There is a huge selection of kosher wine on the market, and the internet makes these bottles more accessible than ever before. In fact, all the different varieties of kosher wine can be downright intimidating – with so many options, how are you supposed to find the right bottle for you? If you’re having trouble choosing among kosher wines, read on for some different ways to classify your options.

Mevushal

Whether you’re eyeing a Bartenura or Herzog wine, one simple factor to consider is whether you prefer mevushal or non-mevushal wine. Traditionally, wine is considered kosher if it has been harvested, produced, poured, and otherwise touched only by Jews that observe the Sabbath. However, the rules are slightly different for mevushal wines. Mevushal wines are heated during processing, after which they are permanently kosher, no matter who touches them.

Mevushal translates literally to “cooked” or “boiled.” For many years, kosher wine was actually boiled to achieve its status, but this dramatically affected the flavor of the wine. Today, most mevushal wines are only heated to 194F, allowing them to retain much of their original tannins and flavor. A different method of heating called flash pasteurization is also available.

Region

Wine varies significantly by location, as different regions offer different climates, traditions, and values. For example, wine from California is known for its quaint, family-owned wineries and scenic surroundings. One state north, Oregon is home to the third-highest number of wineries in the country – pretty impressive for a state that battled with prohibition much longer than its peers. The Oregon wine industry is concentrated around an area called Willamette Valley.

Abroad, tourists and locals alike adore the Loire Valley in France, a vineyard-rich region lauded for its white wine, including Muscadet, Chenin Blanca, and Sauvignon. Tuscany, Italy is also very popular, particularly for the legendary Chianti red wine and the opportunity for tourists to stomp their own grapes. Israeli wine, alternatively, is heavily influenced by the French techniques and grape varietals that revived the industry in the late 19th century.

Producer

Just like some people prefer different brands of clothing or electronics, many kosher wine drinkers are partial to certain producers. These preferences can come from a variety of places, including price, taste, and even the way certain bottles are packaged. For example, one person might enjoy Herzog wine because of its rich legacy dating back to the 1940s, while another drinker may choose Bartenura Moscato wine, or perhaps the richer Bartenura Freisa D’Asti.

Varietal

Much of the time, a kosher wine’s unique flavors and tannins can be traced back to its varietal, or the specific type of grape it is made from. For example, moscato wines – made from muscat grapes – are known for their sweet, floral flavors and aromas. However, zinfandel grapes lend themselves to robust flavors of red wine, in addition to the semi-sweet taste of White Zinfandel, a rose (blush) wine.

Kosher Wine Rack offers a huge selection of Israeli wine,
moscato wines
and kosher wines.
They have been in business for over thirty years and for good reason – their wine is great, but their customer service really sets them apart.

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What’s so great about Washington County Oregon? Well, for one thing it is in the fertile Willamette Valley. One reason this valley is so fertile is because of the Missoula floods during the last glacier stage. At that time there was a glacier coming down into Montana, and there was an ice dam with a large lake behind it. When the ice dam broke, a huge flood came from Montana through Washington and Oregon creating the gorge in Oregon and taking all of the soil that it picked up there and depositing it in the Willamette Valley. Here in the Willamette Valley, we have a very thick deposit of soil on top of the bedrock. Great for farming!

Also in the distance, seen from many places in Washington County Oregon, is Mount Hood. Mount Hood is still an active volcano, although it has not had any eruptions in many many years. In the greater Portland area there are many cinder cones which are remnants of this volcano, and create many scenic points around the city.

Washington County itself does not have any large cities, with Portland being the nearest large city, and that is in another county. But it is within easy driving distance from anywhere in Washington County. The county itself is mostly made up of small communities with some midsize cities thrown in.

One of the small towns is Gaston Oregon. It is an old established town, which has never grown beyond the bounds of a small town. It is a small farming community, and the type of community where everyone knows your name. The type of town where, during the summer festival get together, everyone is your friend and neighbor.

Another small town in this county is North Plains, Oregon. North Plains itself is a small community, however it is in close proximity to a larger city. This makes it an excellent town for commuting to the city for work and living in the country. It is only about a 20 minute drive from North Plains into Portland. North Plains has two claims to fame that I am aware of. One is the ballfields. Every weekend during the season, you are sure to find a baseball game going on at the fields in North Plains. Sports teams and schools will book them up far in advance. The other claim is their yearly garage sale. Around the first of May every year, the entire town brings out their has-beens and puts them in their yard and sells them to the casual passerby. A lot of people in North Plains are backyard gardeners, so you can find a lot of plant deals at this sale.

King City is actually a small community, however, its proximity is so close to Tigard that you cannot tell where King city ends and Tigard begins. King city is, and always has been, a retirement community. It is chock full of small houses and older people. The lovely thing about buying a retirement home here, is the fabulous access to public transportation. When you’re retired, you can do away with the expense and hassle of driving and owning your own car, and use the public transportation system instead.

Washington County, Oregon, is also becoming quite the hot spot for winegrowers. They are slowly moving up from the south. And if you are into wine tasting, from anywhere in Washington County, it is just a short drive out to the quaint little town of Carlton Oregon. Carlton Oregon is not in Washington County, it is actually in Yamhill County, but it is the premier wine tasting center closest to Washington County. This tiny little burg of only 2000 people has about 30 wineries within its city limits. And if you come to do wine tasting, make sure to stop in at Cielo Blu and have some lunch. They serve up some great Italian food.

Sherwood Oregon is another small town that kind of blends into another large town. There is still some space between Sherwood and Tigard, but they are slowly creeping together. Sherwood is home of the, you guessed it, Robin Hood Festival. I am a small town kind of person, and I love going around to the different small towns during the summer and taking part in their festivals.

So, if you’re looking to buy real estate, you could do a lot worse than Washington County Oregon real estate. It can give you the best of both worlds. Country and farming, close to the city and shopping. As far as home prices go, I think they are reasonable, however, I live in the area. Depending on where you live now, you might think the prices are fantastic, or you may think they’re ridiculous. Anyway you want to look at it, it’s a great location. Only about an hour away from the beach, and less than that to the city. And if you love the mountains, you can go east or west to get to them.

If you are looking for Real Estate in Oregon, you could do worse than Washington County.

http://www.washingtoncountyoregonrealestate.com/

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Honeymoons in the Countryside: Visit One of the Top 10 Wine Regions in World

For this month’s features on TripAtlas.com, we’re bringing you some of the top Honeymoon Destinations in the world. Last week, we brought you to the serene and secluded private island of Tikehau in French Polynesia’s Tuamotu Islands.

This week, we’re taking you to the romantic and remote countryside and best kept secret for your choice of honeymoon destinations – the many beautiful and lush wine regions all over the world.

Fields of countryside, mountain ranges, quaint and romantic bed and breakfasts, luxurious lodges and resorts, villas or medieval chateaux in the south of France are all yours for the taking. What better way to celebrate and commemorate your wedding and future than a tour through some of these regions, relaxing and living bottle to bottle.

The 10 Top Wine Regions of the World

Whether you’re a beginner or expert wine drinker looking for a honeymoon destination or romantic getaway, here’s a list of the Top 10 Wine Regions in the world, each of which have knowledgeable wine experts, fine food and inviting accommodations. From the classic Old World wines of European countries to the New World wines throughout the rest of the world, join us on our adventure to discover the best destinations.

The Top 5 Old World Wine Regions

5) Portugal. The main wine regions in Portugal are Minho, Douro and Dao, which are found in northern Portugal and are perfect for wine tours between Spain and Portugal. Portugal is home of the famous Port or Porto (named after Portugal’s second largest city) and Madeira wines, both fortified, strong bodied yet sweet and thick wines that are often used as after-dinner wines or “digestifs.”

4) Germany. While Germany is known to most for its beer rather than its wine, it shows in that it produces only 20% of what France produces in wine yearly. This region’s most famous wines are its sweet white Riesling wines. Refreshing, slightly sweet with a zing characterize these wines and are perfect for warm afternoons enjoying the Germany countryside. The biggest regions are Baden, Mosel, Palatinate (or Pfalz), and Rheinhessen.

3) Spain. The two most popular Spanish wine making regions are La Rioja in Logrono, Navarra to its east in the north, La Mancha in the central-south Spain where you can see the windmills of Don Quixote, and the Penedes region just near Barcelona in north-eastern Spain. The most popular Spanish wines are the bright red Rioja wines, the white sparkling Cava wines, and fortified Sherry wine in Jerez in southern Spain near the coast by Morocco.

2) Italy. As one of the largest producers of wine in the world, Italy’s main wine regions are found in northern Italy (Piedmont and Valle D’Aosta in north-west Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto in north-east Italy) with classic Tuscany to the south in central Italy. Many Italian wines are made for drinking with food and so visiting the wine region in Italy is perfect for food lovers and those seeking the perfect plate of pasta, meats and an array of cheeses.

1) France. From Bordeaux to Alsace, Burgundy to Beaujolais, Champagne, Languedoc and Cote de Rhone, France is definitely one of the world’s top wine regions. A classic “old world” wine producer, France is also the largest wine producer, with 34% of the exported wine market share in the world in 2006. The best way to explore these regions is to rent a car and drive through the countryside on your own to and from your bed and breakfast or chateaux.

The Top 5 New World Wine Regions

5) USA and Canada East Coast. Nestled in just a small region on the east coast, the wine growing regions in this area are: Ontario, Quebec, and New York. While these are definitive of “new world” wines, production in areas like Niagara and Prince Edward County in Ontario are becoming increasingly larger and recognized on the international stage. Known for its sweet ice wines and ice ciders in Ontario and Quebec, these wine regions are littered with bed and breakfasts, cozy lodges and honeymoon packages for those visiting Niagara Falls and Montreal.

4) South Africa. Although wine has been produced here since the 1600’s, it wasn’t until recent years that its wines have made it on the international scene. Located nearby just east of Cape Town, wine regions of South Africa include Stellenbosch, Paarl and Worcester and are adorned with stark white villas for accommodations. With similar climates as Argentina, Chile and Australia’s wine regions, South Africa is best known for its white Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay wines but are slowly developing its red varietals. For a spicier journey through the wine regions with views of fields for miles and strong African mountains in the background, don’t miss out on South Africa.

3) USA and Canada West Coast. The most noted states or provinces in this category include California and Oregon with Washington and British Columbia catching up quickly. The Napa Valley and Sonoma regions in California have been the heart of new world wines for many years, and have picturesque vineyards, mountains and luxurious but quaint accommodations throughout small towns like Yountville. Oregon has also surprised many in the wine world, having made a Pinot Noir that beat out its French counterparts – visit Willamette Valley’s many wine spots as well as Rouge or Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon for true countryside hospitality during your honeymoon.

2) Argentina & Chile. The Andes Mountains and surrounding areas have proven themselves as fantastic wine growing regions, offering a variety from Maipo Valley, Valle Central in Chile to Patagonia and Mendoza in Argentina. A visit to Argentina and Chile for a honeymoon is perfect any time of the year – with mild winters and warm summers, spring or fall is the best time to go to watch the colors change and the countryside come to life. Many tours are available into the wine regions from Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Santiago in Chile.

1) Australia & New Zealand. There’s more to Australian wine than Yellowtail, thank God. Australia has taken the lead in the new world of wines in its mass production of spicy Shiraz wines and strong Cabernet Sauvignons. Visit Hunter Valley, the largest wine production area in Australia, comparable to Napa Valley in California. For a warm and breathtaking honeymoon, try Austria or New Zealand for your honeymoon with all the hospitality the land down under has to offer.

So Bon Voyage on your honeymoon and remember to drink responsibly!

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Gizelle Lau, TripAtlas.com

Read about Honeymoons in Tikehau in French Polynesia, Forget Bora Bora!
Like golf? Try Golf Holidays in Europe: Top 5 Destinations and Courses
More culture? Read: Experience Toronto: 5 Spots to Discover Arts, Culture & Life

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What is this attack of the clones? For starters, these are not clones in the true sense of the word. Even though grapevines are propagated through cuttings, occasional natural mutations can result in slight deviations from the prescribed genetic code, which, if the variation is pronounced enough, can lead one grapevine to exhibit different characteristics than its neighbor. If the variation is considerable, one can even have such leaps as Pinot noir to Pinot blanc, defining a whole new cultivar within the species vitis vinifera. For those variations that are more subtle, one can see variants within a varietal which might exhibit, for example, earlier ripening, higher yields, smaller berries, or even a definable change in flavor profile. Over the years, attentive vineyard managers have spotted these differences and, by selecting cuttings for new vines from these particular plants they have discovered, in some instances, many dozens of different clones of the same varietal. To the winegrower, it seems as though there are more every day.

In Southern Oregon, Malbec has recently begun to achieve some success, but the question stands as to what role the clone has played to this point. Malbec is a varietal generally associated with the southwest of France, where it is a minor blending component in some of Bordeaux’s great vineyards. Not far from Bordeaux it emerges as the dominant varietal in the “black wines of Cahors”. It has also gained esteem with South American bottlings predominantly from Argentina, where the Mendoza region is renowned for coaxing world-class quality from this previously lesser-known grape. Pre-2000 plantings of Malbec in Southern Oregon, what few there were, used the most available clone 04, which is notorious for poor set and variable yields.

One vineyard in the Rogue Valley tried to conquer these tendencies by cordon pruning to even out set and yield. The vines complied, for one year, then rebelled with a subsequent meager vintage of highly variable clusters. A switch to cane pruning, such as is most often practiced with Pinot noir, yielded good results – but only for a while. Another vineyard suffered through several years running while the vines seemed to want to do nothing but produce vegetative growth with virtually no fruit. An aggressive shift to quadrilateral cane pruning for up to 50 buds per vine brought the vines into balance and eventually yielded substantial improvement in wine quality. A third long-time grower simply tore out the Malbec entirely. It is no wonder that, as interest in the potential quality of Malbec increased, spurred by the experience of those occasional splendid vintages, the promise of a new clone free of such difficulties was received well.

FPS Clone 09, the purported saving grace for growers of Malbec, has had a successful start, showing none of the exasperating characteristics of its predecessor. Reliable yields, now sometimes excessive enough to require substantial crop thinning to maintain wine quality, are the norm, and cluster set is even. Initial wine quality has been very good, albeit from predominantly young vines. The judgment, it would seem, is in.

It is, however, essential to realize that there are more powerful determinants of a wine’s character than clone. The varietal itself, combined with the site on which it is grown and the vagaries of the vintage, account for the preponderance of a wine’s style. Most winemakers would certainly downplay even their own influence in the face of these elements. Here the value of perseverance cannot be underestimated. It would be an easy mistake to rush to judgment on a varietal and clone such as Malbec 04 based on a number of situations in which it has performed poorly. Yet at least one of the Rogue Valley viticulturalists noted above has managed to coax his clone 04 into producing some of the finest grapes in his vineyard, giving an adjacent block of the newer clone 09 Malbec some real competition.

Certainly some clones of Malbec – and there are several more than just the two discussed here – will prove to outperform others in the ultimate category of wine quality, for some vineyards and for certain wine styles. There is also little doubt that rootstock plays a critical role in the performance of any vine, and that no real examination of Malbec clonal characteristics is complete without an understanding of rootstock effect. The real lesson here is to stay focused on the things that historically yield wines of superior quality. As much as clones do have an impact on wine character, the vigneron would be wise to avoid placing too much faith in a particular clone, and to remain attentive to those vineyard practices through which the best nature of the given clone may be expressed.

Gus Janeway is the winemaker for Velocity Cellars, a Southern Oregon Winery focusing on blends from Malbec and also Cabernet Franc.

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a single-vineyard wine from Oregon's preeminent Pinot Noir specialist with a unique profile that rides the fence between black and red fruit characteristics, textured without being heavy. Ken Wright 2009 Pinot Noir "McCrone" @ $55.99 …

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Napa Valley Wine Tours a Remarkable Tour; Napa vale wine tours are unique in their own way. Apart from your examine in beautiful wineries this valley region will allow you to take element in every activity that is held over here …

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Oregon grapes are also known as the holly leaved barberry, and also as Mahonia grapes. Oregon grapes come from the rocky slopes of British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. In spring, the yellow flowers bloom in large panicles, followed by blue berries. The Oregon grape is the state flower of Oregon. Native Americans used it for the treatment of general debility and to stimulate the appetite. Treatments of ulcers, heart burns, and stomach problems were done with Oregon grapes. A bitter tonic to treat infections was concocted from it as well.

In addition to growing in your garden, concord grapes vines are beautiful ornamental and valuable plants.

The antioxidants in Oregon grapes act as a sedative, as a hypotensive and anti-fibrillatory. The nutrient is also a bile stimulator, an anti-inflammatory and a spasmolytic. It aids both immuno-stimulation activity and also stimulates the liver and the spleen.

Oregon grapes may also treat acne, chronic candidacies, conjunctivitis/ blepharitis, and chronic constipation. Colds, flu, eczema, and gall bladder conditions can also benefit from mahonia grape. The nutrient contained in the Oregon Grapes will also help to treat protozoan or bacterial infections, dysentery, malaria, parasites, poor digestion, psoriasis, and urinary tract infections.

Oregon grape vines are largely immune to fungus, nematodes and bacteria and insects rarely cause any damage. Resveratrol from Oregon grapes is widely believed to help in cases of prostate cancer. Resveratrol has many healing properties and Oregon grapes, where it is found in abundance, were used in laboratory tests. These grapes have been scientifically proven in laboratory tests to contain excellent polyphenols that are the basic requirement of the human body for the general well being. Reseveratrol is one such polyphenol that has been proven by clinical trials to fight prostate cancer by the National Cancer Institute. For a long time people had argued about the benefit of drinking wine made from Oregon grapes. The antioxidant properties of the Oregon grapes have now come to the fore. It is perhaps the best fruit made available to humans for protection against a dozen ailments.

The wine made out of Oregon grapes apart from its excellent taste is an excellent protection against cancer. The good news is that it fights hypertension and heart diseases also equally well.

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Didier LeScraigne is a grape growing expert and experienced wine maker. For more great tips on how to grow grapes and make wine visit http://www.growinggrapesandwinemaking.com

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He was looking for a place near enough to allow them more time for each other and less time for travel. They needed to find a way of enjoying what they both loved and yet rediscovering their mutual passions for life and each other. One loved the outdoors and gardening. The other looked for a more urban relaxation. Their mutual love was preparing and eating great food. Thus a great culinary adventure is born.

Culinary tours allow visitors to really experience the cultural roots of a region. It’s a little bit history, a little bit entertainment and a little bit educational. Yet it can also be an assault on the senses. What better way to involve all five senses?

7 Delightful Ways to Design Your Culinary Adventure

1. Celebrity/Master Chefs

Dining out has long been one of society’s favorite activities. Master chefs have left culinary schools for world-class restaurants, honed their skills and are returning in droves to their home communities to be a part of regional tourism and hospitality. The James Beard Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s cultural diversity and traditions. These master chefs are usually members of this foundation.

Many are indeed, recipients of James Beard honors. You can usually get some great insights of where to dine by looking for press releases from this organization. Even better, there are categories for joining as a food and wine enthusiast. Of course, some of these master chefs do merit celebrity status. Be sure to make reservations in advance to get the most out of your visit.

Cleveland’s Entertainment District hosts some of the city’s most popular restaurants, bars and clubs. Master chefs and celebrity chef, Michael Symon, all have their flagship restaurants here. This is a microcosm of Cleveland, and indeed America’s diverse cuisine. It is a great way to step into the culinary scene and branch out into the neighborhood that centers around your favorite taste. The ethnic neighborhoods of Cleveland are known for superb dining choices.

2. Schools – Wine and Culinary/ Master Classes

We have come a long way from Julia Child to the Food Network and beyond. What is important today is that food is recognized as essential to healthy living. Perhaps more important is that preparing healthy food can be at the core of reducing stress for busy professionals and providing touch points for family and friends to rally around.

Luxury resorts and hotels have provided culinary excursions and master classes for generations. These are again gaining in popularity. Cleveland boasts both cooking schools and a wine school. These schools provide busy locals with the skills to take their culinary appreciation to the next level. They can also provide a great added value to a culinary tour of the region. Additionally, the nearby Culinary Vegetable Institute brings master chefs from throughout America as artists in residence for classes and private dinners on their campus.

3. Luxury Hotel Culinary Packages

Essential to any great vacation is the need to replenish and revitalize ourselves. Some may choose a Bed and Breakfast but for those who see this basic need as a time to treat oneself to more than the ordinary choose a luxury hotel or resort. These hotels and resorts have in place a highly skilled, 5 star staff just looking for ways to delight the guests. Culinary tours are as varied as the hotels but can provide a great foundation for any regional food and wine tour.

The Ritz Carlton Hotel of Cleveland boasts a culinary tour that includes face time with the Executive chefs, special dinners, tours of the West Side Market and the city. The concierge staff is poised to provide directions and reservations to other restaurants and attractions that add to the culinary experience.

4. Farmers Markets

America’s cities are known for the public markets that support the cities and restaurants. Seattle has its Public Market, San Francisco has its Fisherman’s Wharf, and Cleveland has its West Side Market. These are popular tourist destinations. There are ample chances to talk with local suppliers, sample the many treats and enjoy a pleasurable time people watching.

Cleveland’s venerable West Side Market has been supplying the tables of families and restaurants since 1912. As one of America’s oldest enclosed markets, it sets the standard for the many farmer’s markets set up in both urban town squares and the rural areas surrounding Cleveland. This market supplies fruits, vegetables and a diverse array of the regional meats that make Cleveland so popular with gastronomers.

A drive through any area in Northeast Ohio on a Saturday will supply a family with locally grown, healthy fruits and vegetables for a week. Concessions provide ample opportunity to taste the best of the regions. You can also check out the Farmers Union markets in town squares and shopping centers throughout Northeast Ohio on weekdays during summer months.

5. Wineries/Microbreweries

America’s interest in locally produced wines and brews is growing. Wine regions are gaining in popularity as destinations. The Sonoma and Napa Valley regions of California, Oregon’s Columbia Valley, New York’s Finger Lakes and the Niagara region readily come to mind. Microbreweries are the next craze to attract regional visitors. Microbrew tastings as well as wine tasting are easily found in the wine regions. You can actually find wineries that are developing companion microbreweries on their properties.

Northeast Ohio is home to Vintage Ohio, an event attracting thousands to sample the growing wine industry in the state. Home to several wineries and vineyards along Lake Erie, northeast Ohio provides ample ways to enjoy the ambiance of relaxing in a scenic vineyard with friends with a glass in hand. You can enjoy a picnic lunch or opt for a more formal dinner in the elegance of the winery.

6. Farm Tours

Heritage farm tours along the Ohio and Erie Canal are committed to capturing the farming techniques of the regional founders for posterity. Many Amish farms welcome visitors to tour their farms by request. Indeed you will find produce stands along the country roads leading to their farms selling whatever vegetables and fruits are currently being harvested in their fields and baked goods, cheeses and cured meats processed on their farms.

The Culinary Vegetable Institute in nearby Milan, Ohio provides organic and heritage vegetables and micro-greens to the kitchens of some of the country’s top chefs and restaurants. Farmer Lee Jones, the spokesman for the family business, is gaining national acclaim as a celebrity guest at many culinary events.

7. Community Gardens

Urban gardens are becoming vital parts of neighborhoods as families realize the advantages of homegrown produce. However they are not new in many communities. When a visitor is fortunate to find an urban garden gem that has been established for quite a while, that visitor is treated to a glimpse of the heritage of the neighborhood and lovely afternoons spent talking with the gardeners who share the space.

The Brooklyn Heights Community Garden in Cleveland celebrates is now 100 years old. Its grounds are well-maintained by the coop members and classes for all ages are held in the greenhouse and garden center on the campus.

Remember that anniversary couple? They spent a relaxing week in an area not too far from their home but a world away in new experiences. They cruised the back roads with the car top down, picnicked under the stars in a lakeside vineyard, joined other couples for an elegant and exclusive private wine dinner and shared an evening at the theater. There was even time for a tour of the Botanical Gardens, a little shopping and just the two of them for a few holes of golf. Of course that led to the couples massage in the luxury hotel where they stayed. The rest of the time is private.

You can find more about regional destinations and culinary tours at my blog. Be sure to look up my review on Mr. Symons B Spot restaurant in Woodmere.

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I love to have your feedback. What is your favorite culinary trip? Where are your favorite regions to visit? What would be your grandest culinary adventure? Please go to my blog http://www.ohgemma.com and let me know. I love to know you are reading.

Brenda Greathouse is founder of Gemma Event Marketing Associates and author of Building Relationships: The Social Rose Book One. She uses event marketing, social media and hybrid events to promote regional destinations and geotourism.

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A splurge pinot that’s a bargain, plus holiday sparklers …

A blend of what the winery considers its best barrels of pinot noir, Elizabeth's Reserve has never been a wine of brute force. Rather, it has consistently exemplified finesse and nuance, allied to a depth of flavor that few other Oregon …

The Best Pinots! Oregon Wine Country – Day 1 | WineVine Imports Blog

My first trip to Oregon and all I could think about was tasting this regions well known Pinot Noirs. However, I kept thinking to myself; is it going to rain during our entire visit? Will the vines look different? Will the wineries serve …

Spoon and Spade: My New Obsession: Oregon Wine Country

Anyway, it is truly beautiful up there, and at the risk of too many of you storming up there and ruining the somewhat undiscovered gem that is Oregon wine country I will give you a quick run down of some of the highlights. …

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Oregon wine country would be a drastically different place without David Lett. In 1967 Lett and his wife bought a 20 acre farm which would soon become Eyrie Vineyards and proceeded to replace the prune farm with a combination of European grapes. David thought that the more challenging growing conditions in Oregon would lead to wines with more finesse and complexity then was typically found in other new world producers in California, Chile and Australia.

He thought, much like the French chateau owners that grapes grown in ideal conditions could never have to work to ripen and achieve the type of elegant wine that is so typical of wine from Burgundy and the great Bordeaux’s.

Having graduated form the preeminent viniculture culture in the world, the University of California at Davis and having spent significant time in France David Lett had a unique appreciation for terrior and the greatness that can be found in wines grown in less than ideal ripening conditions.

He planted a series of grapes that are known to do well in cooler climates such as the aforementioned Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris and a few others.

Unfortunately Mr Lett is no longer with us, but although some critics suggest his influence on the wine industry was not significant because of his use of smaller, new oak barrels and industrial yeast, I disagree completely. Without Mr. Lett acting as a visionary we may not have Pinot Noir grown in cold weather new world locations, which has been a dramatic step forward in wine drinking.

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It is this combination of love of the land and perfect growing environment that makes Washington’s wine such a rich and wonderful experience. Despite its size Washington’s Wine Industry is still small compared to places like Napa Valley, making it much easier to explore on your own especially in the heart of Washington’s Wine Country. Places like Prosser’s Vintners Village for example include a dozen wineries all within a few blocks of each other, and another twenty within a 4 miles. With wonderful wine a self guided tour of the different aspects of Prosser’s Wineries is a rewarding experience.

There are a number of wineries one should be certain they visit on their self guided tour of the heart of Washington’s wine country, starting with the world famous Hogue Cellars, one of Washington States top wineries with a large friendly tasting room it is also close to a dozen or so other wineries at the Port of Benton. Desert Winds Winery is another nice winery, one you well see as you drive towards Hogue Cellars it also includes a small suite of rooms in which those visiting the area can stay, all done in the Southwest Style as a means of featuring the beauty of the surrounding desert. Thurston Wolfe was the 2007 Washington Winery of the year and is located in the Heart of the Vintners Village, making it the heart of the heart of Washington’s Wine Country, and its wine lives up to this, just as Prosser’s Wines live up to the name of the heart of Washington’s Wine Country making this the perfect place to begin your Washington State Self Guided Wine Tours.

A website creator in the heart of Washington’s Wine Country who is working to create a blog to help people with Self Guided Wine Tours of Washington State. The Washington Wine Blog is http://washingtonwinetours.blogspot.com/

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Wine Tastings in Portland, Oregon: December 2-5, 2010

i can haz cheezburger, portland oregon wine tastings, portland wine blog, storyteller wines, Jura, zancanella imports, colleen glennon, seghesio, c & g imports, tyson crowley. … Join us this Friday, December 3, to kick off our tour of wines for the holidays. The first of three-region specific tastings this month begins with select Italian wines from Small Vineyards. Kristin Kluvers will guide us through a tasting of five wines, including 2007 Tre Donne Barbari Nebbiolo, …

oregon wine tasting tours

Napa Wine Tasting Tours – Make the Most Out of Your Vacation … Napa wine tasting tours are one of the most prestigious yet simple delights you can experience while visiting California. Napa valley is known for its luscious and fresh …

Oregon Wine Tour Limo – Latest Oregon Wine Tour Limo news – Oregon …

There is something about the scenic nature of the Oregon Coast make it so well complimented by a nice glass of wine. What better way to experience the the sites, sounds and tastes of the coast than with Oregon Coast Wine Tour Limo … …

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I have a small vineyard called Cooper Mountain Country located in the Cooper Mountains. It is in the Willamette Valley AVA. Our most prized asset is my wonderful pinot noir variety that sells around $30 per bottle retail. Main competition includes wineries and vineyards such as Penner Ash, Ponzi, Panther Creek, and Brick House. Each of these makers also sells their pinot noir for about $30 per bottle retail.

I want to sell market wines to my own peer group but I have to play by some rules do to certain labeling laws in Oregon. The main rule I have to abide by is the naming of the grape variety. The wine has to be at least 95% of that grape in order to call it something such as the famous Oregon pinot noir.

My first strategy is creating a very floral and fruity wine for the female drinkers who won’t drink very tannic and bitter wines. A way this may be achieved is to ad unfermented grape juice back into the wine if it is legal. That will soften the wine and create a more sugary, fruity taste. Then I would put the wine in that odd section at grocery stores. The odd section I am referring to is the small Oregon blackberry and raspberry wine section near the Boones. I’ve seen these bottles before and they are in the shape of a Bordeaux bottle. They look like that they would appeal to the young female clientele similar to malt beverages sold in the beer section. Females attending parties like to sip on these drinks.

The second idea I have is to promote my fine wine in music. About 6 years ago, a band known as Everclear was very popular worldwide. They originated Portland and in some of their songs they mention locations in Portland. An example is in one of their songs they mentioned the Portland West Hills. If I could have them mention my Oregon wine brand, it would become an instant success. My entire peer group who listens to that music would be enticed to buy my wine. I think convincing a band of that magnitude to mention my winery of vineyard in their lyrics would be a challenge.

Another idea I have is to sponsor a professional skateboarder from Portland. All He would have to do is wear apparel with my brand name on it. This is theoretically possible because there are several professional skateboarders from the Portland area. They hang out at the skate park beneath the Burnside Bridge. Once my peer group (mid 20’s) sees this and find out it’s a good wine they might be tempted to buy the wines. Also if the skateboarder goes to tournaments around the US, that could be beneficial on picking up more peer group customers.

A strategy that would promote my wine to any group above the age of 21 is to have a “Wine Steward’s Pick” in retail stores. A way to do this is to meet up with the wine steward when he or she is not working. Then give them several bottles of your wine and try to bribe or convince them to create that “Wine Stewards Pick” label at the store. Nobody is doing anything illegal or against policy on this idea. The phrase “Wine Steward’s Pick” is all based on opinion so he would be protected from losing his job. Also you can have him work undercover towards my peer group. Every time he notices a customer in their mid 20’s deciding what kind of pinot noir to buy he can direct them to my wine for added sales.

One last strategy to entice my peer group is to hold a party or small concert at the winery or vineyard. There definitely would be security present to deter anyone from getting too intoxicated and destroying equipment or vines. Security would also prevent any underage attendants at these parties. There would be free samples of the wine and there would also be bottles and T-shirts for sale. The peer group (mid 20’s) would then spread the information to their friends that they partied at the Cooper Mountain Country. I think that local sales would increase because they became familiar with the wine and the name. At restaurants they might ask the waiter if they serve my specific wine.

These are all my ideas on promoting my fictitious wine and brand name to my own peer group. I think the most successful and practical idea is the party or small concert idea. I wonder if any winery or vineyard has ever attempted this. Ultimately I think that it would be a risky idea if plenty of expensive equipment is lying around. But it would be possible.

Jesus loves the outdoors. You can usually find him getting ready to go swimming or hiking. You can check out his recent web site at http://doublesleepingbagsreview.com where he writes about double sleeping bags.

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Applegate Valley Wine Trail Uncorked Tour | Ashland Oregon

For $39, visit 16 Applegate Valley Oregon wineries, sample wine paired with food and talk with winemakers. The Uncorked Tours take place in the Spring and Fall. Each season has new releases and barrel tours.

Small Bites: Oregon Dungeness; candy canes with local mint, and …

This week Oregon's crab fishery is celebrating its sustainability certification. Plus, we loving snacking on candy canes made with Oregon mint, as well as Mother Peach handmade caramels. And Katherine Cole has just the book for the aspiring sommelier in your … In a nutshell: Packed with advice on tasting, buying, storing, pairing, serving and ordering wine, this is a sharp-looking wine guide for aspiring aficionados, written from the perspective of a super-sommelier. …

Southern Oregon Wine Blog: Pictures from the Jefferson Public …

Welcome! Discover the diverse mix of wines, wineries and winemakers of Southern Oregon with Christine Collier and Chris Jiron. From news to reviews- find out why Southern Oregon is one of the fastest growing wine regions! …

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Becoming house to five prominent wine generating regions, Sonoma County is remarkably exclusive in its personal way. Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Los Carneros District, Alexander Valley, and Russian River District make up these 5 regions. With additional than 200 distinct wineries, each and every representing its special culture, history, and people, Sonoma Valley is really a fantastic place for wine tasting and touring.

Yes, it truly is feasible to go to more than a single wine-producing region in a day, but it truly is recommended to concentrate on investing your leisure time in one winery at a time. You’ll find plenty of individualized wine head to providers that aid tourists plan out thrilling wine tours to wine county of Sonoma. Whether or not you happen to be just a curious tourist, a novice, or an skilled wine aficionado, these head to solutions can design a head to to suit your needs accordingly.

Apart from delivering top high quality transportation and services, Sonoma wine tours also can personalize a trip to meet your specific wants. Whether you are staying in Sonoma Valley or Napa Valley, these made to order tours offer the greatest in transportation solutions. Most complete service transportation organizations can accommodate groups of different sizes. Sonoma Valley made to order wine tours operate with Stretch Limousines, Mini Buses, New Lincoln Town vehicles, Total Size Motor Coaches, Custom made Vans, and Corporate Suburbans.

You can sit back and appreciate your self even though sipping on some complimentary great sparkling wine in any on the latest luxury automobiles. What exactly is much more, your educated tour guides or chauffeurs will bring you to the winery of one’s choice, or you may perhaps also arrange for one of the pre-scheduled itineraries.

Right here are a couple of in the Sonoma Valley customized wine tour packages:

1) The Four Hour Sonoma Valley Custom Wine Tour: The shortest of all the individualized trips, it truly is provided from Sunday to Friday. The head to begins off having a private stretch limo picking up your party from any place in Sonoma Valley. You will be welcomed with complimentary champagne, and the chauffeur will personally guide you by way of a number of the finest wineries in Sonoma. You’re provided the opportunity of tasting unique varieties of wine.

2) The Six Hour Sonoma Valley Made to order Wine Head to: For first-time travelers, this wine visit could be the very best. A exclusive stretch limo will pick up your party, and also you will likely be pampered with complimentary champagne. You can have the opportunity to pay a visit to four or a lot more premium wineries, as well as get to taste some of the best wines in Sonoma. Touring by way of a number of the oldest wineries in Sonoma, you may find out lots about winemaking, and will additional acquire your own individual appreciation for great vintages. Finally, there will be a gourmet picnic lunch at one of the wineries.

3) The Eight Hour Sonoma Valley Made to order Wine Visit: Similar to the six hour custom wine head to, the eight hour head to starts from any area in San Francisco or East Bay.

The Sonoma Valley tailored wine tours also offer public tours throughout the Napa Valley and Sonoma County wine making regions. Head to cars depart over a daily basis from any with the Sonoma County or Napa Valley hotels. Besides becoming a fun-filled experienced, taking a customized wine head to can be really inexpensive.

So, if you happen to be planning on going to San Francisco or even the Bay Region, then you definitely should look at getting one of the wine tours for a day of adventure and enjoyable that will leave you while using most pleasant of memories.

Author is a travel journalist whose write-ups mainly focus on luxury and high living and has contributed several articles on oregon wine tours, salem wine tours, portland wine tours etc.

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Oregon Wine Tours – Art Events in Wine Country

Further afield throughout Oregon wine country, many wineries and vineyards also feature art on premises. This could be either specifically in a gallery, or in a restaurant or tasting room. There are Oregon wine tours that have been set …

Celebrate Fall in Oregon Wine Country « Hip Travel Mama: Your …

Have I told you about my new love affair with Pinot? (in addition to my husband of course) No, its not because of the movie Sideways that made it famous. There is something about the wine that is intriguing and delicious and makes me …

OSU viticulture expert Patty Skinkis saves growers | Ashland Oregon

Today at the second Southern Oregon Wine Cluster Conference, Dr. Skinkis presented new research to reduce vineyard management costs, which can be as much as $1547 an acre. She and her colleagues are studying the affects on fruit quality …

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An Update On Oregon’s 2010 Vintage

Karl Klooster has a great post over at the Oregon Wine Press taking a look at the entire state. I have included updated growing degree day charts below. What the charts down show is the when and how much rainfall we had. …

Oregon’s 2010 Vintage | A comparison of Oregon wine vintages …

A look at Oregon 2010 vintage by comparing prior vintages and historical growing degree days for the Willamette Valley.

This Thanksgiving Make it an Historic Wine Tour – Capital Taps …

Palmer built it in the 1850s. He was a pioneer, climbed Mt. Hood, was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and later Speaker of the Oregon House. And now the house is a restaurant, with a special focus on wild mushrooms and Oregon wine. …

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Whether it is your first time or tenth time going on a wine tasting exploration alone or with companies, the following tips would help you get the most out of your wine tasting experience.

1. Proper Planning. If you are visiting multiple wineries, the proper planning includes calling ahead, being on time, and scheduling the meal time in (e.g. lunch, picnic). Good food keeps your body well nourished, and less stressed out over the rushing around.

Not a well-known fact, but some wineries do require reservation. Calling ahead for tasting appointments is a great idea. You will also find other pertinent information that would enhance your experience. For example, you may find out many wineries actually do not allow picnic on the ground, so you now know to make other meal arrangement. You may also discover the winery has wine caves, well, you’d want to layer on clothing because it gets cold in there.

When you allow plenty of time to arrive punctually, you and your party could get to places safely and more relaxed. Even if you’re tasting wine at just a single location (as opposed to winery hopping), being punctual is a nice consideration for your friends and host.

2. Refrain from Using Fragrant Products. You may want to skip the perfumed lotion and after-shaves, and even take down the air refresher from the car for the day. This is to prevent the olfactory nerves – yours and others around you – from being overwhelmed and missing the more subtle aromas in the wine. The lovely aromatic experience is a major component of a pleasant wine tasting!

3. Responsible Drinking. You will thank yourself for having paced yourself with water, breaks in between stops, and most importantly, by not finishing every and all the wine in the glass. Not only would you save your reputation, but also you would enjoy the day so much better. It’s not about wine drinking, but wine tasting, to explore varieties of wines, the styles, the terroir expression, the beautiful surroundings of the winery. You and your party may even consider having a designated driver or hiring a professional driver. It’s also a great idea to keep hydrated, and have snack food at hand.

4. Keep an Open Mind. You may think you like only Californian wines, or only red wines, or white wines. Well, you might be surprised to discover a new palate experience! In addition, you may never have bought a $35 bottle wine until after you learned about the hand harvest (hand-picking grapes as opposed to machine harvest), the expensive oak barrels (not oak chips in the barrels), the attention to details and efforts in the cellar, and the procedures involved to produce a fine quality wine. Perhaps after you’ve tasted the lovely wine, you’d re-think how it’s really worth the value! Perhaps not. Regardless, you’ll have more fun when you taste with curiosity and an open mind.

5. Ask Wine Questions. The appreciation of wine is a learning process. Wine tasting hosts likely have heard it all. Don’t be shy about asking possibly “dumb” questions. Isn’t it better that you take away some useful wine knowledge than none at end of the day? Over time, you’d get to share what you know about wine with family & friends.

6. Leave Tips. If you had a great time, tipping your winery host (winery visits) and your tasting host (single location tasting) would be much appreciated. As much as the glamor may be surrounding the job at a winery, these often well-trained professionals have a slow and long climb to a few better paid position within the winery. Tips encourage them to continue the great work.

7. Courtesy Goes a Long Way. At times, the popular wineries do get crowded. Your consideration of others’ need would naturally invite good will and convenience for yourself. Just by drinking wine, or even knowing about wine does not make a person cultured or civilized. It is the person’s manner and authenticity that others truly respect and appreciate. Wine tasting etiquette also includes child care. If you must bring children with you, please have an adult being the nanny of the day. This way, the rest of the group could enjoy the grown-ups-only wine tasting and have a great time. It is not the kids’ fault that they have shorter attention span. Nor is it the other guests’ fault or the tasting host’s fault, so please do not punish them with the distraction of the kids playing, crying, shouting and your hushing the kids…,etc.

When you go on a wine tasting with these tips in mind, you will have a better time at the winery or your tasting bar. These tips ensure you take care of yourself and your companions better, have better communications and thus relationships with the staff at these locations. The result is that as a welcomed customer, you will experience much better visit.

© 2009 – Bonny-Morgan Lin. All worldwide rights apply. This article may be reprinted on websites as long as the entire article, including website link and resource box below are included and unchanged. Bonny-Morgan Lin is the author of “A Crash Course in Wine – 7 Days to Become a Wino”. Bonny-Morgan Lin writes, speaks & teaches about wine through her blogs, wine tasting classes and private coaching programs. With the Wine and Spirits Certificate, wine is her passion and profession.

For your FREE Weekly Wine Information, “Bliss Wine Bliss Life”, full of valuable & interesting wine knowledge & resources delivered to your email inbox every week, please visit http://www.BlissWineAcademy.com

Contact Bonny on Facebook @BonnyMorganLin, or Twitter @BonnyMorganLin.

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OfficialWinery Blog Latest Posts / Blog Profile

San Francisco is a good launchning point for wine tours to napa valley and sonoma valley, two of the most popular wine regions in the US. Because of the size of the regions, there are tours for all kinds of appetites and styles. … Oregon wine is popular in the US as it should be because some of the best wines do come out of Oregon. For a time our son lived in Anacortes, Washington. A summer not long ago, my wife and I traveled…Original post blogged on b2evolution. read …

Exploring the Option of Liquor Licenses for Food Cart Owners …

However, whether we will see more food carts serving up beer or wine depends on whether a cart owner can convince the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) that it qualifies for a license under the current regulatory scheme. The first, and probably biggest, hurdle a food … Further, state law prohibits the OLCC from licensing premises that are “mobile” unless the premises is a licensed public passenger carrier (like an airline, a railroad, or a tour boat operator). …

RoadTrip America – Portland to McMinnville, Oregon: Wine Tours

Scenic road trip Portland to McMinnville, Oregon: Wine Tours by Lynne R. Christen.

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Explore California’s varied wine country this winter | OregonLive.com

Those who visit the wine regions of southern California in winter will find even fewer bodies to contend with in the tasting rooms,

Thanksgiving Weekend in Salem: Oregon Wine Tours and More | The …

Thanksgiving in Willamette Valley is like no other! One of our most beloved traditions here is to tour Oregon Wineries and Vineyards the Friday and.

Southern Oregon Wine Blog: Thanksgiving Weekend Update

Join Abacela for wine tasting, Spanish-style tapas, winery tours and view the construction of their new visitors' center. Henry Estate Winery will have complimentary wine tasting, live music and food pairings each day. …

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Oregon is a place that isn’t known for vacations: it’s not a large tourist attraction or an ideal spring break destination. It, quite simply, isn’t famous. Because of this, it’s one of the most modest of regions. If someone were to ask Oregon if it was a nice state, in its own humble manner it would probably answer, “Well, I’m definitely top 50.”

Despite not being known as a hot spot, Oregon is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Not only does it possess the naturalness of the Northwest – the land is paved with a tapestry of greens and browns – but it also maintains a sense of freshness, as if God is endlessly spraying it with Febreze. A place that quite simply has it all, Oregon is filled with mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, plains, and even an ocean.

There are few places in Oregon where you won’t find beauty with the exception of the far eastern plains (Oregonians naturally refer to this area as “Idaho”). The state itself is filled with limitless majesty and endless things to do. The following is a list that will merely get you started.

The Enchanted Forest – Just outside of Salem, the Enchanted Forest is one of the most unique amusement parks of all time. In an era where parks are trying to obtain the highest roller coaster or the fastest ride, The Enchanted Forest has stayed true to its roots.

Located in an actual forest, this amusement park is perhaps one of the only ones around that is geared toward younger children: teenagers need not apply. It contains rides and attractions based on fantasy and storybook characters. Among some of the themes featured are Alice in Wonderland, Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, the Old Lady who Lived in the Shoe, and Hansel and Gretel. For kids who are a little older, there are also bobsled rides, a haunted house, bumper cars, and water rides.

The Oregon Coast – The Oregon coast isn’t a place where you will find a slug of college party kids or girls aspiring to go wild; instead, this coast isn’t your typical coast. In lieu of beach volleyball and bikinis, this coast has bonfires and clam chowder. The waters are often cold, too cold for swimming on most occasions, and people are just as likely to wear a winter coat as they are a tank top.

Because it is free of the typical coastal behavior, this coast evokes a sense of calmness and sereneness that other beaches can not possess. Going here for twenty minutes makes you feel as if your troubles could drift away, possibly carried off by a hungry seagull who mistook your worries for a piece of bread.

Oregon’s coast stretches for almost 400 miles, from Astoria (oh yes people, home of the Goonies) to Brookings. This vastness provides people with several things to do. From looking at lighthouses to shopping in boutiques, from whale watching to deep sea fishing, the Oregon coast is perfect for those with eclectic tastes. People may find enjoyment taking a scenic drive or staying at a beachfront hotel. Others may find certain attractions – such as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Sea Lion Caves in Florence – more appealing. No matter what you find to do, you’ll find that the Oregon Coast is a sure, or shore, bet.

Mt. Hood – Mt. Hood might not be the Alps or the Rocky Mountains, but you probably won’t mind. Home to four ski areas – including the only ski area in North America that is open year round – Mt. Hood is filled with volcanic slopes, valleys, and rivers. Perhaps the furthest thing from skiing, fruit growing is also something this region is famous for. From grapes to apples, from blueberries to pears and apricots, the only thing you can’t grow here is bored.

After a day on the slopes or a day of harvest, many travelers find their experience continues at the Columbia River Gorge, right nearby. This is arguably one of the most magnificent places in the nation: it’s as if verses of America the Beautiful were written with this gorge in mind. Containing Multnomah Falls, one of the 77 waterfalls in the area, visitors here can’t help but ask, “Niagara who?” Six hundred and twenty feet high, there are only three other waterfalls in the country that are higher.

The Willamette Valley – For people who like wine, otherwise known as people who are breathing, the Willamette Valley is a great place to visit. Located roughly 100 miles south of Portland, this valley is filled with rolling green hills, country lanes, and covered bridges. It reminds people of a simpler time of life, when neighbors said hello, people helped each other, and farmers’ markets existed instead of Wal-Mart’s.

Three quarters of Oregon’s wine comes from the Willamette Valley: this is a valley known not only for some of the best Oregonian wine, but some of the best wine everywhere. Over 200 wineries are located here, waiting to offer the thirsty traveler a little taste of Oregon in the form of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.

The Shakespeare Festival – Where art thou Good Theater? Tis in Oregon The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, located in Southern Oregon, is one of the oldest and largest not-for-profit theaters in the country. Tony Award-winning, this festival operates on an eight and a half month basis, producing eleven shows at a time in three theaters. Annually, this theater is home to over 780 performances and 360,000 patrons. For those who like literature, there is no better place to see Shakespeare’s words come to life.

Oregon is one of the best places to go for a laidback, unique vacation. It offers people a chance to experience a variety of things in an eclectic environment. Simply put, it is an Oregon trail of fun.

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Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for www.milleniumlimo.com. Having been to a variety of countries – and Wyoming more time than she can count – her travel column can be found at the Millenium limo website.

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Wilsonville Real Estate: Fred Meyer’s, 20 years in Planning …

About Wilsonville: Known as the “Gateway to Oregon's wine country,” WIlsonville is a conveniently located suburb just south of Portland, offering a mix of natural beauty and neighborhood communities along the Willamette River, …

Wine Down East ClosesAn Exploration of Portland Oregon Food and …

This happened last week, but I didn't know about it until today. Wine Down East over on NE Alberta, has closed. The original restaurant which was on NE.

Guide to Oregon Wine Thanksgiving Open House Events | The Grand …

Please drive safe and enjoy your tour of Oregon Wine Country! Apolloni Vineyards 14135 NW Timmerman Rd. Forest Grove, OR 97116 (503) 330-5946 www.apolloni.com. Family-owned winery started in 1999, specializing in traditional Pinot Noir …

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Many of todays limousine interiors need to be seen to be believed. They can literally be mobile dance clubs equipped with a large flat screen television, strobe lights, neon lights, mood lighting, and state of the art bars and sound system. Some larger SUV styled limousines even have an actual dance floor in the limousine with a fog machine.

SUV limousines models such as the Hummer, Cadillac Escalade ESV, and Lincoln Navigator typically can seat up 18 people. Some stretched versions may be able to seat as many as 25 people. If you have an even larger group for the bachelorette party, Limo Coach Party Buses can typically seat up to 28 people. These vehicles can be equipped with same features as SUV styled limousines but offer more space. Some may even be equipped with hot tubs. Car based limousines such as the Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz or Chrysler limo typically hold between 10 and 14 passengers.

Treat the bachelorette to a night she will not forget in a limousine. You can arrive like a diva to all the hotspots, whether it is a dance club, VIP lounge, a casino, a nightclub, or a strip club in a luxurious limousine. It will make it a bachelorette party not soon forgotten.

Local limousine services offer a wide variety of limousine models to choose from. Some offer bachelorette party packages. Learn more about getting a bachelorette party limo and how to find a cheap limo service at http://www.cheaplimoservice.org.

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No Comments – Oregon Wine Country

I get a little frisson with I think of my recent foray into Timberline Lodge's formidable wine vault. Reputed to have the widest selection of Oregon wines anywhere, I felt suitably awed by the depth of prestigious labels before me. …

Pre Thanksgiving Weekend Tours in Oregon’s Wine Country | Grand …

Pre Thanksgiving Weekend in the Willamette Valley offers a great opportunity to taste several small producers in Oregon's Wine Country.

An Update On Oregon’s 2010 Vintage After Harvest | Grand Cru Wine …

An update on Oregon's 2010 vintage in comparison to prior vintages. Leading up to the 2010 harvest it was a long cold year terrorized by birds.

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Reserving a limousine for prom can make the big dance a night to remember. There is no better way to travel the evening of prom than in a luxurious limousine. Today’s limousines offer first class luxury and style, offering incredible interior amenities. No prom is complete without it.

For many, prom is their first experience in a limousine. Limousine companies offer a wide range of limos for rent including sport-utility vehicle styled limos, luxury car limos, exotic stretch limos, and classic styled limousines. An example of available limousines may include the Cadillac Escalade limo, the Ford Excursion limo, the Hummer H2 limo, the Lincoln Town Car limo, the Range Rover limo, and the Rolls Royce limo. Whatever your choice, there are local limousine services that offer great, affordable packages for prom. Many companies offer a bonus hour free after a four or five hour rental.

Today’s limousine come with clean, plush interiors with features such as mirrored or stainless steel ceilings with coloring changing star like effects, neon lighting, strobe lighting, multiple flat screen television, iPod connections, and state of the art sound system with CD/DVD/MP3 player. Other amenities may include complimentary non-alcoholic drinks such as soda, bottled water, and sparkling cider.

Renting a chauffeured limousine is the ultimate way to arrive and department prom and for pre and post prom festivities. Drivers will be well dressed and professional, providing first class service. Passengers will arrive safely and travel in the ultimate of style and comfort. A limousine will make prom extra memorable.

Prom season is quickly approaching. Find prom limos and learn how to find a cheap limo service at http://www.cheaplimoservice.org.

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A wine country tour will be scheduled so you do have to stay in one place for a set time but you can wander around the winery and do not have to follow the herd unless you want to. However, the most appealing thing about a wine country tour is the fact that you can learn so much more on a wine country tour than you could if you were traipsing round the country on your own!

There are several elements of a wine country tour that will prove invaluable for you. The first is being in the company of individuals at all times so you will not get lost in unfamiliar territory and are also safe in the knowledge that nothing will happen to you. Of course, a good wine country tour will have a company driver so you can let your hair down without endangering your own life!

A wine country tour will also be organized to the hilt, which provides more advantages than disadvantages at the moment. The wine country tour will find the wineries for you, which saves you time and effort when it comes to researching your surroundings and finding the best places to go. There will also be more information, talks and other similar things available for you as part of a wine country tour than you would otherwise have. Your day can therefore have as much or as little structure to it as you like so you are free to enjoy yourself in any manner you choose and learn as much as you like!

A wine country tour is valuable as far as your wine education is concerned. You should take in every scrap of knowledge if you want to make the most of your wine country tour However, it would also suit you if you want to enjoy yourself on a day out with beautiful scenery and some of the best wines on the market! Any good wine country tour is good for everybody!

You can also find more info on Wine Tours In New York [http://www.bestwinetourguide.com/Wine_Tours_In_New_York/] and Wine Tours In Southern California [http://www.bestwinetourguide.com/Wine_Tours_In_Southern_California/]. Bestwinetourguide.com is a comprehensive resource to known more about wine.

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oregon wine tasting tours

Napa Valley Winery Tours | Sonoma Wine Tours | Get That Limo … Travel & Tourism A Pet Friendly Napa Valley Vacation Accommodation One of the finest wine growing regions of the world, Napa Valley features a mild climate, luscious hills …

Rex Hill Vineyards

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Four Graces Winery

Four Graces Winery; 9605 Northeast Fox Farm Road, Dundee, OR 97115; (503) 554-8000; Visit Website; Find on Google Maps. Technorati Tags: four graces winery, Oregon wine tour, oregon winery.

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Rolls Royce has been making world-class automobiles for over one hundred years. This British automaker, which is now owned by the BMW, defines superior automotive luxury and comfort. They have been the car of kings, sheiks, and royalty for decades. However, you do have to be wealthy to ride in these cars. Local limousine companies may offer these limousines for less than you might think.

Rolls Royce limos offer a great degree of privacy and security and offer a beautiful interior environment. Typically these limos offer rear privacy tints, curtains, ample legroom, and incredible sound systems.

Both contemporary and classic Rolls are a popular choices for limousine rental. For the contemporary look, some limousine companies offer the Rolls Royce Phantom limousine. The Phantom limousine is a showcase in modern automotive technology. It is the ultimate in luxury, power and refinement. They are typically fitted with a 6.7-liter, 453-horsepower V-12 engine. These limousines cost over $500,000 brand new.

For the classic look, some limousine companies offer rental of classic 1960s Rolls Royce limo models such as the 1960 Silver Cloud II and 1964 Silver Cloud II, which seat 2-3 passengers. These limos, with their chrome grills, famous flying lady hood ornament, leather seating, and sumptuous leather and real burl wood accent panel interiors, offer an unbelievable limousine experience.

Rolls Royce limousines have a distinctive, classic look. With their timeless elegance and style, these limos allow their passengers make a grand entrance to any event. They will help make your wedding, prom, anniversary or any other special event extra memorable and provide excellent photo opportunities.

A Rolls Royce limo is perfect for a wedding. They provide the ultimate luxury and comfort and allow the bride and groom an exquisite and memorable experience. Learn more about limousine styles and how to find a cheap limo service at http://www.cheaplimoservice.org.

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Baltimore/Washington International | Limo 4 Less

Atlas Dc Limousine provide limos service, Black car, Service and bus charter for airport transfer, weddings, prom, tour. Service Washington dulles regan national and bwi airport. Affordable limo, car and bus service for carporate, …

Wine-Os need top N Willamette Valley Winery Recommendations …

With that being said, we are looking for recommendations for what Oregon locals (the experts) regard as the top wineries we should hit. We are planning on hiring a limo for a one day tour and are looking to visit about 4-5 wineries.

Sokol Blosser Winery

Contact Sokol Blosser Winery. 5000 Sokol Blosser Lane, Dundee, OR 97115; (503)864-2282; Visit Website; Find on Google Maps. Technorati Tags: oregon limousine service, Oregon wine tour, oregon wineries, oregon winery, sokol blosser …

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If you had a choice to visit wine country anywhere in the world, where would you go? Here is a sampling of wine regions from around the world.

Australia

• Eden Valley: South Australia’s Eden Valley enjoys an average temperature of 67 degrees Fahrenheit during January and an average eleven inches of rain during the October through April growing season. Wines from Eden Valley include Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Perth Hills: Wines produced in western Australia’s Perth Hills include Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. During the growing season, it rains between 8.6 to 9.4 inches, with an average temperature in January of 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

Italy

• Latium: Wine is predominately white in this region, with 84% of the production dedicated to white wines. Grapes grown for whites include Malvasia and Trebbiano. The region also grows Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc for red wines.
• Tuscany: Tuscany’s wines are 30% white and 70% red. The most predominately grown grape in this region is Sangiovese. Other grapes include Canaiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tuscany is world-famous for Chianti and Chianti Classico wines.

France

• Bordeaux Region: Known for its red wines, the Bordeaux Region also produces fine, sweet white wines. Bordeaux boasts more than 284,000 acres dedicated to the growth of wine grapes
• Champagne Region: The Champagne Region is home of the famous sparking wine. Temperatures are cooler than normal here for growing wine grapes, resulting in high acidity levels in the grapes. This high level of acidity lends itself well to producing wonderful champagne.
• Alsace Region: The Alsace Region, bordered on the Rhine River on the east and the Vosges Mountains on the West, is noted for its Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines. These, and other wines, are made from grapes grown on more than 37,000 acres.

The United States

• Willamette Valley: Willamette Valley in Oregon is home to 200 wineries and 10,000 acres of grapes grown for wine. Among the grapes grown here are Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
• Walla Walla Valley: With a growing season of 190 to 220 days, Walla Walla Valley in Washington hosts 65 wineries and more than 1,200 acres of grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape of choice here. Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah are among the other grapes that are grown in this region.
• Yakima Valley: Another Washington region, the Yakima Valley enjoys a 190-day growing season. There are more than 40 wineries here, with grapes planted on 11,000 acres. Chardonnay is the most predominately planted grape here. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon follow Chardonnay in plantings.
• Napa Valley: Characterized by warm days and cool evenings, Napa Valley, California, has 44,000 acres dedicated to growing grapes. This translates into more than 390 wineries. Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape of choice in Napa Valley, followed by the perennial favorite, Chardonnay.
• Sonoma County: Sonoma County, California, includes many small valleys that have their own climates, perfect for a diversity of wines. Sonoma County boasts 260 wineries and 60,000 acres of growing grapes. Chardonnay grapes lead the pack here, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
• San Louis Obispo: Located on the central coast of California, San Louis Obispo is home to 110 wineries with more than 26,000 acres of grapes grown to make wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is king in San Louis Obispo. Merlot grapes come in second.

Touring Wine Country

You have choices beyond renting a car and driving through wine country. You might enjoy:

• Looking into wine-country bike tours
• Hiring a limousine
• Taking a bus tour with other wine aficionados

Wine Country Touring Tips

Touring a wine region can be both educational and entertaining. To make your visit even more enjoyable:

• Have a designated driver.
• Start with white wines and progress to red wines when tasting.
• Take notes about the wines that you taste, the excellent, the good, the bad and the ugly.
• Drink water, not only to clean your palate, but to keep hydrated.
• Don’t skip meals.
• Leave perfumes at home. The smells will interfere with your enjoyment of the wines that you will be sampling.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You may have to do a bit of walking.
• If you are the designated driver, spit out your wine tastes.
• Ask questions.

If you are planning to visit wine country in any part of the world, you are bound to have a memorable experience. If you can’t actually visit a wine region soon, put on the appropriate music, serve local foods on the side and enjoy a sampling of wines from around the world at home.

For more information on wine tasting, visit the food section of Life123.com.

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Wedding Florists – Finding Tasteful Funeral Flowers For A …

To make the travel arrangements extra special and truly unforgettable, you can put some food items or small gifts in the limo. Don't forget to keep a champagne or wine in your wedding limo as it makes a perfect combination on such …

Ponzi Vineyards

Contact Ponzi Vineyards. Ponzi Vineyards; 14665 SW Winery Lane Beaverton, OR 97007; 503-628-1227; Visit Website; Find on Google Maps. Oregon Wine Tours. Technorati Tags: Oregon wine tour, Oregon Wine Tours, oregon wineries, oregon winery.

Party Bus – What to Do with Leftover Wine by Jennifer Marie Jordan

Stretch SUV Limos Portland Oregon Limos Leftover wine may bring about problems for many of you that leftover food doesn't possess. While it's easy.

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