Gorge Guide

HOOD RIVER COUNTY FRUIT LOOP WINE CELEBRATION

June 16-17, 2012
Hood River County Fruit Loop
Hood River Valley, Oregon

AWARD-WINNING WINES, GREAT SCENERY AT HEART OF FRUIT LOOP WINE CELEBRATION

Long known for world-famous tree fruit, the Hood River Valley now also has a growing reputation for quality wine grapes and award-winning wines. Delicious specialty wines are also being made from fruit and berries. The annual Fruit Loop Wine Celebration, June 16-17, focuses on the Hood River County Fruit Loop’s wines….

The Hood River County Fruit Loop’s world-famous fruit orchards have been joined by a growing number of vineyards and wineries. The grapes and wines are proving to be just as wonderful—and award-winning--as that legendary tree fruit. The fifth annual Fruit Loop Wine Celebration takes place all along the Fruit Loop Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17.

Wine lovers are invited to meet the winemakers, discuss their art, and taste their best. Tour vineyards and wineries, relax in beautiful tasting rooms, and enjoy gorgeous scenery. Take advantage of special pricing and enjoy tasty treats during the Wine Celebration. Find wonderful products and take part in fun activities at farms all along the Fruit Loop.

The Hood River Valley, like much of the Columbia Gorge, offers a range of micro-climes created by soil types, slope and elevation, permitting the cultivation of a variety of kinds of grapes. And the valley’s bountiful crops of fruits and berries—primary ingredients in delightful specialty wines—make it clear why the area has developed a reputation as an excellent wine locale. The Columbia Gorge Appellation became a federally-designated grape-growing region in July 2004. Local winemakers have never looked back. Their efforts have been recognized with long lists of awards. Visit all of the Fruit Loop wineries during the Wine Celebration, as well as the other farms and attractions of the Fruit Loop.

Hood River Vineyards, the Gorge’s oldest winery, offers an invitation to taste a broad selection of wines, including whites, reds, hard ciders made from apples and pears, and seven delicious dessert wines. All grapes and fruit used have been grown by the winemakers, and the wines are made on-site, as they have been for 32 years.

Housed in a 1910 Dutch Colonial home listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, The Gorge White House is a landmark featuring wines from numerous area wineries, a selection of micro-brews, as well as other special products including fresh fruit, artisan cheeses, dried fruit, and more. During the Wine Celebration, try their 2012 Heritage Bosc Pear wine. View artwork in the gallery, and visit the U-pick berry and flower fields. Enjoy the work of a bygone era of master craftsmen, then relax with a glass of wine in the patio gardens while taking spectacular views of majestic mountains.

Come to Mt. Hood Winery for the wine, stay for the view. Sample award-winning wines at their beautiful tasting room with its scenic patio. Wines include Pinot Gris and Estate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and more.

Wy’East Vineyards, a small, family-run winery produces hand-crafted wines from estate grown Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, as well as from source fruit from area vineyards. Relax with a glass of wine on the deck or patio overlooking a waterfall and pond, or enjoy sitting in their tasting room.

Pheasant Valley Winery serves up pears and more pears during the Wine Celebration. Stop by for pear wine, pear butter, and their special pear crisp. Delicious! Sample their newest Oregon Wine Award winners, including gold medal winner Estate Organic Pinot Noir 09, silver medal winner Primitivo, and bronze medal winner Tempranillo.

Viento’s “Born in the Gorge” winemaker applies 30 years of experience to producing elegant small-batch wines from estate and local vines. Try their delicious wines at a brand new tasting room, open this year.

Marchesi Vineyards and Winery is a boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals reminiscent of Piedmonte, Italy, where the founder was born and grew up. They grow Barbera, Dolcetto, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir grapes.

Phelps Creek Vineyards is known for award-winning Chardonnay, highly rated Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, and more. Their tasting room is located on the grounds of the scenic Hood River Golf and Country Club.

Cathedral Ridge Winery was named Oregon Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest in 2007. Located at the edge of Hood River, there’s a lovely tasting room, views of Mt. Hood, and picturesque vineyards.

Of course, the Wine Celebration is a Fruit Loop-wide event…and there are always fun activities and wonderful products available at farms and businesses all along the Fruit Loop. Find the harvest season’s first tasty berries and early produce, garden plants and flowers, gourmet food products, delicious baked goods, lavender and lavender products, cute alpacas and great yarns, and much more.

The 60 Quick Knits with Cascade 220 Trunk Show will be at Cascade Alpacas’ Foothills Yarn & Fiber store. See some sophisticated, functional, elegant, and fun projects. Find projects great for working on new skills with a minimal investment in time, money and yarn. Visit the newest alpaca babies, too.

Visit Packer Orchards and Cookie Stop Bakery for their tasty new wine jellies—including Merlot, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, and Pear Wine jellies. They are a fresh and unique ingredient for making delicious appetizers.

Unwind at Hood River Lavender while viewing and picking their beautiful and fragrant prized English Lavenders. Sample their luxury products and take in the scenic views from this lovely organic lavender farm.

A flower sale takes place all weekend in the Rasmussen Farms greenhouses. Early summer vegetables and berries are available, too! Find everything needed for your planters and yard.

Most farms and attractions along the Fruit Loop are open from at least 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (Wineries open at 11 a.m.). For complete information about the Fruit Loop Wine Celebration, for a listing of Fruit Loop farms, attractions and individual operating hours, and for an easy-to-follow map, visit the Fruit Loop website at www.hoodriverfruitloop.com. Printed copies are available at the Hood River County Visitors Center (Hood River exit 64 off Interstate 84), at area restaurants and lodging facilities, and at Fruit Loop locations. Have additional questions? Call the Fruit Loop information number at 541-386-7697.

Other details:
*Free Admission
*Held at individual farm stands throughout Hood River Valley
*Schedules vary, visit website for individual stand information

For More Information:
http://www.hoodriverfruitloop.com