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Columbia Gorge Wine TouringAn Explosion of Wineries in Oregon’s Columbia Gorge.
A World of Wine in 40 Miles.
The Columbia River Gorge, running about 40 miles from Portland to The Dalles, forms the boundary between the states of Oregon and Washington. These splendid, scenic 40 miles sport 21 wineries on both the Oregon and Washington sides. It is one of America’s most unique wine regions, with the widest range of climates, terroirs and wine varieties — all in a magnificent setting. The Columbia Gorge wineries are roughly grouped into three regions: Hood River, Lyle, and The Dalles. These regions represent three distinct climate zones. Hood River lies at the eastern edge of the western drainage area of the Cascade Mountains and is lush, green, wet, and windy. Not surprisingly, Hood River boasts the moniker of “wind surfing capital of the world.” There are no less than 33 sites along the Gorge where wind sailors can put in. Cathedral Ridge Named Oregon Winery of the YearThe Cathedral Ridge Winery, just a few miles southwest of Hood River, was named Oregon Winery of the Year by the Northwest Wine Press in Spring 2007. The winery is under new ownership and managed by Robb Bell, who hired Michael Sebastiani from Sonoma, CA to be winemaker. Noted for its Rieslings and Pinot Gris, Cathedral Ridge Winery offers a lineup that includes Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and a number of proprietary blends. Red grapes are sourced from historic vineyards near The Dalles, a decidedly warmer region. We especially liked their Pinot Gris and Syrah, ranked #6 out of 129 Syrahs judged by the Northwest Wine Press and awarded a Double Platinum prize. The tiny hamlet of Lyle lies on the Washington side about midway between Hood River and The Dalles. There are four wineries here, but most noteworthy is Syncline, a tiny winery operated by the husband and wife team of James and Poppie Mantone. It’s definitely a destination winery and will probably require an advance appointment. The reward, though, will be a chance to taste some of the most highly polished examples of Northwest Rhône-style wines. The Mantone’s bring a great deal of personal passion to their hands-on winemaking. Syncline’s Syrah stands shoulder to shoulder with the very best Northwest Syrahs and their Viognier is unsurpassed. If you visit only one Gorge winery, visit Syncline. Award Winning Maryhill WineryFurther east on the Washington side you will come to the little town of Goldendale. Its claim to fame rests on the justly famous Maryhill Museum (not to be missed) and the very distinguished Maryhill Winery. Almost all of Maryhill’s extensive lineup of wines have earned gold and silver medals as well as several Best of Class awards. Enjoy their crisp and tasty Sauvignon Blanc for only $12 or move up to their Proprietor’s Reserve wines, priced from $28. All Maryhill’s wines are recommended and are good values. And the view from the Maryhill Winery is one of the best winery views in the entire region. Don’t miss Maryhill.
The copyright of the article Columbia Gorge Wine Touring in New World Wine is owned by Alan Boehmer. Permission to republish Columbia Gorge Wine Touring in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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