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 Do you remember the first time you tasted a really great wine? Maybe
it was a delicate white, packed with sweet aromas that prefaced a silky,
spicy finish. Maybe it was a rich Pinot noir, robust with earthy
tones and an undercurrent of ripe berries; the taste lingering long
after the first sip. You may never find the exact wine that branded
that memory on your palate, but you can experience those same emotions
this fall in Oregon’s wine country. Creating everything from “Wacky
Whites” to the widely loved Pinot noir, the Willamette Valley’s
wineries produce delicious vintages that are the perfect pairing for the
region’s most delectable produce, cheese and breads. With the
rich beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s fall foliage as the backdrop,
the Willamette Valley is a wonderful setting to experience Oregon’s
bounty. Now in its third year, Oregon Bounty is a unique statewide promotion that showcases the best of Oregon’s local resources while giving visitors a rare chance to meet face-to-face and even work with award-winning chefs, vintners and other artisans. This two-month celebration kicks off October 1 and runs until November 30, offering behind-the-scenes access to gourmet favorites. Whether you choose to sample some of the latest vintages at local wineries, visit one of the many farmers markets, dine at a fine restaurant featuring distinctive Oregon Bounty menu items, or relax in one of the valley’s historic inns, the region is rich with experiences for you to explore. Special Experience Packages: Cooks, Pots & Tabletops – Eugene, Ore. If it’s a true experience of the senses you’re looking for, check out Eugene’s Cooks, Pots & Tabletops package for a market tour and cooking class. Start your morning off at the Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Eugene with Julie Fether, one of Eugene’s finest chefs. Julie will take you on a guided tour as you meet local producers and learn how to select the best fresh ingredients for your meals. Upon arrival at the Cooks, Pots & Tabletops store, you’ll work with Keith Ellis, another renowned local chef, to prepare an incredible meal based on your finds earlier that day.
Shop with the Chef – Eugene, Ore. Bounty Adventures on Your Own: If a self-guided adventure is more your speed, the Willamette Valley is bursting with activities, events, wineries and culinary establishments to explore. 
Gastronomic Exploration Opened in 1999, The Dundee Bistro is a favorite spot of visitors and locals alike. The Dundee Bistro combines culinary sophistication and impeccable service with a friendly atmosphere and wide array of Willamette Valley dishes to choose from. Located in the heart of Oregon’s Wine Country, The Dundee Bistro showcases the region’s notable Pinot noirs and other local vintages. Just steps away from a small man-made lake, Hayden’s Lakefront Grill in Tualatin is an ideal spot to sit back and enjoy Oregon’s warm autumn nights while tasting exceptional meals made from fresh ingredients supplied by local vendors. Here you’ll find everything from Pan-Asian to American comfort food. Committed to community and exceptional service, Hayden’s staff has been handpicked to offer the finest dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Head further south and stop at Sahalie's Wine Cellar and Restaurant to sip some of Southern Willamette Valley’s finest wines. Culinary aficionados will enjoy the coordinated wine and dinner selections, along with tapas-style plates for those who want to sample a wide array of Sahalie’s delicious offerings or those saving room for their legendary desserts. Throughout the Willamette Valley you can find a number of additional restaurants which have also created distinctive Oregon Bounty menu items and meals including Café Zenon, Excelsior Inn Restaurant Italiano, Napoli Restaurant Bakery, and Palace Bakery, all located in Eugene, as well as La Rambla located in McMinnville. A Cheese Lover’s Paradise – Albany and Salem, Ore. Cheese lovers will delight in the unique flavored varieties produced by Oregon Gourmet Cheeses - smoked, herbs de Provence, peppercorn, Cajun and cumin to name a few. A relative newcomer, Albany’s Oregon Gourmet Cheeses is a family-run company that specializes in French cheeses - Picnic, Camembert, Sublimity and Fromage Blanc - but have plans to introduce a line of Australian cheeses, their initial inspiration. After tasting Australian farmstead cheeses, Connie Collins knew this was what was missing in Oregon’s cheese industry, and with the help of her husband and nephew, she opened Oregon Gourmet Cheeses. To sample some of their delicacies visit them online or look for them at local area farmer’s markets. After stopping by Oregon Gourmet Cheeses, visit the award-winning Willamette Valley Cheese Company in Salem. Willamette Valley Cheese is famous for its buttery smooth, all-natural farmstead cheeses, including Gouda, Havarti, Fontina and Mozzarella. Since 1962, the Volbeda Family has cared for its own herd of Jersey cows, a breed recognized for its rich and flavorful milk, ideal for making exceptional cheese. Not only are the Volbedas producers of prized cheeses, but they have generated buzz in the cheese industry with their original creations of Perrydale and Italian-style Brindisi Fontina. Employing a sustainable farming approach, the Volbedas grass-feed their Jersey cows and work to minimize the impact they have on their land. Willamette Valley Cheeses are available for purchase online, at area farmer’s markets and at select stores throughout the state of Oregon. Oregon Wine Country and You: Oregonians have known for years just how unique and special the Willamette Valley is with its temperate climate, beautiful scenery, world-renowned wineries and an abundance of local produce. Now it’s your turn to come and experience the bounty of Oregon’s Wine Country. For more information on packages or any of the establishments mentioned here, contact the Willamette Valley Visitors Association at 866.548.5018. For more information on packages or any of the establishments mentioned here, contact the Willamette Valley Visitors Association at 866.548.5018. Download our Oregon Bounty Willamette Valley events guide here in PDF format or go to www.traveloregon.com/Bounty/Willamette-Valley.aspx. |
