Yamhill County and, to a somewhat lesser extent, adjoining Washington County are thick with wineries. Although this is known as one of the major pinot noir–producing regions in the world, the area’s local wineries also produce pinot gris, pinot blanc, chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, sparkling wine, sauvignon blanc, cabernet, and merlot.
You’ll note that this tour starts west of Portland [1] in Forest Grove [2] and heads south from there. As much as we love exploring the wine country, we hate driving Route 99W. This tour largely avoids it.
To return to Portland without driving in 99W traffic, get a good road map and from Amity [3] make your way east to the little town of Hopewell and the Wheatland Ferry near Champoeg State Park [4]. Ride the tiny car ferry across the Willamette (and notice here that you’re in hop-growing territory) and continue east, following signs to I-5.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/portland
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/wine-country/yamhill-county-wine-country/forest-grove
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/wine-country/yamhill-county-wine-country/amity
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/northeastern-willamette-valley/champoeg-state-park
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/wine-country/yamhill-county-wine-country/gaston
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/wine-country/yamhill-county-wine-country/yamhill
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/wine-country/yamhill-county-wine-country/newberg
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/wine-country/yamhill-county-wine-country/dundee
[9] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/wine-country/yamhill-county-wine-country/carlton
[10] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/the-willamette-valley/wine-country/yamhill-county-wine-country/mcminnville