The Willamette Valley is known for top-notch wines and gorgeous natural landscapes, and all of that style is infused into one of the most exciting culinary scenes in North America. Here are 10 of the top spots to explore the flavors, ingredients and talents of the food wonderland that is Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Getting hands on with foraging
River and forest foraging with Antica Terra Winery — Photo courtesy of Antica Terra Winery
Inspired by an ancient Burgundian tradition, the winemaking team at Antica Terra Winery in Dundee offers guests the unique experience to gather river rocks to “top-off” a release for which the harvest is so limited that it can’t fill a single barrel on its own. Guests also forage for chanterelles, fiddleheads, oxalis and other edibles, followed by lunch in the forest.
For those who prefer to enjoy the goods without the gathering, visit Sokol Blosser Winery. The chef prepares unique dinners with elements cultivated or found on the winery property in the Farm and Forage dinner series.
Explore farm-to-fire food
The Tournant team — Photo courtesy of Josh Chang
The culinary team at Tournant creates seasonal meals in the slow food tradition, and guests get to experience it all – from open-fire cooking classes to nature immersion adventures and lifestyle retreats. Full moon dinners in partnership with local wineries and a four-day feasting and rafting trip on the Rogue River are some of the current offerings, which change with the season.
Experience South Willamette wine country
King Estate Winery — Photo courtesy of Jill Barth
Surrounding the city of Eugene, the southern portion of Willamette Valley wine country offers more than 20 tasting rooms – some of them are in town, while others are scattered throughout rural and natural settings. You’ll find everything from the regal property at King Estate (home to the largest Biodynamic® certified vineyard in North America) to the family-style welcome on the patio at <a…
