Gus Eberhardt of Raynblest Farm, Elkton, OR.

Because Farmers markets are in full swing all over the Willamette Valley, we’re on the lookout for farmers and products to feature. Please let us know your favorites so we can share the best of the best with everyone.

Today we were fortunate to meet Gus Eberhardt of Raynblest Farm, who was selling his family’s honey and fresh eggs. You can meet him, too, at the Lane Country Farmers Market.

Fresh eggs from Raynblest Farm's "free ranging girls."

Then in addition to noshing your way through the farmers market, you can have other fine foodie experiences in Eugene and its surrounds.

Check out our Oregon Wine Country website for suggestions of where to go and what to taste. And if you discover a new “find,” please comment on the blog or write on our Oregon Wine Country Travel Facebook page wall.  Thanks!

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, look no further than the Willamette Valley. This week, Wine Enthusiast magazine posted a great three-day itinerary, perfect for a long weekend.  Begin in Portland and explore the many wine bars in the area, highlighting wines from around the state and the world.  Then, on the second day, travel southwest to the Chehalem Mountains to taste at several wineries including Adelsheim and Trisaetum.  On the third day, visit the Dundee Hills where Domain Drouhin and the Carlton Winemakers Studio await. The itinerary includes excellent dining and lodging options.  We recommend staying at the Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg and dining at Farm to Fork in nearby Dundee. 

What are you doing this weekend?  Come join us!

Imagine sitting in a candle-lit room for a yoga class and afterwards having a tour of a winery and enjoy wine tasting all in one place!  Vino & Vinyasa is just that.  Held at wineries around the Willamette Valley, the yoga course is geared towards all ability levels and allows participants to enjoy yoga among nature’s bounty.  Follow @VinoVinyasa on Twitter for the latest updates and next location.

Food & Wine magazine recently published a feature on how Oregon Wine Countryhas evolved over the last 20 years.  Novelist Chang-rae Lee’s visit with winemaker Jim Maresh of Arterberry Maresh winery recalled his earlier memories of the Willamette Valley.  Lee reminisced about how the valley has changed into a terrific tourist destination with a plethora of wineries to try, cozy bed and breakfasts to rest your head and restaurants to tempt your taste buds, all while keeping an individualistic spirit.  He comments that most wine producers in Oregon remain small and that the total volume made in Oregon equals less than one percent of the wine made in California.  The bonus of being boutique, says Lee, is that winery owners often are full service, by conducting everything from vineyard labor to pouring tastes to thirsty visitors. 

Oregon Bounty roving reporter Greg Robeson chronicles his visit to Penner-Ash Wine Cellars. He encourages you to enter the chance to win a free trip to the Willamette Valley and be a winemaker for a week with Lynn Penner-Ash.

Photo of Lynn Penner-Ash by Andrea Johnson Photography