Through the Grapevine

Spring is just around the corner, and that got us thinking about a new way to see the Willamette Valley.  Vista Balloon Adventures provides hot air balloon rides around the valley.  Imagine soaring high above the valley viewing wine country from the sky, in a safe hot air balloon that accommodates up to 10 people.  Just 40 minutes south of Portland, Vista Balloon Adventures’ launch pad is in the heart of wine country in Newberg.  Packages include deluxe adventures with a sparkling brunch along with marriage proposals and wedding flights!   After your flight, spend the day wine tasting in the area.  What a perfect day! 

With over 400 Oregon wineries, sometimes it can be hard to keep up!   Never fear, Paul Gregutt’s blog Unfined and Unfiltered can help you sift through and find a new favorite vintage.  Paul’s street creds are plentiful.  He writes the wine column in the Sunday Seattle Times Magazine, he’s the NW editor for Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and his reviews have been in Sunset, Decanter and other trade publications.  The reviews he writes for Oregon and Washington wines are exclusively in Wine Enthusiast magazine and in his blog.  Recently, Paul has written about wineries in Carlton, and Newberg. He’s on the road, heading south through the Willamette Valley to southern Oregon and beyond – posting comments and posing questions along the way. 

What are some of your favorite wine blogs?

There’s a wonderful article in the latest issue of NW Palate about where to stay and play in the Willamette Valley.  With more than 200 wineries to explore, along with B&B’s, local breweries, hotels and restaurants, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  Check out the list when you plan your next trip and discover a new favorite spot.  Still thirsty?  If you’re looking for even more destinations, we recommend heading south to see more of our beautiful valley.

What are some of your favorite places to visit in the Willamette Valley?

I am amazed at how individuals in Oregon wine country continue to offer creative and unique ways to visit our beautiful region.  Oregon Wine Safari offers a plethora of one-of-a-kind options including ground transportation, bus tours, and travel via helicopter.  Available as an add-on to any ground tour, or as a stand alone way to travel in style, the helicopter tours soar over wineries, vineyards, lakes, streams and even waterfalls.  Ground tours can be customized to an individual group needs and visitors can travel via Land Rover to explore the back roads of wine country.  Gourmet cuisine can be added on to any package. With meal options from picnic baskets to five course dinners, Oregon Wine Safari provides visitors with the “never-lift-a-finger” type of ultimate pampering experience.

How will you visit us this year?