The Willamette Valley Oregon is all about Pinot Noir and so am I

Sunday morning, January 27th, it's my birthday and I planned the day the way I like it.  We started with a bit of a glitch when we went to The Imperial by Vitaly Paley for crab benedict, my favourite breakfast and one I'd heard was outstanding.  Menu change.  No crab.  Cold and unfriendly atmosphere.  We were out of there tout-suit and walked down the street to Mother's Bistro & Bar, a busy spot that we'd visited years ago.  David ordered a Cinnamon Roll and we are both glad it's a 6 hour drive to Portland, it was the best ever.  Mexi Scramble for David and Salmon Hash for me.  Both good dishes well prepared and presented.  Mother's staff makes the place; they were all having a good time and it's infectious.


Salmon Hash and Eggs

A quick stop at Stumptown for a coffee to go and we were off to the Willamette.  It's about a 40 minute drive to our first stop at the Chehalem Wines tasting room in Newberg.  They have several Reislings, a Gamay and several Pinot Noirs.  We didn't buy. $15 to taste.



Our furthest point was Domaine Drouhin.  A French winery in Oregon, they were celebrating the Feast of St Vincent  so we got to try some of their Burgundies.  All their wines are excellent and we came away with a bottle of the Laurene.  Hoping to be able to cellar for awhile. $10 to taste.

Durant Vineyards wasn't on our list but we noticed they offered olive oil tasting and stopped.  The olive oil tasting was in a great little gift shop.  They had 5 oils to taste as well as 4 vinegars.  Well worth a visit. The wine tasting room was across the parking lot.  Fabulous Pinot, our pick was the 2010 from Heron Vineyard.  Only 101 cases produced there is now 1 bottle in my cellar.   $10 to taste, refunded with purchase.

Argyle Winery in Dundee was a great stop.  They're Extended Tirage Brut received 96 points from Wine Spectator and it was delicious.  The Nuthouse Pinot Noir is in my cellar.  $10 to taste.


2010 Adelsheim Elizabeth's Reserve Pinot Noir

Final stop was the fabulous Adelsheim tasting room.  Each wine was more complex and elegant than the last.  The Winderlea was amazing and I was treated to a second pour.  We left with an Elizabeth and a Ribbon Spring Pinot Noir.  $15 tasting fee is waived with purchase.


All of the wineries poured generously so sharing is a good option.  Some waive the tasting fee with purchase and should be considered when your buying.