Weekend Sustainable Wine Tour
When it comes to sustainability, Oregon wineries are tops, with the incorporation of eco-friendly farming practices, such as dry farming and the use of natural pest control. This multi-day tour of Tualatin Valley showcases several of the region’s most eco-friendly wine producers.
Reservations may be required at wineries.
DAY ONE
Head over to Apolloni Vineyards (LIVE certified), which produces a variety of red and white varietals, made from estate-grown grapes, as well as grapes sourced from other vineyards. Winemaker Alfredo Apolloni developed his passion for viticulture and winemaking in his youth, while working summers at the family vineyard and villa in Italy. Today, Apolloni produces red and white Italian-style Oregon wines from sustainably-grown wine grapes that reflect Alfredo’s passion for winemaking and the terroir from which the grapes are grown. Apolloni is one of the few Oregon wines to produce a Pinot Grigio (most Oregon wineries produce Burgundian Pinot Gris).
Next, visit Willamette Valley Vineyards at Tualatin Estate. This estate vineyard, which has been producing world-renowned wine grapes for more than 50 years, is located in the foothills of the Coastal Range in the Tualatin Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA). The estate produces old-vine Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Rosé and a semi-sparkling Muscat from grapes grown at the Tualatin Estate. Willamette Valley Vineyards also features, reusable bottles from Oregon-based Revino, furthering the winery’s commitment to sustainable practices.
After an afternoon of wine tasting, visit the Urban Decanter in downtown Forest Grove. This wine bar and wood-fired kitchen is a local secret. Whether you’re looking for appetizers that pair well with a glass of wine or a full meal, this is the spot. The menu is prepared with locally sourced, seasonally inspired meals, with fresh produce from the Willamette Valley, highlighting their ongoing dedication to sustainable, community-sourced food. (Reservations are recommended.)
Overnight in Tualatin Valley. Tualatin Valley has many options for lodging–from cozy hotels to quaint short-term rentals–for all tastes and budgets.
DAY TWO
Enjoy a wine country breakfast at South Store Cafe, a beloved bakery cafe that serves fresh pastries, sandwiches, soups and more. Breakfast is served until 1 p.m. with an expanded menu on weekends. Indulge is a bacon-cheddar quiche or a sausage and mushroom strata. Vegetarian options include vegetable quiche, vegetable frittata and waffle topped with fresh fruit. (Open Tuesday-Sunday for breakfast and lunch.)
After lunch, pop into Smith Berry Barn, just across the street, and step inside the historic barn and browse the selection of gourmet food products, distinctive gifts, kitchen goods, candles and teas. Cap off the visit with a milkshake made with fruit fresh from the farm.
Next, taste wine at Ponzi Vineyards (LIVE certified). Founded in 1970 by the Ponzi family, Ponzi Vineyards is internationally acclaimed for producing some of the world’s finest, limited production Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, White Riesling, Arneis and Dolcetto. Ponzi is one of the pioneering wineries of Oregon and today is owned by French Champagne producer Bollinger. Located primarily in the Laurelwood District AVA, its 150 acres are sustainably farmed, and their focus on low-intervention winemaking is reflected in each vintage they produce.
Back to wine tasting, this time at Cooper Mountain Vineyards (Demeter-certified biodynamic and organic), the Pacific Northwest’s first biodynamic/organic winery. The vineyard was established in 1978, and have been adhering to biodynamic and organic farming practices since the mid-1990s. In 1999, it was the first vineyard/winery to be Demeter-certified biodynamic in the Pacific Northwest. Cooper Mountain also a leader in searching and producing sulfite-free wines.
For dinner, enjoy the European-style bistro, Bethany’s Table, located in the Bethany neighborhood. This restaurant that serves upscale cuisine is committed to providing fresh, high-quality meals made with local, sustainable and organic ingredients. (Reservations are recommended.)
Drink responsibly. Please do not drink and drive. Bring a designated driver.
ABOUT THE CERTIFICATIONS
LIVE Certified Sustainable: LIVE-certified wines are independently certified to meet strict international standards for environmentally and socially responsible wine growing and winemaking in the Pacific Northwest. LIVE certification is one of the most authoritative sustainability accreditations in the wine world.
Demeter Biodynamic Certification: Demeter USA is the only certifier for Biodynamic farms and products in America. While all of the organic requirements for certification under the National Organic Program are required for Biodynamic certification, the Demeter standard is much more extensive, with stricter requirements around imported fertility, greater emphasis on on-farm solutions for disease, pest, and weed control, and in depth specifications around water conservation and biodiversity.
