WINE LOVERS PARADISE (Part I)

California may have a bigger reputation, but Oregon produces many of the finest wines on the planet. Here's what the Oregon Wine Advisory Board has to say about our wines and winegrowers: "Oregon wines reflect the essence of the land where they grow and of the people who craft them. The soils, the weather and the gentle, sunny slopes in Oregon enable winegrapes to ripen slowly during the summer and fall and to develop exquisite flavors. Winegrowers and winemakers exhibit deep appreciation for the land, knowing that this special 'terroir' makes it possible to create palate-pleasing world-class wines. Although Oregon's largest wineries are small by world standards, their wines are truly handcrafted reflections of the winemakers and the land -- they are produced in small lots rather than corporate quantities."

Come, taste wines and purchase your favorites at winery prices. It's easy: find your way to Portland by air with rented car or by automobile, check into The Fulton House and enjoy a restful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, and set out on a wine adventure the next day. There are dozens upon dozens of wineries, featuring numerous varietals and vintages, within easy driving distance from Portland.

If you wish to roam farther, head south down the lush Willamette Valley or east along the Columbia River to visit southern Washington's wineries, also world-class.

Oregon wineries are located in 5 major areas in the state -- North Willamette Valley, South Willamette Valley, Umpqua, Rogue, and Columbia River Valley/Eastern Oregon. Closest to Portland is the North Willamette Valley region, where more than 40 wineries can be found, all no farther than 60 miles and most much closer.

Oregon is rightly famous in every corner of the world for its Pinot Noir, but it also produces world-class Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Muller-Thurgau, Muscat, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo, Zinfandel, Baco Noir (little known but one of my personal favorites), Tempranillo, Dolcetto, Gamay Noir, Lemberger, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir Rose', a range of Champagnes and sparkling wines, Eiswine and Port and a variety of dessert wines.

At last count, there were more than 180 different wineries to visit in Oregon and several dozen more withn easy reach in southern Washington. Many of them have beautiful grounds for roaming with areas with tables for picnicing, most have tasting rooms, and some sell gourmet foods. Many feature special events like cooking demonstrations, gourmet dinners or live music by big name performers.

Oregon is truly a wine lovers paradise. Come visit us at The Fulton House and get some maps and directions. Four wine retailers with huge selections of wines from throughout the world are located near us -- walk to one and the other three are within 5 minutes driving. You can purchase at discount (usually 10%) if you buy a half-case or case of mix-and-match and ship home or to a friend living in any state that permits this (most do).