Where to Celebrate Memorial Day 2017 in Portland's Wine Country
While many places are closed on Monday, May 29 in recognition of Memorial Day, making for a three day weekend, there’s not a lot to do around Portland on the day of. Most people either stay in for BBQs on the weekend and treat Monday as a Sunday. However, it’s a busy weekend for wine country, so we’ve rounded up a list of wineries offering specials this weekend. Just remember to be responsible; it’s a long drive back to Portland from wine country, so think about having a designated driver, and always drink responsibly. Let us know where you’re going this weekend on our Facebook or Twitter.
Hazelfern Cellars
The Newberg winery will be flinging open their horse barn doors for a family-friendly barrel tasting experience for $20 per person which includes wine and food with kids enjoying their own "juice tasting." Hazelfern will be open 11 AM to 4 PM on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. (4008 NE Zimri Dr., Newberg, OR 97132; 503-928-1893)
The Momtazi family will host a Saturday and Sunday "Red, White & Brews" event with live music at Maysara Winery from 12 PM to 6 PM. Widmer Brothers will be pouring brews for the beer lovers of your group and Pearl Catering will provide bites. (15765 Southwest Muddy Valley Rd., McMinnville, OR 97128; 503-843-1234)
Van Duzer Vineyards
One of the the first wineries built in the foothills of the Van Duzer Corridor, Van Duzer Vineyards invites the public to sample a special Memorial Day weekend flight and select wines for $10 per person from 11 AM to 5 PM. Complimentary tastings are available for wine club members and their guests (parties of up to 4 people). (11975 Smithfield Rd., Dallas, OR 97338; 503-623-6420)
Chehalem Winery
Chehalem Winery is doing a special “White Wine Case Sale” for the Memorial Weekend. Available to everyone - not just club members - it’s offering special selections of its white wines at low prices, as well as unique AVA flights and happy hour prices on wines-by-the-glass in The Backroom. Hours are Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM, and 11 AM to 5 PM Sunday and Monday. (106 South Center St., Newberg, OR 97132; 503-538-4700)
Day Wines at Day Camp
Join all eleven wineries at the latest winemaking cooperative in the Willamette Valley for a Memorial Day open house at the new Day Camp tasting room. From Friday, May 26 to Sunday, May 28, 10 AM to 6 PM each day, gourmet hot dogs and brats will be for sale, courtesy of Olympia Provisions. The events will also include live music, a DJ, bocce ball, corn hole, and a fire pit. The event is $20. (21080 North Highway 99W, Dundee, OR 97115; 971-832-8590)
Grochau Cellars
Join Grochau Cellars on Memorial Day Weekend for a special tasting with guest winemakers from Vincent and Upper Five Vineyards. Taste more than a dozen wines including two new releases, the Bjornson Gamay and a new vintage of the Melon de Bourgogne. Light snacks will also be provided. The event is $15, and complimentary for club members. It runs from 12 PM to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday. (9360 SE Eola Hills Rd., Amity, OR 97101; 503-835-0208)
Illahe Vineyards
Kick off the summer at Illahe Vineyards this Memorial Day Weekend with panoramic views of the Willamette Valley and new releases from the cellar. The line-up includes the 2016 Estate Pinot Gris, 2015 Bon Sauvage Pinot Noir, and many others. Cheeses and light snacks will also be provided. The event runs Saturday May 27th to Sunday May 28th, from 11 AM to 5 PM, and costs $10. The entry fee will be waived with purchases of $50 or more. (3275 Ballard Rd., Dallas, OR 97338; 503-831-1248)
Teutonic Wine Company
Teutonic's popular Seafood Sundays will make a double appearance on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. Feast on Fisherman's Stew paired with wines from Teutonic's collection of Mosel and Alsatian-inspired wines. The cookouts are kid-friendly and hosted on the patio outside the urban winery. The events run 1 PM to 7 PM on Sunday and Monday, with entry fees varying according to fish dish, and wines by the glass from $9 to $14. (3303 SE 20th Ave.; 503-235-5033)
Brooks Wines
From Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29, 11 AM to 5 PM, experience Brooks' lovely tasting room with one of three wine flights and Chef Abby McManigle's Pacific Northwest fare - including seasonal pairings and boxed lunches. Reserve ahead for the "Estate Experience," where up to five guests can enjoy a personalized vineyard tour, complimentary glass of wine, and half price Plateau de Paco (a seasonal cheese and charcuterie platter). Costs are $20 per flight (complimentary for club members) and $50 for Estate Experience ($40 for club members). (21101 SE Cherry Blossom Ln., Amity, OR 97101; 503-435-1278)
Photo via Flickr user Ian Sane