Back from a brief visit to the Big Apple, we decided it was time for another scouting trip to a few of the wineries that dot Oregon’s back roads. There are so many to choose from, over 350 by some estimates.

Cruising Old Highway 99 past Monmouth and up through Rickreall, we make our first stop at Firesteed (www.firesteed.com). We’d been there before, but with friends Shannon (male version) and Angie Connell along, Lisa and I decided that it warranted a second look. Our instincts were right. For the $2 tasting room fee, we had the opportunity to sniff and sample five wines. The dimly lit area carved from rows and rows of barrels was cool to keep company’s delicious wines at the perfect temperature.

Like many other vineyards, Firesteed offered a selection of cheese, crackers, and other goodies as part of the fee. Tasting Room Manager Michael Bonner has done a nice job making sure the place has the right atmosphere, and the people around us are certainly reflecting that, laughing and having a good time.

Lisa and I are big red wine fans, but for some reason, we found ourselves drawn to the whites this weekend. We ended up leaving Firesteed with a nice soft, earthy Pinot Gris. The last time we visited Firesteed, it was all about the reds, which we also recommend.

The next stop on this short jaunt (we started at 2:30, a little too late for my liking), put us at the grand opening of Left Coast Cellars, where we enjoyed several pinot noirs. LCC (sans a live web site at this writing) is about a mile north of Firesteed on Highway 99. We liked the place, but weren’t crazy about the $10 per person tasting room fee, which did include a glass. Call us cheap, but we like to save our money for souvenirs if you know what I mean.

A half hour later, and we we’re off to an old favorite, Willamette Valley Vineyards (stay tuned for more info on this fine winery in later posts). WVV (www.wvv.com) is perched well above and set back from I-5, south of Salem. It is a beautiful place with panoramic views from the tasting room. Simply put, the place is pretty darned close to a 10 with wines to match. I’d recommend it to my mother, and she can be a tough one to please.

Lisa, Shannon, Angie, and yours truly finish the day with WVV’s nice selection of Pinots, Syrah, and a delightful 2004 Dijon Clone Chardonnay (which we feel compelled to bring home and test just a little further). Retail Manager Jon Mason is working hard this Sunday afternoon and takes great care of us.

Ah, another hard day’s work under the belt. Before I sign off though, here are a few tips to keep in mind before your next trip to the vineyards. Some or all of these suggestions apply, whether you are wine tasting in France, Italy, the U.S., or anywhere else in the world.

1. Hey, I believe in spontaneity and serendipity, but I’m also for a little bit of planning. Many wineries are open 12-5PM, but there are those that start earlier and end the day later. Start too late in the day, and you might find yourself rushed. Factor in time for everything from travel and bathroom breaks to tasting room lines.

2. Dress the part. Remember that some tasting rooms double and warehouses. For you warm-blooded creatures that need a sweater when the thermometer creeps below 75°, put on a pair of slacks or jeans (my preference). Even hot afternoons can turn chilly once inside a tasting room.

3. As they say, don’t judge a book by its cover. We’ve visited wineries that look like great big tin sheds on the outside and offer a completely different atomophere once you step inside. Just because there isn’t another car in the parking lot, doesn’t mean that the place isn’t worth a visit …and visa versa.

4. You may consider yourself a lover of whites or reds or a Pinot enthusiast, but be adventurous. Try something new. After a little prodding, Lisa (aka: arm twister) talked me into trying a “buttery” Chardonnay recently that I absolutely loved. We walked out the door with a bottle.

5. This is a no brainer. Bring along a designated driver. I haven’t found the wine yet that is worth a DUI. There, I feel better getting that out. Be responsible.

All the best,

Kirk

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