Willamett Valley

[Randy Caparoso]

There are some 138 wineries in Oregon -- lots of them making great wine. But because these wineries are generally very small (particularly by Napa Valley standards), few of them have interesting visitor facilities (let alone accept visitors at all!).

A half hour's drive from Portland is my favorite -- Rex Hill Vineyards at 30835 99W Hwy. in Newberg. Tell 'em Randy sent you. Won't get you anything, but it'll make me look better.

Not too far away is Erath Winery at 9009 NE Worden Hill Rd.; one of the first Oregon wineries (founded in 1972), tucked in the rustic, wooded hills above the town of Dundee.

Also making world class wine is the spectacular, hillside vineyards and wineries of WillaKenzie Estate at 19143 NE Laughlin Rd. (outside Yamhill). You'd have to call ahead (503-662-3280) to arrange a visit, but it's well worth the trouble.

A little further away (another 30 minutes drive) in Salem, Bethel Heights is a wonderful winery that boasts picture-perfect hilltop views of their vineyards. Find them at 6060 Bethel Heights Rd (take 221S and turn on Zena Rd. to get to their road).

These are the best I can think of for the casual visitor. For additional listings, you might want to look up www.oregonwine.org. Have fun!