Columbia Gorge Trip

Usually we take a winery tour just once a year. In July long time club members Liz Carpenter and Yvonne Smith organized a Charter Bus tour out to the Columbia Gorge about 90 minutes East of Portland. While the Columbia Gorge appellation is almost as close as many of the wineries in the Willamette Valley, the wine experience is an entirely different world.
Instead of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay the grape varietal in the Columbia Gorge are Rhone varietals (Syrah, Mouvedre, Viognier) and Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc).
The tour that was put together included:

Erin Glen-The Dalles, Oregon
Syncline-Lyle, Washington
Jacob Willams-Lyle, Washington
The Pines 1852-Hood River

The tour left Portland early Sunday morning on the 18th and we were treated to Sparkling wines on our way to the Dalles and Erin Glenn winery. After a tour and lunch of Salmon, Roasted Asparagus and wonderful Potato salad we were on our way to Syncline Winery. Syncline is just across the Columbia River from The Dalles and they specialize in Rhone varietal grapes.
Next up was Jacob Williams (also in Lyle) and then off to The Pines 1852 where we were treated to there The Pines vineyard Zinfandel which comes from a vineyard that is the oldest in Oregon (100+ years........and one of my favorites).
We had a wonderful trip and an amazing time. If you missed this trip......it sucks to be you!

Syncline Winery-Lyle, Washington

Erin Glenn, The Dalles, Oregon

Sam Sundeaf at Erin Glenn

Sharon House at Erin Glenn