Pinot noir and bicycling go together like bread and butter. If you don’t believe me, you’ll just have to try it and judge for yourself.
If you have a bike and a free weekend this month, head to the Willamette Valley south of Portland. You will not be disappointed.
August is perhaps the best month to tour Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country by bicycle. The Eola Hills Wine Cellars near Salem organizes Bike Oregon Wine Country every Sunday in August, at a cost of $65 per person. This fully-supported ride guides you through the scenic Eola Hills and Mid-Willamette Valley wine region, biking through lush vineyards and some of the most picturesque countryside in the Northwest. Short and long loops are available, ranging from 45 to 70 miles a day. All rides start at 8am at Eola Hills Wine Cellars. Lunch is provided at one of the participating wineries, and all wine purchased in-route is transported back to Eola Hills by a separate vehicle. After the ride enjoy a fantastic BBQ feast and a glass or two of Eola Hills wine. Click here for more info.
It’s not a bad deal for $65, but of course you can pack your own picnic lunch, put your bottle purchases in panniers, and do a similar route on your own. Try the Oregon Wine Center (503-228-8336) for brochures with maps to help plan your route. Their website also has wine explorer to help plan your trip. For more info and an inspiring read, check out this New York Times story from 2006 on touring wine countries (including the Willamette) by bike.
For a great night’s sleep in the area, check out the Bookmark Bed and Breakfast in Salem (503-399-2013), which has two charming rooms, $90 – $110 a night. After your long bike ride the day before, you’ll be delighted with a full, home-cooked breakfast, like Evelyn’s “Souffle” with Tillamook cheese, fruit salad, honey lemon muffins, juice, coffee, and tea. Children are welcome, but no pets. (Salem, for some odd reason, limits its B&Bs to only two rooms, meaning the local proprietors don’t make much money, but guests sure get plenty of personalized attention.)
