Solena Estate Presents "New World - Old World" Comparative Tasting Series

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
The Willamette Valley, Oregon's largest AVA (American Vitaculture Area), stretches 150 miles from Portland, Oregon. to south of Salem and consists of six sub-appellations.  200 wineries and 10,000 acres of quality Oregon After a day exploring the Willamette Valley, return to the comfort of an Oregon Bed and Breakfastwine grapes.  The rich, diverse soil and relatively mild climate make for ideal grape growing conditions.  All this combined with warm summer days and cool nights allows the wine grapes to develop their flavor and complexity.

The inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild presents equally diverse options for Oregon Wine Country Lodging.  Over 20 unique bed and breakfasts in the Willamette Valley are scattered throughout the region and are located near many of the events scheduled this summer/fall at the wineries. 


Visit the Willamette Valley in Oregon and experience fine Oregon Wine Country Lodging at the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Salut!

Solena Estates in Oregon's Wine Country the Willamette ValleyAugust 14th, Old World : New World Series; Pinot Gris

Location: Yamhill winery, 17100 NE Woodland Loop Rd., Yamhill OR 97148 (503) 662-3700 and Carlton Tasting room, 213 S Pine St, Carlton OR 97111 (503) 852-0082 

Time: Noon to 5 pm
Cost: Free

"Join us at Soléna Estate as we kick off our “New World – Old World” comparative tasting series on August 14th! Each month, we’ll be hosting a fun and educational tasting room event comparing and contrasting the influence that origin has on wine. For this month’s event, we’re offering complementary tastings of Pinot Gris from both New World and Old World producers; a Pinot Grigio from Italy, a Tokay d’ Alsace from France and a Pinot Gris from the US – all in a side by side comparison with our own award winning Pinot Gris. 
We’ll also be offering four packs of Soléna Estate Pinot Gris at a 10% discount, either in the tasting room or on-line, August 14th only. Come join the fun as we explore the roots and differing styles of this summertime favorite!"

It's Nutty, Spicy, A Little Smokey With A Berry Finish!...Oregon Wine!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by Debbie Lusk
Posting some info on Facebook today got me thinking! I wanted to know from our Albany Visitor's Association Facebook fans what someone visiting this region could do for fun on a 300 dollar budget. Well...we got a few comments and for some reason, they all involved wine. It's kind of a given in these parts that when you come to the Willamette Valley, you are coming to taste our wine. Is there really any other reason to come??? Of course there's your family and friends to visit. There's hiking in majestic forests, there's gazing at our awesome waterfalls, shopping our antique shops, eating our most delicious food and yeah...the wine tasting kind of falls in there just about anywhere!

Today we were on the I 5 in California driving back to Oregon. I noticed all the vineyards that have cropped up in the past few years. Driving back and forth for almost 5 years now, you learn the lay of the land pretty well and yeah...these vineyards are pretty new. Someone must have figured that wine is pretty hot stuff and they wanted in on the game. For me...I love my Oregon wine but I'll never turn down a good California wine either.

I was watching a video recently that showed a hot air balloon gliding over wine country in the Willamette Valley. I couldn't believe it when I learned that in some areas of the valley, wine grapes cannot be grown because the soil is so rich. Huh?...are you serious? Well...we do pride ourselves on our soil here in Oregon. We love that it provides our fruit with the "right" kind of nutrients to give us some of the best ingredients for wine making in the world. Yes...that's right!...the world. We are pretty awesome when it comes to our wines. And it's even better when you have someone with you that knows a lot about Oregon wine. And, even more better than that if they know about pairing the "right" wine with the "right" food. And, here in Oregon, and especially in fine dining digs all over the valley, they aren't hard to find.

My fav...Oregon's Pinot Noirs. Yes, I have my most favs but give me a "really good" Pinot Noir that has that nutty, spicy, smokey taste with a perfect fruit finish and I'm good to go. The way all the flavors kind of melt in your mouth as you let it glide and slide and savor each moment of the taste. Yes...it's awesome that way. And if you are wondering how you find that "really good" Pinot Noir, just ask Ina Garten. The Barefoot Contessa taught me how to know when something is "really good!" She says that you buy 3 or 4 of what you think is the best of the best. You try, you taste and you sample each and when you find the "one" that tastes the best, that's the "really good" one. You can use this technique when finding the perfect butter, finishing salts or anything you love cooking with for that matter. It's a matter of taste!

Now having said all of this...I'm tired of typing and ready for tasting! Find me this weekend at one or our local Willamette Valley wineries. Or, find me at one our very delightful dining digs right here in downtown Albany. Or, you may even find me on the porch of our inn swinging away and sipping my fav Pinot.





Enjoy Oregon Wine Country but Don't Throw Those Corks Away!

Friday, May 21, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Oregon's winemakers are stewards of the land.  Many use sustainable farming practices in their vineyards where they delicately nurture their vines to produce incredible wines.

Corks - courtesy WillametteLive.comFor a true taste of Oregon Geotourism we invite you to explore the 16 Wine Regions in our Oregon Wine Country and taste some of our quality wines. Be sure to take some home for your personal wine cellar and as gifts for family and friends.

Willamette Valley Vineyards created Cork ReHarvest, and began the cork recycling movement in the US and Canada in 2008, helping to collect and recycle some of the 13 billion natural corks that are produced each year.  We've all seen the cork bulletin boards but cork can be recycled into insulation, furniture and yoga mats.  In Oregon, Cork ReHarvest partnered with Western Pulp, which incorporates collected corks into packaging material used for, you guessed it, shipping wine.

Make your reservation at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn.  There's one is every wine region and after your sustainable travel vacation through Oregon's Wine Country is over and the last sip of fine wine has been savored be sure to recycle that cork.

A photo from one of our Oregon Wine Country Lodging members

Saturday, May 8, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
Spring brings more than just grape flowers in the Oregon Wine Country.  Here's a post from guest blogger Sue Stein at Yamhill Vineyard Bed & Breakfast in Yamhill, Oregon.  This Oregon bed & breakfast is one of the many Oregon Wine Country lodging accommodations you'll find on the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild website.

Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast in Oregon Wine Country
May brings flowers and the Eremurus are blooming. They are a flower of the deserts in Turkey and the Himalaya Mountains. The stalk can be 9 feet tall and the bloom 42 inches long. They will be blooming at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast May and June.

Sue Stein

"Come see where fine wines are born!"
Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast
7950 NE Cooper Lane
Yamhill, Oregon 97148
503-662-3840
www.yamhillvineyardsbb.com
email: sueinnkeeper@verizon.net

New York Times likes Oregon Organic Wines and Abbey Road Farm

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
Congratulations to Oregon B&B Guild member Abbey Road Farm near Carlton, Oregon, for their mention in Bonnie Tsui's recent New York Times Travel section article, "On This Oregon Trail, Pioneers Embrace Organic Wine" (NYT Travel, April 30, 2010)! 

Abbey Road Farm Oregon Wine Country LodgingBonnie writes:

. . .For those on the eco-trail, there are also inventive places to stay, like Abbey Road Farm, a five-room bed-and-breakfast on a working farm with modern rooms inside converted grain silos. Circular rooms have floors warmed by radiant heat, Jacuzzi baths and expansive views of the lush countryside. Breakfasts are made from ingredients straight from the garden: farm-fresh egg frittatas, homemade granola with huckleberries and warm zucchini bread, all made by the proprietor, Judi Stuart. Trails crisscross the grounds, making it a lovely place to explore. . .

Abbey Road Farm is one of the more unique inns of the Oregon B&B Guild.  Where else can you spend the night in a silo?  If you're looking for Oregon Wine Country lodging, give this unique bed and breakfast a look see.  And save yourself a copy of Bonnie's article for some Oregon Wine Country touring. 

Culinary Travel and Oregon Coast Lodging in Astoria

Sunday, April 4, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
April 23-25, 2010 The annual Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival is one of Oregon's most popular spring events. The festival focuses on the bounty of the Pacific as well as on the Astoria Crab Seafood and Wine Festival, a Culinary Delightregion's famous wines. Seafood lovers can savor shrimp, salmon, oysters, halibut, and clam chowder. The Northwest's awesome microbrews and and wines are also featured. In addition to the freshest of seafood, you'll be able to enjoy live music and crafts booths. The highlight of the three-day festival is a traditional dinner featuring local, fresh-caught Oregon Dungeness crab; the dinner is put on by the Rotary Club of Astoria.

The Oregon Coast is the place to be for Oregon Geotourism and unique Oregon Coast Lodging and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has accommodations waiting for you.

Rose River Inn Bed and Breakfast - This  1912 Craftman style home which is filled with country style antiques and is located in a National Historical District and is on the local historical register

Clementine's Bed and Breakfast - Five rooms, each with private baths are located in this beautiful 2-story classic 1888 Victorian house and children and pets are welcome. 

Benjamin Young Bed and Breakfast - Enjoy gracious hospitality in this elegant but comfortable1888 Queen Anne Victorian Bed and Breakfast.

Crab, seafood, wine and Astoria Bed and Breakfast Accommodations.  The perfect combination for the perfect Culinary Travel experience.

Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast ~ An Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Member

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
The Cornerstone B&B, the newest member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, was built in 2006 on the south side of Cooper Mountain and is a gateway to wine country overlooking beautiful green pastures, orchards and vineyards.

Cornerstone Bed and BreakfastIn the warm summer evenings guests love to watch the crimson sunset from their rocking chairs on the large covered deck surrounding the house.  If you listen carefuly you can hear the owls hooting in the twilight and watch over 20 species of birds coming for their last meal of the day at our feeders.

There inn was built with your safety in mind.  There is not a single step that you have to navigate between your car and your room.  One guest rooms is specifically designed to meet ADA compliance.  Every room has its own private entrance from the deck that surrounds the house. 

The Cooper Mountain Nature Park, atop the butte where the south ends of Beaverton and Aloha meet, with spectacular views of the Tualatin Valley and Chehalem Mountain from its open south slope, just minutes from the inn. 

Cooper Mountain Nature Park has 3.5 miles of gravel surface trails over its 231 acres. The looping trail system covers well the public land at the summit of the 774-foot high butte.

One has so many eco friendly travel options in Oregon and the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are happy to share ways to enjoy geotourism with you.

A Dinner Party, A Wedding or a Weekend Getaway...it's all about the food!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Debbie Lusk
Some may argue, some may actually disagree and some may even deny it.  But, we all know...it's all about the food!

It's that time of year when the daffodils are in full bloom, my "bleeding hearts" have blossomed and the cherry trees smell heavenly around this town.  And, it's that time of year to book your Oregon vacation, plan your wedding or your party at one of our Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild membership inns!

Many of our inns are places for fun events, some are open for a party now and then but mostly we just love our casual guests wanting to get away for a weekend.  No matter your reasons for staying, your innkeepers know that the dining experience is one of the main reasons our guests stay with us.  It's the reason they come back and probably the reason they tell their friends about us too.  Some of our innkeepers have professional experience in the kitchen.  Chef's, Bakers, you name it and some of us have probably done it! 

Specializing in local sustainable practices is the goal when planning our meals here at my inn as well as most inn's around The Willamette Valley.  Some of us have the pleasure of being posed in the middle of the most fertile land in the county.  Sitting high among the hills in wine country, resting in our nests amid hazelnut orchards or placed perfectly downtown in a town where "food" is the "word!"  Yes, it's all about the beauty of the feast.  Where can we go to find that perfect meal?  Innkeepers say...right here...in Oregon!

So, our guest checked out this morning and tonight we have booked our inn for a dinner party.  Catered from the best of the best in Italian in this city, our table set with love, cupcakes baked for my guests tonight and all because "my" northwest culinary delights, delight me!  And...I love to share!

"Explore Oregon And Win" Promotion Coming to an End

Saturday, January 30, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
State of Oregon FlagThe state of Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859 and on February 14, 2009, Oregon turned 150!  That's a big birthday!  One to celebrate all year.  And that is exactly what Oregonians did. 

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild  joined the celebration by creating "Explore Oregon and Win", a year-long celebration, encouraging travelers to visit all the regions in our state.  Under the program travelers who stayed at an inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild in at least 5 of the 7 regions before February 12, 2010, qualified to wine $150 in Lodging Gift Vouchers.   The regions include Portland Metro, Mt. Hood/The Gorge, The Coast, Willamette Valley, Eastern, Central and Southern Oregon.
Celebrate Oregon's 150th Birthday
We encouraged those living in Oregon, as well as others, to take advantage of the Oregon 150 promotion and experience adventurous Crater Lake Lodging, fine Oregon Wine Country Lodging, urban excitement and Portland Lodging and the many more choices provided to you by the quality inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

When your guests left our inns we sent them off with a receipt and a print brochure of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inns.   We hope you have had a chance to visit our inns and our state this past year.  Now's the time to send in your receipts and qualify to win $150 in Lodging Gift Vouchers from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Only need one or two more receipts?  You still have a couple weeks left to participate!  The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild thank for being our guests

A True Oregon Culinary Experience ~ Truffles and C'est La Vie Bed and Breakfast

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

"Truffle Hunting" - Photo from the Oregon Truffle Festival WebsiteThe Oregon Truffle Festival, held over three brisk winter days in the Oregon wine country near Eugene, Oregon, from January 29-31, 2010, celebrates the magnificent Oregon truffles as they reach the peak of ripeness in their native soil. It is the first festival of its kind in North America, dedicated to sharing the experience of the chefs, foragers and fans of Oregon's wild truffles, from their hidden source in the forest to their glory on the table.

Oregon truffles are emerging among the world's great delicacies, taking their richly-deserved place next to their legendary European cousins. In recognition of it's fifth Anniversary, the festival is celebrating their arrival at the international table by inviting the French!  Experience the lore of the old world and the lure of the new and savor the flavors of French and Oregon truffles at the height of their season. 
The Oregon Truffle Festival offers a multitude of exciting ways to participate, for a few hours or a full weekend



Take this true Oregon Culinary experience one step further, stay at C'est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene.  The innkeeper, Anne-Marie, is true French and presents her unique inn through her French eyes.  She is offering an Oregon Truffle Festival Special.  You will enjoy two nights lodging, Euphoria Chocolates, a bottle of Oregon wine, a four hour winery tour, and a gourmet lunch basket


Dine in true French style at C'est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene, OrgonFor a unique Oregon Wine Country Lodging experience visit C'est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene, Oregon.  An inspected and approved inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.
 


Oregon Wine Country Lodging and Newberg's First Friday ARTwalk

Saturday, January 23, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

In September, 2002, a small group of downtown Newberg, Oregon, businesses started a First Friday ARTwalk monthly event.  In the heart of the Oregon Wine Country, the goal is to make downtown Newberg a place associated with Art, Music, Food, Wine, and Fun.  Visitors are encouraged to relax, socialize, look at new art, meet the artists, listen to music, eat some food, taste some wine and see what each of the participating businesses has to offer, but most of all … just to come downtown and enjoy yourselves.
 

Newberg First Friday Art Walk

Chehelam Ridge Bed and Breakfast for fine Oregon Wine Country Lodging
This Oregon Wine Country event has grown in popularity and continues to be the best event in Newberg.  It seems to get better each and every month.  Past themed ARTwalks included Cinco de Mayo, Hawaii in June, Cabin Fever (after a three day ice storm) and Harvest time.  This year we are planning Hawaii in April (April 2), a Fourth of July party, and on November 5th El Día de los Muertos (featuring local Hispanic artists), continuing to increase downtown Newberg’s vitality and celebrates it’s past and future. 


Plan to attend a Newberg First Friday ARTwalk, the next one scheduled for February 5th.  Create a weekend getaway and reserve your room at one of these approved inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild for unique Oregon Wine Country Lodging:

Lions Gate Inn for fine Oregon Wine Country Lodging
Just 20 miles south of Portland, Oregon, in the beautiful Willamette Valley, Newberg offers a traditional friendly downtown and the area is home to more than 80 wineries.  With over 15 businesses participating in the First Friday ARTwalk and with Oregon Wine Country Lodging at its best you are sure to have a weekend to remember in Newberg, Oregon. 
 

Romantic Valentine's Getaway in Oregon's Wine Country

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Cupid is out in force for Valentines Day"Tis the season for Romance.  Celebrate and renew cherished, romantic time together this Valentine's Day weekend with fine wines, unique chocolates and luxurious accommodations at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, fabulous wine and delicious food.

Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn sits atop a mountain with commanding views over the valleys below that will take your breath away.  Youngberg Hill will provide the perfect location for those seeing a quiet, romantic getaway in Oregon's Wine Country.

For a perfect romantic getaway in Oregon's Wine Country join Youngberg Hill for their 2nd Annual Not Your Momma's Chocolate Wine Paring, February 13. 
The classic pairing of chocolates and Youngberg Hill wines featuring a unique pairing for library wines with distinct and delicious chocolate creations.

Valentine's Dinner - Join Youngberg Hill for a wonderful 4 course dinner.  Menu includes Gorgonzola and Chocolate Costine, Pumpkin and Chocolate Ravioi, Grill Duck with Dark Chocolate Cherry Sauce, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Venus!  Oh, my! 

Willamette University Jazz Festival and Salem Oregon Lodging

Friday, January 15, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Hopewellarly thirty years, the Willamette University Jazz Festival has brought the leading names in jazz to Salem, Oregon, for a weekend of world-class jazz performance and education.  The 2010 festival runs February 05-06.  Renowned for its educational focus and artistic vision the festival offers northwest jazz students from all levels of ability and experience the chance to learn from the finest jazz educators from across the country.  And for the jazz lover a concert to top of the event.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has many member in the Oregon Wine Country and two that are close to Willamette University:

Hopewll Bed and Breakfast for Oregon Wine Country Lodging
Hopewell Bed & Breakfast is a little piece of Heaven on a 12 acre farm in the Oregon Wine Country of the Willamette Valley and only 14 miles from the University.
Independence House is a classic 1895 Italianate on a quiet corner of the historic river town of Independence, Oregon.  Both inns are a pleasant 14 miles drive to the University. 

So plan on taking a mini stay-cation, right here in the Oregon Wine Country.  Take a lazy "Sunday" drive through the Willamette Valley countryside, maybe visit a winery or two, head into Salem for dinner and the Willamette University Jazz Festival, then back to a quiet and serene night at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn.

Feller House Bed and Breakfast and the Aurora Colony

Sunday, January 10, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Aurora is a city in Marion County, Oregon.  Peacefully established in the mid-1800's and located near the Oregon Wine Country, Aurora has a rich past and charming atmosphere.  It was founded as a religious commune in 1856 by Dr. William Keil who named it after his daughter.  The secret is out on this quaint village known as 'Oregon's antique capital'.

Feller House Bed and Breakfast near McMinnville OregonThe 1860 farmhouse that is now the Feller House Bed and Breakfast is located in a beautiful country setting, minutes from Aurora.  Enjoy time away at this historic inn, built on Oregon's famous French Prairie where hops became a cash crop in the 1860's and still are today.  Conveniently located near the I-5 interstateand half way between Salem and Portland, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere, two delightful guest rooms, a wholesome breakfast, and personal attention awaits you at the Feller House. 
 

Old Aurora Colony Museum
The centerpiece of this National Historic District formed in 1974, their missions is to promote interactive lifelong learning by inspiring curiosity about the heritage of the Aurora Colony (1856-1883).  Visit the five-building complex of the 1862 Ox Barn, 1875 Steinbach Cabin, Summer Kitchen, 1864 Kraus House, and Tie Shed reproduction.  All furnished as they would have been during the colony period.  Artifacts include furniture, tools, music instruments, clothing, textiles, spinning wheels, photos, samplers, quilts, and much more.  Learn the story of this German communal society and their travel from Missouri to the Oregon Territory to find a new Eden.

Feller House Bed and Breakfast for was Lodging in OregonThe Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild's has 83 inspected and approved Bed and Breakfast Inns in Oregon.  Our mission is to assure travelers of consistently high standards in a variety of accommodations.  Our member inns are inspected and approved and all meet or surpass our guidelines.  We are proud to have Feller House Bed and Breakfast in the Guild.  We are sure you will enjoy the calm, quiet setting this inn provides in the vast Willamette Valley of Oregon, perfect Oregon Wine Country Lodging.

Abbey Road Farms Bed and Breakfast, The AgriVino Center and Wine-Inspired Dinners in the Oregon Wine Country

Monday, December 28, 2009 by Mary Pellegrini
Set among the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley wine country Abbey Road Farms is a truly unique bed and breakfast inn with luxurious accommodations.  The old grain silos on the property have been converted into the unique Abbey Road Farm Bed & Breakfast "Silo For Oregon Wine Country Lodging choose Abbey Road Farms Bed and BreakfastSuites".  Each room has a spectacular view of the valley, wetlands, pastures and/or gardens. And although this is a working farm, the accommodations are more like what one would find at a resort with fabulous views, a location in the country yet accessible to nearby cities, and a place surrounded by nature and featuring nothing but the freshest food.  And being located in the Oregon Wine Country is a real bonus.
 
The AgriVino Event Center at Abbey Road Farm lies in the very heart of Oregon's Wine Country. Currently some 18 wineries call the little town of Carlton home and these are just a fraction of the more than 200 that are within a half hour's drive time from the farm, centrally located in the Willamette Valley.

We invite you to reserve your room at Abbey Road Farm Bed and Breakfast, a unique, inspected and approved member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  And consider attending an exciting, new dining and wine experience in Yamhill County. 

 

Lawyers Who Wine and the AgriVino Event Center in Carlton, Oregon have joined to present an amazing array of boutique winemakers, talented chefs and outstanding caterers. Beginning with the January 30, 2010 initial wine-inspired dinner, ongoing events at AgriVino will be offered to discerning subscribers such as yourself.

This joint collaboration will focus on the the pairing of fresh, local produce and succulent entree provisions with locally crafted wines chosen to showcase your delicious meal. Your entertainment and wine education will include introductions to, and presentations by, boutique Oregon winemakers at these events. For selected dates, we will add an opportunity for you to meet a new or renowned local artist or farmer.

Veteran Winemaker Robert Brittan, who left Stags' Leap Winery in Napa after 16 years as Winemaker and Estate Manager to fulfill his dream of making Pinot Noir and Syrah from unique sites in cooler climates, will be our January 30 presenting winemaker! Robert has made wines for Far Niente, Saint Andrews and Stags' Leap Winery and is a rock star! Brittan's 2007 Gestalt Block Pinot Noir release was ranked as one of the top 30 wines in Oregon by Portland Monthly magazine.

With over 30 years of experience growing grapes and making wine, Robert brings a wealth of viticultural and winemaking knowledge. With his depth of experience and his passion for Pinot Noir, he brings a new voice to the McMinnville AVA, and will help form the style and definition of Pinot Noir from this recently designated region. Robert is also the winemaker for Winderlea Vineyards & Winery and Ayoub Vineyards, both in the prestigious Dundee hills. You will be served BOTH Brittan and Winderlea wines.

Ellen Brittan has spent the last dozen years in the wine industry, most recently as GM of Rudd Vineyards & Winery in Oakville. Prior to the wine industry, she spent 20 years in Financial Services. She grew up in Seattle, studying French and Spanish Language and Literature at the U of Washington. Ellen is in charge of sales and marketing at Brittan, possesses an amazing array of information about wine and has an excellent palate.

Our goal is for AgriVino Event Center to be recognized as the source of a distinctive selection of fresh and flavorful cuisines, superb wines you may not readily discover, professional and responsive staff and a warm and inviting gathering place to enjoy the love of food and wine.

The details:
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $150 per person
VISA, MC, AMX or advance check
Contact: Abbey Road Farm at (503) 852-6278
or email: info@abbeyroadfarm.com

Or Contact: Linda Green Pierce at (503) 706-0856
or email: linda@lawyerswhowine.com

to reserve your place

Also available: Subscriptions for six (6) dinners on a pre-paid per person basis at 10% discount. ($810 instead of $900) Subscribers will receive preferred seating and free entrance/tasting fee to a summer 2010 AgriVino (non-dinner) event. Dinners under subscription to be completed by end of year 2010. December 2010 wine-inspired dinner, priced at $165 per person, is included in the possible six (6) dinner date choices -- another $15 saving per diner!

2010 wine-inspired dinners calendared are:
(No February Dinner) March 20 (Saturday), April 10 (Saturday), May 8 (Saturday), June 10 (Thursday), July 8 (Thursday), August 5 (Thursday), September 16 (Thursday), October 15 (Friday), November 12 (Friday), December 4 (Saturday.) We anticipate adding more dates and more seating to the summer outside dinner schedule.

The Gift of Lodging and Relaxation at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast

Sunday, December 20, 2009 by Mary Pellegrini

Looking for a meaningful gift for someone?  Choose the gift of lodging.  With that you will be giving the gift of a unique Oregon experience.  And the recipient can decide where and when to use them.  So maybe they'd like to walk in the sand on the Oregon Coast?  Hike along the rim of Crater Lake?  Catch a new museum exhibit in Portland?  Sample a pinot noir in the Oregon Wine Country?  That will be their choice

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Lodging Gift Vouchers might be just the thing.  You can give the gift of relaxation, time away from the everyday, the opportunity to gain a clear head.

OBBG Lodging Gift Vouchers are available in $25 increments and are valid at every Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member across the state.  With nearly 90 members to choose among, that's a lot of choice.

It's not just about the lodging.  It's about the time and experience

Use the button on the right side of the blog to order OBBG Lodging Gift Vouchers
(don't click here--use the same button on the right side of the blog page)

You can purchase Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild Lodging Gift Vouchers by clicking on the button at the right side of this page.  Or you can call the Guild at 1-800-944-6196 and talk to Rickie.

You choose the amount and where you'd like them delivered.  We'll send them by mail with delivery confirmation along with a current Print Directory of where in Oregon our bed and breakfast members are located.

It's that simple.  Not much of your time, but a generous gift of time for your recipient.  What are you waiting for?  Share the gift of lodging at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

 

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Members in the News

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 by Mary Pellegrini
Prospect Historic Hotel for Crater Lake Lodging
The Prospect Historic Hotel was just published in the 2010 Annual Calendar for Saif Corporation, one of the largest Workers Compensation Insurance carriers in Oregon with over 50,000 members. The Project Director and Photographer for Saif visited the Hotel earlier this year and must have shot a zillion photos!   The Hotel was 1 of 14 companies selected out of over 50,000 for our historic significance and claims records.

Congratulations Fred and Karen.  You've done the Guild proud!!


Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast for Oregon Wine Country LodgingYou won't find Sue and Ralph Stein bragging about their bed and breakfast, Yamhill Vineyards B&B, fine Oregon wine country lodging, so I will .  The Brooks Winery's White Riesling that was recently poured at the White House state dinner for India was blended with the white Riesling grapes from the Stein's vineyard.   Even though the recognition at the dinner went mainly to the winery we are so very proud of the Stein's as a grower. 

Kudos to Sue and Ralph Stein, Yamhill Vineyards B&B!!

 

Winter fun in Halfway Oregon

Monday, November 30, 2009 by Heather Tyreman
Winter fun.  Time to start thinking snow!  Oregon ski resorts are open for the season.  Cross country skiing, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing are available in many areas across our lovely state.

And how about some winter fun in Halfway Oregon?  Here's a YouTube clip of a family having a blast with their snowmobile in Halfway--all the way across the state near Hells Canyon.


The little giggle at the end is especially cute.

Need a place to stay in Halfway?  How about the Inn at Clear Creek Farm?  This Oregon bed and breakfast is currently the most easternly member of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild and still in the state of Oregon (barely!).  And practically the only bed and breakfast in Halfway--but definitely the only one inspected to the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild's quality assurance standards.  Give Vicki a call toll-free at 866-430-6003 and she'll be happy to tell you more about visiting Halfway in the wintertime.

Granary Cabin at Clear Creek InnThe inn is near the Pine Ranger District with 260 sqaure miles of accessible National Forest, 155 miles of snowmobile trails and 85 miles of backpacking trails.  Is that enough to get your heart started or what?

Join innkeeper Vicki for a hearty breakfast and let her tell you about the best places for viewing wildlife (plenty of it and very visible from fall through spring).   With six rooms to choose from--in house and outlying cabins too--bring your whole crowd along and take over the inn for a week! 

Expand your horizons past the Oregon coast hotels (save them for another trip) or the Oregon Wine Country lodging (another wonderful romantic getaway Oregon style).  A trip to Halfway Oregon in winter is one you'll remember for years to come!

Where to Eat (and Sleep) in Wine Country

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 by Heather Tyreman
Grant Butler, writing for The Oregonian on November 17, 2009, weaves a wonderful article about where to eat in Wine Country.  And he's got some great suggestions:

"Winter is one of the best times to discover the subtle side of wine country. With the exception of Thanksgiving weekend's open houses, tasting rooms are typically less crowded than during the peak of the summer season. So you can sip at a more leisurely pace, asking questions and building your knowledge of what makes prized pinots so wonderful. And the competition for tables at some of the region's best restaurants is not as fierce. Call ahead: Chances are good you can score a spot at one of these wonderful kitchens."

And which restaurants?  How about 10 wonderful choices (you'll have to click to his article to read about them, but they all sound simply scrumptious).

But here's the kicker.  If you're going to eat in the Oregon Wine Country, wouldn't it be nice to stay in some Oregon Wine Country lodging to round out your culinary tourism experience?  The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild boasts a whopping 25 member inns located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.  Many are located directly in the area around McMinnville, Newberg, Carlton and Dundee--smack in the middle of Grant Butler's suggested restaurant list.

Tuscan Suite at A' Tuscan Estate in McMinnville Oregon

For a bed and breakfast McMinnville Oregon, how about a night or two at one of these fine examples of lodging in Oregon:
A' Tuscan Estate: Full of style and centrally located in town for (perhaps) a walk to your restaurant.
Steiger Haus B&B:  Also located in town and walking distance to downtown.
Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn:  Out of town, but if you don't mind driving to dinner you'll awaken to an incredible view over the Willamette Valley.

Coming To Oregon For The Holidays?...take the epicurean trail!

Sunday, November 8, 2009 by Debbie Lusk
Whether you are just passing through, planning to stay or just haven't made up your mind yet, consider visiting one or more of Oregon's quaint villages, small towns or even the big city! Boasting historical districts consisting of vintage homes, downtown buildings and bed and breakfasts from Jacksonville to Albany and from McMinnville to Astoria, finding that perfect place to dine, explore and stay overnight isn't hard!

This time of year is when you find native Oregonians holding on to the edge of their seats.  I've seen and heard them for myself in all their anticipation as they ponder the snow conditions up on Mt. Hood, is there still good hiking found in the hills near Corvallis or is too wet, should we get our skiis out yet and head on over to Mt. Bachelor or Hoodoo or, should we just sit in a little coffee shop in the Pearl and think of trying a new restaurant to have dinner in tonight?

Oh...just so much to chose from!  So, where does one start?  Native or visitor to Oregon? Well, I say one must always start with the food!  I could end this blog right here and just tell you to start in Jacosonville and get on the epicurean bus and eat your way through Oregon!  However, I will suggest that you just take your sweet time and begin at the Jacksonville Inn Bistro and have the Butternut Squash Soup made of course with locally grown ingredients and topped so heavenly with creme' fraiche.  Then, work your way up to Albany and dine at Sybaris where Matt Bennet has cornered the farmer's market on all that is local and so fresh that his menu changes monthly allowing him to prepare and serve only what is in season in the Willamette Valley.  Taking that epicurean trail, you could continue on up in to McMinnville and have a burger and tots on the roof top at The Oregon Hotel and discover why the McMenaman brothers are so famous. After that pitstop, go on and check out brew pub after brew pub and learn why our beer here in Oregon is so popular all over the country. Wherever you choose to dine, taste or sip, you will learn why Oregonians just love it here.  Small town or the big city...doesn't matter...the foods always good in Oregon!

Finding that perfect inn on the trail is part of the fun too!  Some of Oregon's most famous foodies are found right in the kitchens of these Oregon Bed and Breakfasts!  There is nothing like coming in from skiing, snowshoeing, or even wine tasting and seeing the roaring fire in the fireplace and a dish of warm cookies and that special bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir waiting for you.  Choosing Oregon Wine Country or a Mt. Hood Bed and Breakfast as a place to warm up this winter sounds like a good place to stop the bus and get off!

Don't miss your bus and hope to see you on the trail as you visit Oregon this winter.  Stay warm and well fed!