See, sniff, sip, spit and repeat. Ever feel like you’re part of a group of cattle, being herded from one cookie-cutter winery to the next? Always being forced to cut your visit short to make room for the next tour bus? At many of the larger wineries around the world, this experience is the norm, often detracting from the pursuit of relaxation, good times with friends and the discovery of fine wine.

In a state known for being a little off-the-norm, the vitners in Oregon’s Willamette Valley have a different philosophy. For these winemakers, it’s not about large droves of visitors, but about a quality, hands-on experience where they can share their love of exceptionally good wine with fellow wine lovers. For this reason, many have incorporated additional elements into their wineries to broaden the visitor’s experience, whether it’s an equestrian wine adventure, a traditional grape stomp or a good old-fashioned murder mystery.

Art and Pinot – The Perfect Cuvee

Tyee Wine Cellars in Corvallis has a history that stems far beyond the roots of the vines. The vineyard is located on the 122-year-old Buchanan Family Century Farm, a producer of fabulous Pinots and a patron of the arts. A tour through the buildings of Tyee Wine Cellars is a walk through the farm’s history. The tasting room was once the milking barn, and the barrel room is no longer full of oak casks, but instead houses relics from the past, including vintage tools and original winemaking equipment. Art in the Barrel Room showcases the beauty and talent of local artists’ paintings, photos and drawings. See Tyee through the eyes of owner David Buchanan, who focuses his photography on scenes and landscapes from the farm and vineyard.

After sipping a glass of Pinot and enjoying the gallery, venture outside where more than 100 acres of woods and wetlands create a natural work of art. Throughout the year the vineyard, along with wine lovers, celebrates the good life and the fertility of the region with live music, scrumptious cuisine and good company.

Ripe for the Stomping

Everything done at St. Josef’s Winery, located just outside of Canby, stems from the Hungarian heritage of the owners Josef and Lilli Fleischmann from the winemaking process to the annual Grapestomping Festival. What started as a small event for family and friends 25 years ago is now a full-fledged fete that invites all to celebrate the bountiful harvest and feel the squish of grapes between their toes.

The authentic Hungarian fare includes kraut, courtesy of Lilli, and sausages made using an old family recipe. For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the culture – they can kick up their heels and dance the night away to the sounds of Donaumusikanten, an authentic Germany band direct from Germany.

St. Josef’s celebrates its heritage and tradition year-round. In the spring, the vineyard honors St. Josef, its patron saint, while the summer solstice party celebrates the sun and season that ripens the falls harvest. No matter the time of year, this vineyard always welcomes guests with Hungarian hospitality and, if they’re lucky, some of that famous kraut.

Mrs. Cabernet, in the Barrel Room, with the Corkscrew

Secret House Vineyards in Veneta is more than just a working winery. It is also an outdoor concert arena, and the cellar is the scene of multiple homicides – pretend ones, of course. Spooky murder mysteries get intrepid detectives sleuthing while enjoying good wine and hearty hors d’oeuvres. Depending on the theme, privy eyes can investigate anything from a revenge crime during the Victorian era to a Speakeasy double-cross. The crime is always changing, but there are misdeeds to fight in late-October, January, March and upon request.

Those who enjoy a visit with less suspense can take advantage of the vineyards many outdoor concerts and festivals. The Annual Wine and Blues Festival brings together ten bands, local cuisine and lots of wine for a day of celebration. The event also hosts the NW Harmonica Championships, a crowd favorite that brings the valley’s harmonica maestros together to battle for the title of best in the region.

Romance among the Vines

“It’s Oregon, and we like to share great Oregon hospitality.” It’s this guiding philosophy that inspires Joan Davenport, owner of Wine Country Farm in McMinnville, to open the doors of her 100-year-old farm home to visitors from near and far. Always warm and gracious, Wine Country Farm offers custom wine tours and a comfortable bed & breakfast for a little peace and quiet. Visitors looking for adventure or who dream of the Wild West can lace up their boots and climb aboard one of the Tennessee Walking Horses to explore some of the region’s hidden treasures. Those looking for a romantic escape can sit back and enjoy the view from the comfort of a vintage horse drawn buggy.

While on horseback or buggy, guests have access to untouched areas of the valley, unknown to all but those who work the land and the animals that call it home. One minute, visitors will be in the midst of oak groves and vines and the next, sampling the latest vintages from the highly acclaimed nearby wineries including Domaine Serene, Domaine Drouhin and Sokol Blosser among others. Wine Country Farm will even pack a picnic lunch for your travels, often featuring strawberries dipped in chocolate, fresh fruit and other local nibbles. Although most tours leave after breakfast, some choose to take romantic rides at night to witness the beauty of the sun setting over Yamhill County before a star-filled ride home. It’s not only the stunning views around every bend that leave a lasting impression; it is the welcoming people and down home approach coupled with world-class wine that inspires visitors to keep returning.

Wine Country Farm also allows guests to play winemaker for a day. When the grapes are ready for picking everyone joins in the crush, sharing the bounty of the season, including delicious wine and delectable cuisine. Harvest time is unpredictable and so is the exact timing of the event – just request to be put on the list and be ready to go when the grapes are ripe.

Jump and Jive at Willamette Valley Vineyards

Willamette Valley Vineyards was first planted 23 years ago and flourished with the dedication of owner Jim Bernau, who often watered each vine by hand. Those same vines now make up one of Oregon’s largest producers of premium wines. Willamette Valley Vineyards, located just south of Salem, serves as the event capital of Oregon’s wine country, hosting culinary showcases, holiday music festivals and everything in between.

A lively event, Chef’s Nite Out brings together more than 40 of the region’s finest restaurants to benefit the Marion-Polk Food Share, giving visitors the opportunity to sample the best of the Willamette Valley in one spot. For families, check out the Tall Jazz and Friends winter event in December. Seasonal rhythms, gospel, Brazilian and Cajun music get everyone on their feet, and the holiday story set to music is sure to become an annual favorite.

Many come to the Willamette Valley simply to experience a sip of Pinot. Once they arrive, they discover a place with sweeping landscapes and craftspeople committed to creating world-class wine and an intimate wine-tasting experience. Travelers searching for even more behind-the-scenes action can visit in October and November during Oregon Bounty, when vintners, brewers and chefs throw open their doors. Stop by Oregon’s Wine Country and help us celebrate!

All Photos © 2007 Andrea Johnson Photography