5 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Oregon Wine Country
By Becca Barnhart
Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest wine-tasting weekends of the year in the Willamette Valley--every winery in the valley throws open its doors to celebrate the summer season ahead. Here are a few trip ideas to guide you on your tasting journey this Memorial Day:
1. See art in action
Get inspired this weekend when you visit a winery where the creative spirit of art intersects with the creative power of winemaking.
Beckham Estate Vineyard's clay wine amphorea
Beckham Estate Vineyard, Sherwood. Winemaker Andrew Beckham is also a potter; visit his ceramic studio onsite and taste wine stored in his old-world clay wine amphorae.
Saffron Fields Vineyard, Yamhill. This winery is known for its collection of contemporary art and its gardens designed by noted Japanese garden designer, Hoichi Kurisu.
2. Celebrate old-world style
Visit a family-owned winery where the winemakers' heritage flavors the culture and traditions.
Cubanismo Vineyards, Salem. Owner Mauricio Collada is from Havana, Cuba; enjoy wine tasting, salsa dancing, live music, and Cuban food in honor of that heritage on Memorial Day weekend.
Coelho Winery, Amity. The Coelho family honors its Portuguese heritage with Portuguese varietals and blends, alongside its Portuguese-named Paciencia and Atracao Pinot noirs.
3. Enjoy a moveable tasting trip
Rent a bike, pack a picnic, and take a cycle trip in the Willamette Valley
Explore bicycle routes that begin and end in McMinnville, where you'll find wineries and tasting rooms in town as well as beautiful vineyards in the surrounding countryside.
Take the Pedaling for Pinot cycle trip and explore the wineries of the South Willamette Valley.
4. Visit a wine pioneer
Did you know 2015 marks the 50th year since the first Pinot noir vines were planted in the Willamette Valley Raise a glass to the early dreamers and pay a visit to early Oregon Pinot noir producers, still making great wine today.
Be that in-the-know friend who can recommend a fabulous bottle from a boutique winery. Some of Oregon's smallest wineries are open only by appointment, or on special occasions, so Memorial Day Weekend is a great chance to have a personal tasting experience at a small-production winery.
Lumos Tasting Room in Wren. Lumos Wines original tasting room in a barn on the family farm is only open to the public on Memorial Day weekend or by appointment.
Pfeiffer Winery. The exquisite small-lot wines made at Pfeiffer are available only through their wine club and tasting room and are not distributed to stores or restaurants. Visit their beautiful winery and gardens to taste them for yourself.
