Spring Touring Time

Memorial Day Touring-
My one day dream tour

I'll start off the day with a visit to Westrey, with an especial mission to try their Reserve Chardonnay (it's great). Everything coming out of this winery is excellent- I wonder if they'll have their Zinfandel released? I visited last year and Amy was processing some beautiful Zin juice... the scent was delicious!

While down in wine alley in McMinnville, I'd head next to Panther Creek, and shnarfle up their delectable single vineyard Pinots. Don't miss the Stevenson Barrie Pinot Noir while you're there, and the Melon is a wonderful summer treat, if there's any left. Right next door around the corner is R Stuart, home of "Big Fire" wines, delicious and inexpensive.

Back in the car and over to St Innocent for the ultimate feast! Mark always puts out a massive spread, and by now, I'd better eat something! I hear that the wonderful lamb may be supplemented by some ribs and chicken this year? Whatever they serve, it is always a delight. The Pinot Gris is mind boggling- a wonderful wonderful wine that I am in love with.. The Shea Pinot Noir is exquisite, and the whole lineup is worth many tastes.

My last visit of the day will be to Airlie Winery, a locally known Southern Willamette Valley winery with some great new wines. Mary Olson has turned the place around, and they have great music and food. Try the Pinot Noir for a value that will grow on you, the Marechal Foch is plush and complex, the best Marechal Foch I've had from Oregon. The whites are all pleasant and very reasonably priced. The people are wonderful. I'll check out the winery pets and let you know.

I will of course be using a designated driver for this tour, and when I get home, I'll open up a bottle from the wineries I just visited, and settle in to fondly contemplate the day's delicious flavors.

At this point, with the sun setting over the Green Peak Mountain behind my farm, I'll settle in to contemplate my delicious memories of the wines of Oregon. With a cat on my lap.

Please, forgive me if your winery is not listed here... there are so many excellent wineries I have missed for lack of time.

If you had a good time at a winery on Memorial Day, could you let us know here and we'll pass the info on to our readers? There are so many wonderful events this weekend.....