While planning our Thanksgiving weekend, I came across an article about a giant festival in the Williamette Valley with food, music, games, and of course Pinot Noir. Since I am becoming a self proclaimed foodie, I had already heard about the amazing Pinot Noir wines in that valley. I think this would be a wonderful family vacation! The Williamette Valley is about 45 minutes from Portland, and is an area with grapevines, hazelnut orchards, quaint farmland, and rolling hills. There are numerous local inns, affordable restaurants, and children are allowed and welcome at the wineries.
Where to stay:
Though there are many places to stay, one that caught my eye was the Deer Haven Bed and Breakfast (18685 N.E. Deer Haven Rd., Newberg, deerhavenfarmsbb.org.) This B & B even has a family suite, if you book early enough. What I love about this place is that guests are encouraged to pick the ripe vegetables or berries, collect eggs, or hang out with the farm animals- peking ducks, holstein cows, and chickens.
Where to hike:
For those of you who like to get out and appreciate nature, there is the Silver Falls State Park (oregonstateparks.org), one hiking choice is the eight mile "Trail of Ten Falls."
Where to see Alpacas:
Children may like to visit the Willakenzie lavender Farm to see the Alpacas, which is open November 25-27 and by appointment. In the gift shop they have little soft teddy bears made of alpaca fiber. I tease my husband sometimes that what I'd really like to do is have an alpaca farm.
Where to taste wines:
There is a three day barbeque at Erath Winery (November 25-27, $15, erath.com.) This would be a great place to see how ribs pair with pinot. Also, the winemaker Mark Vlossak at St. Innocent Winery (November 25-27, wine $12, food free, stinnocentwine.com), cooks a batch of cassoulet big enough to serve 600! The Adelsheim Vineyard (November 25-26, $25, adelsheim.com); tastings also include artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
Where to picnic at a vineyard:
A great store to pick up lunch fixings and snacks is the Red Hills Market (115 S.W. 7th Street, Dundee, redhillsmarket.com.) The Vista Hills Vineyard and Winery (6475 Hilltop Lane, Dayton, vistahillsvineyard.com; tastings, $10), has a large outdoor space and big decks, children can throw rocks in the pond and run around the large grassy area, and then have a picnic.
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