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Just outside of Eugene lies a wonderland of low traffic
country roads perfect for all types of cyclists and road trippers,
from the leisurely café explorer to the well-traveled rider looking
for a new view. Whomever you are, don’t rush it. On this wine trail,
travel through rolling valleys dotted with farms, orchards
and vineyards, and over forested hillsides. Stop for stunning vistas
and watch for kestrels or red-tailed hawks. Breathe in the moist
forest air and discover the variety of unique wines at tasting rooms
along the way.
Sweet Cheeks Winery: Named for the curvaceous hillsides
that grace its view, this charming winery is tucked
into the steep countryside of the Briggs Hill Valley. Picnicking
on the sprawling patio is encouraged, so bring a basket, buy a bottle,
and relax to live music or the company of friends.
Silvan Ridge Winery:
At one of the region’s oldest wineries, sip on a nice
Syrah by the fireplace or a refreshing glass of award-winning Early
Muscat Semi-Sparkling on the patio.
King Estate Winery: Internationally
renowned for its Pinot gris, King Estate Winery offers
sweeping views of the Lorane Valley, an incredible restaurant featuring
a mostly estate-grown seasonal menu and, most important, generous
pours.
 Chateau Lorane Winery: A Northwest winery specializing
in the rare and unusual varietals of Huxelrebe, Marechal Foch,
and Baco Noir.
Saginaw Vineyard: Enjoy a picnic beneath
a walnut tree while savoring a glass of wine in this
bucolic setting. Try Saginaw’s surprising blackberry wine and award-winning
blueberry wine.
Iris Vineyards: Home to the region’s newest tasting
room, the Iris Vineyards winery can be found in quaint
Cottage Grove, where its winemakers craft small quantities of quality
Pinot noir, Pinot gris and Chardonnay.
Hamm Road Loop
Explore the scenic diversity of the southern reaches
of the Willamette Valley on this cycling route. Follow
the Coast Fork of the Willamette River through open farmland and
sprawling orchards near Creswell and Cottage Grove, then head into
the forested foothills and watch for wildflowers on your way to the
plentiful Lorane Valley. This 43-mile loop offers moderate climbs
and descents with smooth riding conditions.
Wolf Creek Loop
Challenge yourself on this 50-mile cycling route through
the moss-laden forests of the Coast Range foothills.
Breathe in the moist air and listen to the chorus of frogs at lower
elevations. This route caters to riders who prefer remote or wilderness
environments, as there are no services and you’re more likely to
see another cyclist than a car. Wolf Creek serpentines through the
hills, making long, gradual climbs and descents with some shorter,
steep sections. Riders should be cautious of their speed on some
turns.
King Estate
Restaurant: Restaurant and wine bar open
daily, with complimentary wine tasting and tours. Full
lunch and dinner menu with dishes featuring estate and locally grown
organic ingredients that pair wonderfully with King Estate wines.
Fleur
De Lis Patisserie & Café: Authentic French patisserie
in downtown Cottage Grove. Exquisite desserts, quiche,
croissants, homemade soups, salads, gourmet sandwiches and much more.
Delicious coffee and European ambiance. Beer and wine are served
as well.
Village Green
Resort: Stop to rest your legs and stay
for the 14 acres of beautiful, themed gardens and
walking paths. Finish the day on a private garden patio outside
your deluxe room featuring a fireplace and cozy down comforters.
Check
out some of the other great places to stay, eat and
play in Cottage
Grove and Creswell.
For more information on this
area, contact Eugene, Cascades & Coast
– Travel Lane County at www.TravelLaneCounty.org or
800.547.5445.
Tour & Taste in Corvallis
Discover the deep beauty of the Alsea River as it cuts through a spectacular valley to the Pacific Ocean.
Soak in Natural Beauty in Salem
Visit acres of lush displays of gardens and wander through fields of berries in Salem.
AG-Venture Through Albany
Tour historic covered bridges, roadside garden shops, award-winning restaurants and Linn County's Oregon Country Trails.
Farm-to-Farm Pedaling in Yamhill
Discover Oregon Wine Country on two wheels, all while exploring some of Oregon's finest wineries and farms along the way.
Climb, Raft & Find Flowers on the McKenzie
Celebrate the McKenzie River's natural beauty with soothing walks through fields of lavender, lush gardens and hot springs, or jump into adventure with rafting or tree-climbing.
Travel the Canby Farm Loop
Chef-led dinners take you direct to farms at their peak. With 21 farm stops, no two tours are the same on this agricultural adventure loop.
Wine & Fire: Kindle the Ardor in Albany
There's nothing quite like a romantic dinner beside a roaring fire -- the subtle smell of smoke in the air, the crackle and pop, the warmth the fire brings on a cold winter evening.
Wine & Fire: Ignite Your Gustatory Senses in Corvallis
FireWorks Restaurant is the place for fantastic food and excellent live music.
Wine & Fire: Warm Up in Eugene, Cascades & Coast
Start tasting on the new Territorial Wine Trail at Pfeiffer Winery, where you’ll stay warm by the fire in the intimate candle-lit Tuscan cave.
Wine & Fire: Court & Spark in Mt. Hood Territory
The Carlberg family keeps the home fires burning at their Estate vineyard, Satori Springs.
Wine & Fire: Heat up the Season in Salem
Sit next to friends in posh booth seats beside a fire at Bentley’s Grill and order a fresh-baked pepperoni, soprasada and prosciutto topped-pizza with fontina and whole milk mozzarella.
Wine & Fire: Toasty Fireside Weekends in the Valley
At fireside weekends at Anne Amie Vineyards, Pinot reigns supreme with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc forming the heart of the vineyards production.
Click here for a comprehensive
archive of previous Oregon Wine Country feature articles.
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