow visitors to glimpse celestial objects through telescopes, guided by experienced astronomers. As Eugene Astronomical Society President Andy Edelen notes, 'Stargazing offers a glimpse into extraordinary objects like Nebulas and star clusters seen by only a handful of people on Earth.'

Willamette Valley is a bonanza of experiences. From sipping your way through the world-famous vineyards to enjoying the many attractions and the great outdoors, it is a journey you'll fondly remember as truly 'awesome.'

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