Willamette Valley
 

My husband and I are planning a special birthday trip to the Willamette Valley in September to taste some of the awesome Oregon wines. Does anyone have some recommendations on wineries, restaurants and places to stay? Thanks!

well of course King Estate is the most famous one and they do have a beautiful setting - and good wines also
close by is Hinman Vineyards which is also a very nice setting.
There was just an article in the Eugene Registar Guard last week about all the wineries and one that they mentioned that I have not visited but looks interesting is the Domain Droughin and it is close to the town of Dundee- there was an interesting story about the owners.
Others are Iris Hill, Chateau Lorane, Eugene Wine Cellars, Lavelle Vinyards

If you are staying in Eugene- Valley River Inn is probably the nicest place to stay -
Or there is a B @ B at the Excelsior Inn
which is very nice - its over a very nice restuarant - nice rooms and great food at restuarant but clsoe to U of O so not too scenic.

too bad you arent coming in June - they are have bus tours of many of wineries
June 18 and June 25- looks like 6 wineries will be included on each tour.

What part of the valley do you plan to visit? The highest concentration of wineries is SW of Portland, within an hour's drive. If visiting this area, you could easily use Portland as your base. Alternatively there are a number of B&Bs in wine country.

IMO Chateau Benoit is very beautiful. They have tables outside so you can bring a picnic lunch with you (and of course buy their wine to drink with it!) and enjoy the view.

Hmmm, I have family in the Corvallis area and love that part of the state. Unfortunately I have no travel tips for you, other than I have stopped in the various vineyards along Hwy 99 when you cut over from Portland heading south-ish... but this post will top your question.

Pick up this month's Wine Spectator. It's got a nice little spread on Oregon wine country.

Today's Oregonian has the annual wine guide pull out section. You can go to www.oregonlive.com and see it referenced on the home page under "Oregonian's Wine Guide". You can also call The Oregonian and order a copy of todays paper, including the wine guide 800-826-0376. They will mail it to you for a couple dollars.