birdergirl

Hubby's got a business connection flying the two of us to Vancouver and then north to a fishing lodge for a couple of days the first week of August. We have time for two full days of other activities after our return to Vancouver from the fishing lodge. After some debate, we have settled on flying to Portland and spending two days checking out local wineries. I know there are some tour services that will do the driving for you, enabling the both of us to enjoy the local "grape juice" without having to worry about getting behind the wheel.

Can anyone recommend a specific tour company? Or tell me which one you DIDN'T like? Unfortunately, the person in charge of the corporate excursion took too long to get back to us with dates, etc., and now I have to book everything in a flash. I hope I don't run into problems booking with such late notice!

Also, I would really appreciate any lodging recommendations. Thanks, eveyone!

quackerbacker

Not sure about tour companies, but as far as lodging, if you're looking for a place in wine country, I'd recommend the Hotel Oregon in McMinnville...good hotel in the fun downtown of McMinnville--when I'm in that hotel and not looking outside, I feel like I'm in Seattle--the hotel has an urban (in a good way!), relatively sophisticated/stylish feel to it...

birdergirl

Thanks, I was looking at the Hotel Oregon. I see that they do run tours out of it, too.

Scarlett

We took a drive through the Oregon wine country in March with our son..stopping in McMinnville for lunch at the Hotel Oregon. It is a charming hotel and there are some nice little shops in the area too, if you feel the need
When I was wandering around the downstairs looking at the old photos on the walls and peeking in at rooms ( downstairs-no bedrooms) I overheard a family thanking the desk for their wonderful stay..
Aug is a nice time to be here, sunny warm and dry

Fodorite018

Another vote for Hotel Oregon. We stayed there several years ago and really liked it. Course, we have had really good experience with all the McMenamins that we have stayed at.

I saw your post on TripAdvisor as well

kimamom

Hi! August will be very warm. We much preferred our wine country visit a couple of days ago when the weather was a bit cooler. (We're on the coast for the summer where we are spoiled by the nice, cool ocean air here.)

I would suggest you definitely plans stops at Archery Summit, Domaine Drouhin and Domaine Serene. Torii Mor was nice, also. In Carlton, don't miss Scott Paul for his excellent Audrey Pinot Noir. There is also the Carlton Winemakers Studio that is very pretty. You can sample many different wines from several wineries here.

Our lunch at Tina's in Dundee was also very good if you're looking for a lunch spot in that area. Dayton has the Joel Palmer House where we enjoyed an excellent dinner. I have heard good things about the Grape Escapes tour company that Torii Mor recommends. Cheers! ***kim***

Scarlett

Well, Summer, even August, in Portland is never very warm, at least not for days at a time and the nights cool down beautifully. You can drive from a 85 degree Portland to the Coast and need a sweater.
But the good thing about summer here is that , unlike spring or the rest of the year, odds are it will be dry
birdergirl, Domaine Serene Pinot Noirs are exceptional, try to find some, if all the Robert Parker reviews have not made them impossible to find now