Everyone knows the Pacific Northwest has great wine — but what else does it bring to the table? Well, as it turns out, a whole lot more than charcuterie. From jaw-dropping settings, unique architecture, and outside-of-the-ordinary tours, these experiences elevate wine tasting from the typical “four pours and off you pop” visit to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Zip, Dip & Sip | Rogue Valley, Oregon
Good things come in threes — and this full-day itinerary in Southern Oregon is no exception. To start, you’ll go soaring through trees and across a quarter-mile ravine with Rogue Valley Zipline Adventures, enjoying views of the Table Rocks and Mount McLoughlin before ending in a replica gold mining town. Then it’s on to a whitewater excursion of the Rogue River, featuring Class I-IV rapids (you will get wet). Finally, your day comes to a close at Del Rio Vineyards & Winery, where you can quaff your way through 13 grape varietal grown on a sprawling 300-acre estate.
Bonus pairing: Theater fans must check out the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland for world-class performances; each season runs March to October.
Equestrian Wine Tours | Carlton, Oregon
Canter and cabernet, gallop and grenache, prance and pinot — you get the idea. On this tour, you ride on the back of well-trained Tennessee Walker horses, ranging across the rolling hills and country roads. You’ll make two stops — Durant Vineyard, Winter’s Hill Estate, White Rose Estate, and Sokol Blosser Winery are all options — across four hours.
Bonus pairing: Saddle sore? Nothing helps ease those aches quicker than a zen garden massage at The Allison Inn & Spa.
Photos courtesy of LucidWild
LucidWild Estate | Dundee, Oregon
A veritable wonderland for oenophiles, any visit to this monumental tasting room has a flavor of “choose your own adventure.” Take in panoramic views of Mount Jefferson and the Cascades with a bottle of Fusion pinot noir on the cantilevered SkyLounge, or settle inside the cozy LivingRoom for caviar and sparkling blanc de blanc. There’s also the RecRoom, which features a custom billiards table, shuffleboard, foosball, table tennis, a crushed oyster shell bocce ball court, and a 96-inch TV so you don’t have to miss the big game. And finally, for more secluded sips, the CaveLounge offers bottle service underground in the barrel cellar.
Bonus pairing: Book the Harvest Tour, offered September through October, to cruise the vineyard during one of the most energetic seasons. You’ll learn about dry farming, meet the resident Valais Blacknose sheep and llama, stop by the onsite apiary and its busy honey bees, and take in an iconic view of the Willamette Valley — it’s depicted on Oregon Wine Country license plates.
The Gorge White House | Hood River, Oregon
Open March through November, this working orchard from Kennedy Family Farms and Cellars grows everything: cherries, all the berries, peaches and nectarines, pluots, and later in the season, pears and apples. Guests can venture out into the rows and load up on fresh produce, while also picking a beautiful bouquet in the U-cut flower fields. Once your haul is secured, unwind with a glass of the heritage pear wine, a rosé of malbec, or the pinot noir, which carries a bit of spice and smoke.
Bonus pairing: Flights of hard cider are available to. Standout flavors include the honey lavender, lemon pear, and blueberry.
Rio Vista Wines | Chelan, Washington
This hidden gem perched above the Columbia River also comes with a beach where boaters are invited to anchor. That’s right, you can dip your toes in the sand with a glass of sparkling riesling in hand. And it’s only up from there, as Lake Chelan Helicopters offers aerial tours of the valley and can pick you up (or drop you off) here and at six other partner wineries.
Bonus pairing: If you fell in love with the area and have a vacation home on your mind, start your search at Ponderosa Wapato Point in nearby Manson. The modern, Northwest-style houses sit just steps from Lake Chelan, opening the door to fishing and water sports in the summer, plus ice skating and swimming in the heated pool during winter.